Is Your Persistent Cough Allergy-Related?

Posted on by Goodyear Office

There are many conditions that can cause a persistent cough, ranging from a nasty cold to allergies.

Let’s look at that second cause. Common allergens that may contribute to coughing include:

  • Tree, grass and weed pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Mold spores
  • Pet dander

For people with allergic asthma, these triggers can also cause airway tightening, making coughing even more frequent.

Signs Your Cough May Be Caused by Allergies

Coughing woman sitting on her couch.

A cough on its own doesn’t necessarily point to allergies, but there are some clues that can help. Allergy-related coughs are often accompanied by other symptoms, including but not limited to:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Frequent throat clearing
  • Hives

The dry air in Goodyear can further exacerbate your cough or allergy-related asthma. You may also notice your symptoms flare up after spending time outdoors, visiting homes with pets or being in dusty environments; your flare-ups will coincide with your triggers.

When To See an Allergist

If your cough has lasted for several weeks or keeps coming back, schedule an allergy test. An allergist can determine whether allergies are contributing to your symptoms by reviewing your medical history and performing allergy testing to identify your specific triggers.

After identifying an allergy, we can help you create a treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Allergy Cough

Allergy medication offers short-term relief. Depending on your type of symptoms, you may find relief from one or more of the following:

  • Antihistamine pills, syrups or creams
  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestant pills or nasal sprays
  • Nasal corticosteroids

Those with asthma may need to control their symptoms with an asthma inhaler or other treatment.

If you’re interested in long-term relief, talk to one of our specialists about immunotherapy. The three- to five-year-long treatment[1] desensitizes you to specific allergens—paving the way for symptom relief.

If you have a persistent cough that you suspect results from allergies, we can help. Contact Goodyear Office today to schedule an allergy test and treatment consultation with one of our specialists.

[1] Mayo Clinic. (2024). Allergy shots. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-shots/about/pac-20392876