{"id":627563,"date":"2024-04-12T09:30:49","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T13:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627563"},"modified":"2026-04-17T12:38:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T16:38:34","slug":"can-allergies-make-you-cough","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-allergies-make-you-cough\/","title":{"rendered":"Can allergies make you cough?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seasonal allergies<\/span><\/a> can turn a perfect spring or summer day into a sneeze-fest. Uncomfortable allergy symptoms\u2014such as itchy eyes, runny nose, or nasal congestion\u2014often disrupt sleep, affect concentration, and impact overall quality of life. Also called hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies are typically caused by airborne allergens like mold spores, pollen, grasses, and weeds. <\/span>Ragweed<\/span> is the most common allergy culprit, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

When these substances come into contact with the body, the immune system releases chemicals called histamines to expel the allergens, triggering an inflammatory response that affects our nose, eyes, and even lungs. Individuals sensitive to pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, or other common allergens may experience a dry, chronic cough. What\u2019s more, allergies can worsen <\/span>asthma symptoms<\/span><\/a> in individuals with the condition. Allergies, asthma, and eczema often occur together and can be triggered by common allergens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep reading to find out why allergies make you cough, plus how to tell if your cough is caused by allergies and treatment options to try.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do allergies make you cough?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cYes, allergies can indeed make you cough,\u201d says <\/span>Don. J. Beasley, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified otolaryngologist at <\/span>Boise ENT<\/span><\/a> in Boise, Idaho. <\/span>Allergic cough occurs as part of your body’s reaction to allergens, leading to an inflammatory response in your airways that makes you cough even if you aren\u2019t sick with a virus or bacterial infection, he explains. Allergies such as pollen or dust can cause irritation and swelling of the airways, leading to increased mucus production and coughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergic coughs can also occur from <\/span>postnasal drip<\/span><\/a> (excess mucus production that drips down the back of the throat) that causes throat irritation, explains <\/span>Sebastian Lighvani, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified allergist at <\/span>Northwell Health\u2019s Lenox Hill Hospital<\/span><\/a> in New York, New York. <\/span>This type of cough reflex sometimes feels like a tickle at the back of the throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

In some cases, allergies can exacerbate underlying respiratory conditions like asthma, worsening the likelihood of coughing. In fact, according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are the most common asthma trigger.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Best medicine for an asthma cough<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How do I know if my cough is from allergies?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not easy to differentiate between a cough caused by allergies, a viral infection like the <\/span>common cold or flu<\/span><\/a>, or a bacterial infection like <\/span>pneumonia<\/span><\/a>. That said, there are specific signs to watch out for\u2014such as accompanying symptoms, the cough\u2019s duration, and the sound of your cough.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accompanying symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to Drs. Beasley and Lighvani, <\/span>symptoms that suggest a cough is allergy-related include:<\/span><\/p>\n