How to Tell if Allergies Are Causing Your Dry Cough, According to a Doctor
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Coughing is one of the most common—and confusing—symptoms that comes around each spring, and too many of us are forced to play a familiar guessing game: Do I have allergies or a cold? It’s a complicated question, made even more difficult this year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
A dry cough is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, but it can just be a sign that your allergies are in full swing as the trees start to bud. Here, a doctor explains what to look out for and how to feel better ASAP.
Back up: Why do we cough, anyway?
Coughing is a natural response to irritation in your throat or airways. “To put it simply, receptors in the throat, trachea, and lungs respond and lead to activation of the “cough center” in the brain,” explains Clifford Bassett, M.D., founder and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.
Coughing is “an essential defense mechanism,” he says, and it’s your body’s way of pushing any unwanted stuff out, including pollen, mucus, and pieces of food, to make more room for air to get through.
Can allergies cause a cough?
Yes, and you can blame it on your immune system. When your body mistakes a substance like pollen or mold as a harmful invader, it sets off an intense response to try and flush it out, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAI). During this process, your cells release histamine and other chemicals, which triggers an allergic reaction. Cue the cold-like symptoms, including a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing.
“Allergy coughs are typically caused by swelling or irritation of the airways,” the AAAI says. And, if you develop post-nasal drip—when the mucus hanging out in your sinuses trickles down the back of your throat—that can also cause a cough, Dr. Bassett says.
So, how can you tell if your cough is due to allergies?
First, evaluate the type of cough you have. Allergies can cause a dry cough (no phlegm or mucus) or wet cough (very phlegmy), Dr. Bassett says, but post-nasal drip typically leads to a dry cough. The AAAI also points to a “chronic” dry cough—meaning it has lasted for more than three weeks—as a sign of allergies.
You can also determine the difference by “looking at the bigger picture and seeing what other symptoms are present,” Dr. Bassett says. Seasonal allergies often present with an itchy nose, throat, and eyes, which is pretty uncommon with respiratory illnesses.
And one thing allergies definitely won’t cause? A fever, which is typical with viruses that lead to the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. Still not sure? Ask yourself these questions:
How did your coughing start? Colds tend to come on slowly, while allergies kick in as soon as you’ve been exposed to an allergen.
Are you itchy? Itching—especially in your nose, eyes, or throat—is a classic sign of allergies.
Do you have a fever or body aches? Respiratory illnesses can cause both, but allergies don’t.
How long have your symptoms lasted? If your symptoms stick around for weeks or even months, allergies are probably to blame.
How to relieve your allergy symptoms
If you’re convinced your cough is a result of allergies, start by making a few changes to decrease your exposure to potentially irritating substances: Keep your windows closed, shower as soon as you come inside after being outdoors, brush your pets after walks, or invest in an air purifier for your home.
OTC medications are also a great starting point, Dr. Bassett says. Oral antihistamines, like Claritin and Allegra, help block the histamines that set off symptoms in the first place. Nasal steroid sprays, like Flonase, can help clear a stuffy nose if you’re dealing with that, too.
But the right treatment “depends largely on the cause for a cough,” Dr. Bassett says. If you don’t see any improvement after taking these steps, reach out to an allergist, who can give you a proper diagnosis, help you identify your triggers, and potentially recommend prescription allergy meds or allergy shots.
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