If you’re dealing with a nagging cough that is lingering for days, weeks or months, you’re not alone. “Coughing is one of the most frequent reasons patients see doctors, and it ranks in the top five reasons patients come to see us at the Ear, Nose and Throat and Allergy Clinic,” said Christine Franzese, MD, an allergist with University of Missouri Health Care. Coughing is part of the body’s defense against disease. It pushes out bacteria, mucus and foreign particles from the respiratory tract to protect the lungs from infection and inflammation. While coughing has a purpose, it can also cause its share of problems. “It can disrupt your sleep, affect school and work performance, it can even prevent people from being socially active or going places because they are so self-conscious,” Franzese said. A physician can diagnose the cause of the cough and identify the proper treatment. There are many reasons for lasting coughs. The most common causes for nonsmokers are postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic bronchitis and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure. Smoking is the primary cause of chronic coughing that can lead to more serious health problems, such as bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and lung cancer.
Coughs that linger for fewer than three weeks are classified as acute. Coughs that last three to eight weeks are subacute. A chronic cough persists for more than eight weeks. Adults with a chronic cough should see their primary care provider or allergy provider. Children should get medical attention if their cough has lingered four weeks. Coughing is one of the most common—and confusing—symptoms that comes around each spring, and too many of us are forced to play a familiar guessing game: Do I have allergies or a cold? It’s a complicated question, made even more difficult this year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. A dry cough is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, but it can just be a sign that your allergies are in full swing as the trees start to bud. Here, a doctor explains what to look out for and how to feel better ASAP. Back up: Why do we cough, anyway?Coughing is a natural response to irritation in your throat or airways. “To put it simply, receptors in the throat, trachea, and lungs respond and lead to activation of the “cough center” in the brain,” explains Clifford Bassett, M.D., founder and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York. Coughing is “an essential defense mechanism,” he says, and it’s your body’s way of pushing any unwanted stuff out, including pollen, mucus, and pieces of food, to make more room for air to get through. Can allergies cause a cough?Yes, and you can blame it on your immune system. When your body mistakes a substance like pollen or mold as a harmful invader, it sets off an intense response to try and flush it out, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAI). During this process, your cells release histamine and other chemicals, which triggers an allergic reaction. Cue the cold-like symptoms, including a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing. “Allergy coughs are typically caused by swelling or irritation of the airways,” the AAAI says. And, if you develop post-nasal drip—when the mucus hanging out in your sinuses trickles down the back of your throat—that can also cause a cough, Dr. Bassett says. So, how can you tell if your cough is due to allergies?First, evaluate the typeof cough you have. Allergies can cause a dry cough (no phlegm or mucus) or wet cough (very phlegmy), Dr. Bassett says, but post-nasal drip typically leads to a dry cough. The AAAI also points to a “chronic”dry cough—meaning it has lasted for more than three weeks—as a sign of allergies. You can also determine the difference by “looking at the bigger picture and seeing what other symptoms are present,” Dr. Bassett says. Seasonal allergies often present with an itchy nose, throat, and eyes, which is pretty uncommon with respiratory illnesses. And one thing allergies definitely won’t cause? A fever, which is typical with viruses that lead to the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. Still not sure? Ask yourself these questions:
How to relieve your allergy symptomsIf you’re convinced your cough is a result of allergies, start by making a few changes to decrease your exposure to potentially irritating substances: Keep your windows closed, shower as soon as you come inside after being outdoors, brush your pets after walks, or invest in an air purifier for your home. Allegra 24-Hour Allergy Tablets OTC medications are also a great starting point, Dr. Bassett says. Oral antihistamines, like Claritin and Allegra, help block the histamines that set off symptoms in the first place. Nasal steroid sprays, like Flonase, can help clear a stuffy nose if you’re dealing with that, too. But the right treatment “depends largely on the cause for a cough,” Dr. Bassett says. If you don’t see any improvement after taking these steps, reach out to an allergist, who can give you a proper diagnosis, help you identify your triggers, and potentially recommend prescription allergy meds or allergy shots. Like what you just read? You’ll love our magazine! Go here to subscribe. Don’t miss a thing by downloading Apple News here and following Prevention. Oh, and we’re on Instagram too. Jake Smith, an editorial fellow at Prevention, recently graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in magazine journalism and just started going to the gym. Let's be honest—he's probably scrolling through Twitter right now. How do you get rid of an allergy cough?Antihistamines, decongestants or saline nasal spray can help. Asthma-related coughs: After being exposed to an allergen or pollution, the airways in people with asthma can tighten, which causes a wheezing cough. Rescue inhalers can offer relief.
Can allergies make you cough all day?Allergies like hay fever can cause a chronic dry cough. If you're sensitive to dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, or other common allergens, then your allergy symptoms may include a cough. Allergies can also worsen your asthma symptoms, causing them to become severe.
How do I know if my cough is from allergies?A cough caused by allergies can be similar to a cough caused by a cold, but they may differ in subtle ways. A cough caused by allergies is usually dry and may feel like an itch or tickle in your throat. Coughs caused by colds tend to be wet and productive, which means you will cough up mucus.
What does an allergy cough sound like?Dr Mayank explains, “Allergic cough is characterized by a loud barking sound with intensity and force. It is caused by an irritation in your airways which is triggered by elements like pollen, cigarette smoking, air pollution, chemical fumes, dust and such.”
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