Cough

What is a cough a sign of?

Are you coughing often, especially at night? That may be a sign of asthma, a common, chronic condition affecting the airways in your lungs.

When you have asthma, your airways become inflamed, swollen, and tight. Your lungs may become more susceptible to irritants or allergens, such as cold air, smoke, exercise, pet dander, pollen, or strong scents. Coughing is how your body tries to expel the allergen or irritant from your airway.

This type of asthma is known as cough-variant asthma. If you have this form of asthma, treating it with over-the-counter cough medicine generally will not give you the relief you want. It’s best to rely on a specialist at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies for diagnosis and treatment.

Why do I get an asthma cough?

You have a greater chance of getting this type of asthma if you already have classic asthma. Here are other risk factors:

• A family member who has asthma
• Existing eczema or another allergic condition
• Extra weight or obesity
• Smoking, including exposure to second-hand smoke

You’re also at higher risk if you spent time around environmental irritants, such as fumes or chemicals.

What triggers an asthma cough?

Coughing related to asthma can happen when you least expect it. While it often happens at night, it can be provoked by something as seemingly harmless as laughing.

Here are common triggers:

• Outdoor allergens, including pollen from weeds, grass, and trees
• Indoor allergens, such as mold, dust mites, and pet dander
• Airborne irritants such as smoke
• Certain drugs or food additives
• The flu, a cold, or illnesses
• Weather, especially heat, humidity, or cold air
• Exercise
• Stress

How is asthma cough treated?

Preventing a bout of coughing is the best strategy. Your provider will work with you to pinpoint your triggers so you can avoid them whenever possible.

In more serious cases, where your cough and other asthma symptoms flare up more than twice a week, your provider will create a treatment plan to give you more lasting relief.

Your treatment options may include:

• Bronchodilator inhaler - This inhaler delivers fast-acting medication to expand your airways in the lungs and give you swift relief.
• Corticosteroid inhaler - This inhaler relieves inflammation when used daily.

In some cases, you might benefit from both types of inhalers.

If you’re wondering if your cough is a sign of asthma, don’t delay. Call today or schedule a consultation online with the team of asthma specialists at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies.