Overview
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can allergies make you cough?” you’re not alone. Many people experience a persistent cough during allergy season and wonder if there’s a connection. The truth is, yes—an allergy cough is a common symptom that often accompanies other signs of allergic reactions, like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. But what exactly causes this cough, and how can it be treated?
An allergic cough results when the body’s immune system reacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. These triggers can cause inflammation and irritation in the airways, leading to that annoying, persistent cough. Recognizing the signs of an allergic cough is crucial for effective management. Unlike a cough from a cold or flu, an allergy-induced cough is typically dry and might be accompanied by wheezing or shortness of breath.
Finding the best allergy medicine for coughing and wheezing can significantly improve your comfort and well-being. Allergy shots, prescription drugs, over-the-counter antihistamines, and decongestants are among the treatments available for allergic cough. By taking the appropriate measures, you can lessen the frequency and intensity of your symptoms and breathe easier.
Do allergies cause a cough?
Yes, allergies can cause a cough, but it’s essential to understand its various mechanisms. As a reflex, coughing helps remove foreign objects, mucus, and irritants from the throat and airways. Regarding allergies, the body’s immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens), leading to conditions that can trigger coughing.
“One may exhibit symptoms like dry cough or cough which is accompanied by mucus and may manifest in certain settings like during pollen-heavy season or in the presence of animals.”
Dr. Arvind Kate is a pulmonologist at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is one of the most frequent causes of coughs associated with allergies. Pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are allergens that can cause your body to overproduce mucus. This mucus may irritate and set off a cough reflex by dripping down the back of your throat. According to research, postnasal drip frequently contributes to persistent cough, particularly in individuals with allergies.
Allergic Rhinitis
Also known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis occurs when allergens irritate the nasal passages, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and coughing. The inflammation can extend to the throat, leading to a persistent cough. Research has indicated a robust correlation between allergic rhinitis and persistent cough, especially in the younger population. In patients with chronic cough, allergic rhinitis was found in 46.5% of cases, classic asthma in 31%, chronic rhinosinusitis in 12%, and nasal polyps in 8.6%.
Mouth Breathing
Allergies that cause nasal congestion often force individuals to breathe through their mouths, especially during sleep. Mouth breathing can dry the throat and exacerbate irritation, leading to coughing. Additionally, mouth breathing bypasses the natural filtration in the nasal passages, allowing more allergens to enter the lungs and further contributing to coughing.
Asthma
Coughing is one of the main symptoms of asthma, and it is directly associated with allergens. When exposed to allergens, allergic asthma narrows and inflames the airways, resulting in coughing, which is frequently accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath. Research has indicated that asthmatics’ coughs result from airway inflammation.
Eosinophilic Bronchitis
Studies on eosinophilic bronchitis, linked to allergies, have shown that it can also cause chronic coughing. This condition involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes without the airway constriction seen in asthma. It is characterized by a cough that doesn’t respond to standard asthma treatments but can improve with corticosteroids, indicating an allergic origin.
Environmental Triggers
Do allergies make you cough? Yes, allergies make you cough by irritating your airways when exposed to allergens like pollen or dust. Environmental allergens like smoke, dust, pet dander, pollution, and strong odors can irritate the respiratory tract and lead to coughing. While these triggers might not cause allergies directly, they can worsen allergy symptoms and contribute to a persistent cough. Research shows that individuals with allergies are susceptible to these environmental factors, resulting in increased coughing.
Anti-Allergic Medications
Some anti-allergic medications, particularly first-generation antihistamines, can have side effects that may indirectly lead to coughing. These medications can cause dry mouth and throat, leading to irritation that triggers a cough. Additionally, if the medication is sedating, it may cause mouth breathing during sleep, which, as mentioned earlier, can exacerbate coughing.
How do you know if your cough is allergic?
