Understanding Chronic Cough and Its Connection to Allergies and Asthma

A cough that lasts longer than eight weeks is considered a chronic cough. For many people, it becomes more than just an annoyance—it disrupts sleep, affects work, and sometimes leads to chest pain or throat irritation. While some assume a lingering cough is caused by a cold or infection, chronic cough is often linked to allergies, asthma, or sinus problems. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we help patients find the underlying cause and create personalized treatment plans that focus on long-term relief.

What Causes Chronic Cough?

Chronic cough is rarely caused by a single condition. Instead, it often results from an ongoing irritation or inflammatory process in the upper or lower airways. Two of the most common causes are allergy-related postnasal drip and asthma.

• Allergic rhinitis causing mucus drainage
• Asthma or cough-variant asthma
• Sinusitis with persistent inflammation
• Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux)
• Environmental irritants such as pollen, smoke, or dust

Many patients experience more than one of these causes at the same time, which is why accurate testing and diagnosis are important.

How Postnasal Drip Leads to Chronic Cough

Allergies and sinus inflammation can trigger postnasal drip, which occurs when mucus drains down the back of the throat instead of out the nose. This constant drainage irritates the throat and triggers coughing.

• Sensation of something stuck in the throat
• Frequent throat clearing
• Hoarse or irritated voice
• Coughing more at night or in the morning

If the underlying allergy or sinus issue is not treated, the cough will continue to return.

Asthma and Cough: Not Always Wheezing

Some people have a type of asthma known as cough-variant asthma, where coughing is the main symptom instead of wheezing. This is especially common in children and adults with allergies.

• Dry, persistent cough that worsens with exercise or at night
• Cough triggered by cold air or strong smells
• Coughing during allergy season

Pulmonary function testing allows us to determine whether your cough is asthma-related, even if you do not experience typical wheezing.

When Chronic Cough Is Linked to Acid Reflux

Many patients are surprised to learn that acid reflux can cause coughing without heartburn. When stomach acid reaches the throat, it irritates airway lining and triggers a cough reflex.

• Cough without typical allergy symptoms
• Hoarseness or sore throat in the morning
• Cough that worsens after eating or lying down

In some cases, treating reflux can significantly reduce or eliminate chronic coughing.

How We Diagnose Chronic Cough at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group

Because chronic cough can have multiple causes, we take a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to uncover what is truly driving your symptoms.

• Allergy skin testing
• Rhinoscopy to inspect nasal passages and sinus drainage
• Pulmonary function testing for asthma or airway sensitivity
• Review of reflux symptoms and potential food triggers
• Evaluation of immune deficiencies or frequent infections

Understanding the true cause helps us build a more effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Lasting Relief

Once the cause is identified, treatment can be tailored to your unique needs. Common treatment options may include:

• Allergy medication or immunotherapy
• Asthma inhalers or biologic therapies
• Treatment for sinus inflammation or nasal polyps
• Medication to control acid reflux and throat irritation
• Techniques to reduce postnasal drip and chronic throat clearing

By treating both the symptoms and their source, long-term relief becomes possible.

When to Seek Help

If you’ve had a cough for longer than eight weeks, or if it keeps coming back after temporary improvement, it may be time for a professional evaluation. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we help patients identify the cause of their chronic cough and provide targeted treatment that improves breathing comfort, throat health, and daily quality of life.

Call 805-658-9500 today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward relief.