Hello, Old Man Winter. Hello, seasonal allergies!?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, approximately 50 million people living in the United States are diagnosed with allergies every year. Could your recent cough be a sign of your seasonal allergies flaring up again?

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Sevierville takes a look at the issue.

Is My Cough a Sign of Allergies?

When have allergies, you can experience many symptoms, such as a dry cough. Because you are usually spending more time inside during the winter due to the colder temperatures, allergens like dust, pet dander and mold can cause your airways to swell, which could result in a cough.

Other Causes of a Cough

• Acid reflux
• Acute sinusitis
• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Common cold
• COPD
• GERD
• Non-allergic rhinitis
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Postnasal drip
• Pneumonia
• Smoking

Can I Prevent Allergy Symptoms?

Of course, the best way to treat allergy symptoms is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

When aiming to avoid allergic reactions, it’s important to avoid your allergens as much as possible, as well as take your allergy medication on a daily basis as prescribed.

Allergy Treatments

• Take an OTC or prescription antihistamine.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Use a humidifier in your home.
• Try clearing the nasal passages with saline.
• Take steroids, if prescribed.

Is your cough due to allergies or something more? Visit AFC Urgent Care Sevierville today to ensure your cough isn’t a symptom of a another medical condition.