Understanding Chronic Cough and Allergies

What Is a Chronic Cough?

A chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer in adults or at least four weeks in children. While a typical cough often resolves on its own, a chronic cough lingers and can interfere with your daily life. It may disrupt sleep, impact your ability to concentrate, and even lead to physical discomfort like sore muscles or chest pain.

Recognizing Chronic Cough Symptoms

Distinguishing a chronic cough from an acute one may help you understand when to seek treatment. Symptoms of a chronic cough include:

• Persistent coughing lasting eight weeks or more

• Frequent throat clearing

• Mucus dripping down your throat

• Wheezing or shortness of breath

• Hoarseness or sore throat

• Discomfort in your chest or ribs from extended coughing

Can Allergies Cause Chronic Cough?

In short, yes. Allergies are common triggers for a persistent, lingering cough. When exposed to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, your immune system releases chemicals like histamine. This can lead to inflammation and irritation in your airways, which may manifest as a chronic cough.

Another link between allergies and chronic cough is postnasal drip. Allergies can cause your nasal passages to produce excess mucus, which drips down the back of your throat and triggers a cough reflex. If this persists, you might end up with a chronic allergy cough.

Other Chronic Cough Causes

While allergies are a common cause, chronic coughs also stem from other underlying conditions. Pinpointing the root cause of your cough is crucial, and it’s where our team specializes. Among the most frequent causes of chronic cough are:

• Allergies and Asthma – Both conditions can over-activate the immune system, leading to airway inflammation and coughing.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Stomach acid can travel back into the throat, irritating the airways and causing a cough.

• Post-Infectious Coughs – A lingering cough can persist long after a viral or bacterial infection clears.

• Chronic Bronchitis – Often associated with smoking, this condition involves long-term lung inflammation.

• Environmental Irritants – Exposure to smoke, pollution, or strong odors can keep your cough going.

We Can Diagnose Chronic Cough

Diagnosing a chronic cough often requires a comprehensive medical evaluation, as there are several potential triggers. We’ll begin with a detailed review of your medical history and symptoms. Next, our team may conduct allergy testing, lung function tests, or imaging studies to identify the exact cause. This information will allow us to create a personalized treatment plan that directly targets your condition.

Our Chronic Cough Treatment Options

The good news is that we can treat chronic coughs, including those caused by allergies. Once we determine the underlying issue, we’ll recommend one or more of the following chronic cough treatment options:

• Allergy Management – If allergies are the primary cause, treatments like antihistamines, decongestants, or allergy immunotherapy may provide relief.

• Asthma Treatment – For coughs tied to asthma, inhalers and other medications can reduce airway inflammation and improve symptoms.

• GERD Management – Lifestyle changes and medications that reduce stomach acid can help alleviate reflux-related coughs.

• Postnasal Drip Relief – Saline nasal sprays, corticosteroid sprays, and other medications reduce mucus production and ease coughs.

• Environmental Adjustments – Avoiding irritants like smoke or adding air purifiers to your home can create a more breathable environment.

Count On Our Allergy Experts in Michigan

With decades of experience and a commitment to patient care, the Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan has become a trusted name in chronic cough treatment throughout Livonia, Royal Oak, and Sterling Heights. Our compassionate specialists stay at the forefront of medical advancements to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. From understanding the connection between allergies and persistent coughs to providing long-term solutions, we’re your partners in wellness.

Contact Us Today

Don’t let a chronic allergy cough or a lingering cough disrupt your life any longer. The Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan can help you breathe easier, sleep better, and feel healthier. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient clinics.