A lingering cough can be frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. While coughs are often linked to colds or respiratory infections, they can also be triggered by seasonal allergies. If your cough seems to flare up during certain times of the year, pollen and other allergens may be to blame. In this blog, we’ll explore how to recognize the signs of an allergy-related cough, tips for relief, and when it might be necessary to consult a medical provider for professional care.
For same-day seasonal allergy relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to provide the highest quality of care. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Why Allergies Can Cause a Cough
When allergens like pollen, mold spores, or dust enter your system, your immune response kicks in. This reaction can cause nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and throat irritation– all of which may lead to a persistent cough. Unlike an infection-related cough, an allergy cough is usually not accompanied by fever or body aches.
Common Signs Your Cough is Allergy-Related
1. Timing With The Seasons: If your cough worsens in the spring or fall, when pollen counts are highest, it’s more likely linked to seasonal allergies.
2. Accompanied by Classic Allergy Symptoms: Allergy coughs often come with other signs as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, or nasal congestion.
3. Cough That Improves Indoors: If your cough gets better when you’re inside with filtered air and worse when you’re outdoors, allergens may be the cause.
4. Postnasal Drip: A tickle in the back of your throat or the need to clear your throat often points to mucus draining from your sinuses, a common allergy symptom.
5. Long-Lasting but Not Severe: Unlike coughs from infections, which typically improve within 1-2 weeks, allergy coughs can linger for weeks or months– but they usually don’t come with fever, chills, or fatigue.
Tips For Managing an Allergy-Related Cough
If allergies are causing your cough, simple steps can help reduce symptoms:
- Check local pollen counts and limit outdoor activity when they’re high
- Keep windows closed during peak allergy seasons
- Use a HEPA air purifier indoors
- Try over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays as recommended by a healthcare provider
- Stay hydrated to thin mucus and soothe your throat
If your cough lasts more than a few weeks, interferes with sleep, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing, it’s important to seek medical care. A provider can confirm whether allergies are the cause of if another condition, such as asthma or an infection, is contributing to your symptoms.
Get Walk-In Seasonal Allergy Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek
A cough caused by seasonal allergies can be persistent but is usually manageable with the right care. By paying attention to when your symptoms occur and what other signs accompany them, you can better identify whether allergies are the culprit and take steps to find relief. Come get a same-day diagnosis and treatment plan at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week and operates on a walk-in basis– meaning you don’t need an appointment before visiting. We offer seasonal allergy relief for all patients in Denver, CO and surrounding communities. Our center accepts most health insurance plans and offers low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 692-8000.
