Are Allergies or Asthma Causing Your Cough?
A cough that won’t go away can be more than annoying; it can often be a sign of an underlying condition, such as allergies or asthma. While it’s easy to dismiss a chronic cough as a symptom of a cold or the changing seasons, ignoring this potential symptom could mean missing out on finding true relief.
Here in Arkansas, where pollen counts can spike in both the spring and fall, and humidity fuels mold and dust mite growth, chronic coughs are a common concern. If you live in Little Rock or surrounding areas and have a cough that won’t quit, it may be time to visit an allergy and asthma specialist near you.
How do I know if I have a chronic cough?
A chronic cough is a cough that lasts eight weeks or longer in adults (or four weeks in children). It may be dry or produce mucus and often worsens at night, after exercise or from exposure to irritants like smoke or strong smells.
Some people chalk it up to a “tickle in the throat” or postnasal drip, but a chronic cough can often point to more serious causes. This is especially true when combined with other allergy or asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath or constant throat clearing.
Is my dry cough from allergies or asthma?
Both allergic reactions and asthma can cause chronic coughs. Knowing the signs makes it easy to determine which, or if both, cause your discomfort.
Signs of an allergy-related cough include…
Allergies can cause inflammation and excess mucus production, which may lead to postnasal drip and trigger persistent coughs. This is especially common during peak pollen seasons or when exposed to dust mites, mold or pet dander. Symptoms that point to an allergy-related cough include:
- Sneezing and a runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- A cough that worsens after exposure to allergens
- Little to no wheezing or chest tightness
Signs of an asthma-related cough include…
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, so coughing is often an early sign/symptom. Signs that your cough may be asthma-related include:
- Wheezing or tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- A cough that worsens at night or during exercise
- History of asthma or eczema
But what if your cough stems from both? In some instances, allergic reactions can actually trigger asthma symptoms. This is called allergic asthma, and it’s one of the most common forms of asthma in both children and adults.
It is also important to note that not all chronic coughs are caused by asthma or allergies. Other common causes of chronic coughing include viral upper respiratory infections, lung disease, choking on food, heart failure, smoke/pollutants and side effects of certain medications.
Visiting a board-certified allergist near you is the first step to finding the true cause of your symptoms.
When should I see an allergy or asthma specialist?
If your cough lingers beyond a few weeks or worsens with Arkansas’s shifting seasons, it’s time to consult a board-certified allergist in Little Rock. Through thorough allergy testing and lung function assessments, your provider can determine the root cause of your cough and create a personalized treatment plan.
Testing may include:
- Allergy skin testing to identify environmental or food allergens
- Spirometry or FeNO testing to evaluate lung function
- A detailed medical history to assess triggers and symptom patterns
- Effective Treatments for a Chronic Cough
Once the cause of your cough is identified, your allergy or asthma doctor can recommend the proper treatment. This may include:
- Over-the-counter allergy treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or decongestants
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy) for long-term relief from environmental allergies
- Asthma medications such as inhalers or daily controller medicines
- Avoidance strategies to reduce exposure to triggers
Treating a chronic cough isn’t one-size-fits-all. Working with a specialist trained in both asthma and allergy care is key to finding a real plan for lasting relief.
Ready to breathe easier?
Whether you’re dealing with Arkansas’s year-round allergens or struggling with asthma symptoms after a cold, our specialists can help identify your triggers and guide your treatment. At Arkansas Allergy and Asthma Clinic, our team of board-certified allergists offers expert allergy testing, asthma care and long-term solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Schedule an appointment with our board-certified allergy and asthma specialists to find your path to relief.
About Family Allergy & Asthma
Founded in 1979, Family Allergy & Asthma’s practice network of allergy and asthma specialists provides high-quality, reliable and lasting allergy relief throughout Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and includes affiliates Allergy & Asthma Specialists (AAS), Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida (AAAF) and Arkansas Allergy and Asthma Clinic (AAAC). For more information, visit www.familyallergy.com, and follow Family Allergy & Asthma on Facebook, Instagram and X.
