Ashford Clinic Blog
Are Your Allergies Making You Cough?
You know that allergies can make your eyes itch and water. They can also cause your sinuses to become irritated and even trigger sneezing. But can they also make you cough? Absolutely.
Why Would Allergies Trigger Coughing?
Coughing is a natural response to irritation in your throat. Sometimes that comes in the form of pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, etc, but those aren’t the only things that can cause a cough. Irritation can also come in the form of post-nasal drip caused by mucus. The mucus is created in the sinuses and then makes its way down the back of your throat.
Is it Allergies or a Cold, though?
The symptoms of a cold can appear very similar to allergies with a cough. Congestion and a runny nose can appear with both, so it’s easy to wonder which is the culprit. First, let’s look at timing. Did your symptoms start at a change of season? If so, you’re likely suffering from allergies.
Can I Ignore It?
While it might seem like letting it go away on its own will work, a persistent cough can have long-term consequences on your overall health, with symptoms including...
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Sleep loss
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Incontinence
- In some extreme cases, fractured ribs and coughing up blood are also possible side effects of an untreated cough.
How To Treat It
There are multiple over-the-counter treatments available for colds and allergies, and your doctor can help you decide which ones are best for you. These treatments can take care of coughs for most people. However, for those with chronic sinusitis and cough, a long-term solution might be needed instead. Balloon Sinuplasty might be the best option in these cases, as it allows the sinuses to drain easily. This in turn reduces post-nasal drip irritation in the throat. We’re happy to speak with you if you’d like to learn more about this procedure.