This table highlights the distinct characteristics of each type of cough, helping to identify and understand the underlying causes and appropriate treatments.
| Feature | Allergic Cough | Bronchitis | Bacterial Cough |
| Cause | Allergens (pollen, dust, pet dander) | Viral or bacterial infection, irritants | Bacterial infection |
| Type of Cough | Dry, persistent, tickly | Productive (wet) or dry, may start dry | Productive (wet), with thick, colored mucus |
| Cough Sound | Dry, sometimes wheezy | Wet, rattling, or hacking | Wet, often harsh, can be accompanied by wheezing |
| Associated Symptoms | Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, throat irritation | Fatigue, chest discomfort, shortness of breath | Fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, chest pain |
| Onset | Gradual, triggered by allergen exposure | Often follows a cold or flu and can develop suddenly | Sudden onset, often with high fever |
| Mucus Production | Minimal or none | Clear, white, or yellow-green mucus | Thick, yellow-green or greenish mucus |
| Duration | Long-lasting, especially with ongoing exposure | Acute (1-3 weeks) or chronic (longer) | Short to moderate, typically improves with antibiotics |
| Worsening Factors | Exposure to allergens (dust, pollen) | Smoke, pollution, cold air | If untreated, it can lead to complications like pneumonia |
| Relief | Antihistamines, nasal sprays, avoiding allergens | Rest, fluids, bronchodilators, sometimes antibiotics | Antibiotics, rest, fluids |
| Need for Medical Attention | If persistent or affecting daily life | If symptoms persist or worsen after a few days | Immediate, to prevent complications |
How to treat an allergy cough?
The best medicine for allergy cough typically includes antihistamines or nasal sprays to reduce inflammation and soothe the cough.
Prescription Medications
- Nasal Corticosteroids
It is standard practice to provide nasal corticosteroids, like fluticasone or budesonide, to treat nasal passage irritation. This aids in reducing the formation of mucus and postnasal drip, two frequent causes of allergic cough. - Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist often prescribed for people with allergies and asthma. It works by blocking chemicals that cause inflammation in the airways, reducing coughing and wheezing. - Oral Corticosteroids
In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids to quickly reduce inflammation in the airways. This is typically a short-term treatment to manage intense symptoms. - Allergy Immunotherapy
You may be prescribed sublingual pills or allergy shots to progressively desensitize your body to particular allergens. With time, this therapy can significantly lessen the intensity of allergy symptoms, such as persistent cough.
Over-the-Counter Medications
- Antihistamines
Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine are effective in treating allergy symptoms, including cough. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical responsible for allergic reactions. - Decongestants
Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine help relieve nasal congestion, which can reduce postnasal drip and alleviate cough. However, they should only be used briefly to avoid rebound congestion. - Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan can help reduce persistent coughs. These medications work by inhibiting the cough reflex in the brain. - Nasal Sprays
Saline nasal sprays can help clear out allergens from the nasal passages, reducing irritation and postnasal drip. This simple remedy can lessen the frequency of coughs.
Home Remedies
- Hydration
Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus, making it easier for your body to expel it. Staying hydrated can reduce coughing caused by postnasal drip and throat irritation. - Honey
Honey is a natural cough suppressant that can soothe an irritated throat. Taking a spoonful of honey or adding it to warm tea can help reduce coughing. - Humidifiers
Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, soothing dry, irritated airways. This can be particularly helpful at night or in dry climates to reduce coughing. - Avoiding Irritants
Minimizing exposure to smoke, strong odors, and pollution can prevent further irritation of the airways and help reduce the severity and frequency of an allergy cough.
When should you consult a doctor for an allergy cough?
You should consult a doctor for an allergy cough if:
- Persistent Cough: Lasts more than a few weeks despite treatment.
- Worsening Symptoms: Includes wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
- Disrupts Daily Life: Affects sleep, work, or daily activities.
- Fever or Green Mucus: Accompanied by signs of infection.
- Existing Health Conditions: You have asthma, COPD, or other respiratory issues.
- Uncertain Cause: If you’re unsure whether allergies are causing your cough.
FAQs about the allergy cough
An allergy cough, typically dry and persistent, may last weeks or months and is often accompanied by symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. In contrast, bronchitis usually causes a wet, productive cough with mucus and may be accompanied by chest discomfort, fatigue, and sometimes fever. Bronchitis improves within a week. If your cough is linked to exposure to allergens like pollen or pet dander, it’s likely due to allergies. It might be bronchitis if it follows a cold or respiratory infection and produces mucus.
Allergies can cause a cough, especially with postnasal drip or throat irritation. An allergy cough is usually dry, meaning it doesn’t produce mucus. It can sound like a persistent, tickly cough that might worsen in certain environments, such as around allergens. It’s often accompanied by a scratchy or itchy sensation in the throat.
A tickly cough that won’t go away could be due to several factors, including ongoing exposure to allergens, postnasal drip, or throat irritation. If the cough persists for over a few weeks, it could also indicate an underlying condition like asthma, acid reflux, or chronic bronchitis.
