Pollen, or to be more specific, pollen allergies, are seasonal allergies that can cause coughs. But not all coughs are caused by allergies; but can be signs of much more serious respiratory issues. There are ways to determine if the cough is caused by an allergy or troubles with the respiratory tract, or a disease. Here you’ll learn how to differentiate the two and the possible complications that can cause it.

For same-day seasonal allergy treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our medical team is available to assess your cough with no appointment necessary. Walk-in any day of the week to start recovering in the right hands!

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Understanding Your Cough

Coughing is not always pleasant, but there is a valid reason the body will cough. It is a reflex that your body does due to the entry of dust, irritants, and mucus into your lungs and throat as a means of clearing it. At times, this action loosens up the lungs or throat, but at other times, due to inflammation or the sheer quantity of irritants, this cough lingers on and becomes chronic and lasting for weeks.

Types of Pollen Allergies

Pollen allergies are a common cause of cough, and they come in various types:

• Grass Pollen Allergies: These types typically come from common grass pollen carried by the wind during early summer and late spring. They often tend to be numerous and are heavy irritants.

• Tree Pollen Allergies: This type is perhaps the most guilty of provoking most allergies, and the tree pollen responsible for it are generally Oaks and Cedars, which release their pollen in the middle of spring when the weather is milder. If you do, and you cough heavily during this period, then it’s likely your cough is pollen-induced rather than cold-induced.

• Weed Pollen Allergies: Weeds also produce pollen that can act as allergens. They often tend to be light and numerous, allowing them to be spread over several miles, affecting several people. This type of pollen-induced allergy is less seasonal but is more likely to occur towards the end of spring.

Signs That The Cough Is Caused By Allergies

• Runny Nose

• Sneezing

• Itch in the nose, eyes, and skin

• An itch at the back of the throat

• Red or puffy eyes

• Dry and non-productive coughs

• Persistent coughing during allergy season

• Severe reaction to pet dander and mold

• Nasal and chest congestion

• Headaches

• Sinus pressure

• Sinus pain

• Fatigue

Other Potential Causes of Your Cough

Your cough might not be caused by allergies but rather be a sign that something serious is going on, like:

1. Bronchitis: Bronchitis occurs when mucus infiltrates and inflames the lungs’ bronchi. The inflammation leads to a persistent cough in order to expel the mucus and difficulty breathing. Alternatively, it’s possible that the cough is chronic due to other conditions such as pneumonia or the common cold, and this may be due to bronchitis.

2. Acid Reflux: Sometimes, the acid content in the stomach flows back up from the esophagus and leads to irritation in the chest that is called acid reflux. This acid reflux causes heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest and as a reflex to relieve this acid infiltration then the body instigates a wet cough to get rid of it. 

3. Pneumonia: Oftentimes, the lung inflammation that pneumonia causes is the reason why bronchitis happens. But even before that, inflammation sets in, the body still tries its best to expel the mucus obstructing the passages, resulting in a wet cough to expel the phlegm.

4. Asthma: Asthma is one of the leading causes of chronic coughing. The signs that will show when a cough is caused by Asthma will make it less likely to be mislabelled as an allergy instigated cough. There is usually a tightness in the chest which causes shortness of breathe and wheezing.

Signs That Your Cough Isn’t Caused By Pollen.

• Wet productive cough

• Post-Nasal Drip

• When it happens outside allergy season

• Known complications like Asthma or chronic Pneumonia

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Expelling yellowish colored phlegm

• Back pains

• A cough is triggered when deep breaths are taken or when exercise is being done

• Lightheadedness

• Trouble sleeping

How Do You Treat Allergy and Non-Allergy Induced Coughs?

Allergy Coughs:

• Allergy injections

• Make sure to cover your nose when outside during allergy season

• Consume warm beverages rich in ginger or lemon grass to relieve the chest

• Make use of nasal and chest decongestants

• Sleep with your head elevated

• Clean and vacuum the house regularly, especially the carpets

• Make use of a humidifier

Non-Allergy Coughs:

• Treat the root cause

• Make use of nasal sprays and saline solution

• Steam Inhalation can provide some comfort

• Improve your diet to build your immunity

• Don’t expose yourself to the cold

• Do not use cough suppressants

• Inhalers and vapour rubs are very good at decongesting the chest and soothing it

• Avoid smoking or staying near smokers

Most importantly, when you begin to notice these non-allergic cough symptoms, you have to take them seriously and visit a doctor at your nearest urgent care unit before it gets worse.

Get Walk-In Cough Diagnosis and Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen

Pollen can definitely trigger coughing, especially in people with seasonal allergies or underlying respiratory conditions. However, if your cough is persistent, accompanied by fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, or worsens over time, it may be more than just allergies. When symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments or start to interfere with daily life, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our providers can help you get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment to breathe easier. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about allergy treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (732) 583-5100.