Dry cough and allergies: what should you know?

Pollen, dust mites, mould, animal dander and other triggers can irritate the nose and throat. Mucus draining from the nose can tickle the throat even when the cough itself is dry. Allergic rhinitis commonly presents with sneezing, an itchy or blocked nose, watery eyes and a cough.

Coughing with wheeze, chest tightness or symptoms during exercise can occur when asthma is also involved. An allergy trigger can be suspected from a repeated pattern, but the cough does not prove that an allergy is the cause.

Track where and when symptoms start, then reduce exposure where practical: keep windows closed during high-pollen periods, wash after outdoor exposure, and control indoor dust and mould. Saline nasal rinsing may help clear irritants when done with safe water and clean equipment.

A pharmacist can explain antihistamines or a nasal treatment and how to use them correctly. Do not start someone else’s inhaler. If a prescribed reliever inhaler is part of your asthma plan, follow that plan and seek advice if it is not controlling symptoms.

Arrange review for a cough that persists away from obvious triggers, interrupts sleep or is accompanied by wheezing. Get emergency help for sudden throat or tongue swelling, widespread hives with breathing difficulty, faintness or rapidly worsening breathlessness.

Ask whether your symptoms fit allergic rhinitis or asthma, whether testing would help, and how to avoid likely triggers. Share your symptom diary and list every medicine, supplement and nasal product you use.