Can Allergies Cause a Chronic Cough?
A Chronic Cough, that nagging tickle in your throat that just won't quit, can be frustrating and disruptive. While there are many potential culprits behind this symptom, allergies can be a surprising and often overlooked cause. Let's explore how allergies might be triggering your persistent cough.
If you suffer from Allergies, you're familiar with the usual suspects: sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. However, allergies can also irritate the lining of your airways, triggering a cough reflex. This is often related to a condition called postnasal drip. When allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander inflame your nasal passages, your body produces extra mucus. This excess mucus then drips down the back of your throat, irritating the airways and causing a cough to try and clear the irritation.
This allergy-induced cough can be dry and hacking, or it might be productive, bringing up mucus. It can worsen during allergy season or when exposed to specific triggers. If you suspect allergies might be behind your chronic cough, consulting a doctor for allergy testing can help identify the culprit and pave the way for effective treatment.