Chronic Cough Treatment in NYC

Still coughing weeks after a cold? In adults, a cough that lasts more than 8 weeks is called a chronic cough. Some of its most common causes are allergies, asthma and post-nasal drip. An allergist can test for these and treat them.

Dr. Arthur Lubitz, a board-certified allergist and immunologist in Midtown Manhattan, evaluates adults with a cough that won't go away and looks for the cause, so treatment can target it.

Common causes of a cough that won't go away

• Post-nasal drip. Mucus from allergies or sinus inflammation drips down the back of the throat and triggers coughing, often worse at night or first thing in the morning.
• Asthma. Asthma doesn't always cause wheezing. In cough-variant asthma, a dry cough is the main or only symptom, often after exercise, in cold air or at night.
• Acid reflux. Stomach acid reaching the throat can cause a chronic cough, sometimes without heartburn.
• After a respiratory infection. A cough can linger for weeks after a cold or flu, especially in people with allergies or asthma.
• Medications. Some blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril) can cause a persistent dry cough.

When to see an allergist

• Your cough has lasted longer than 3–8 weeks
• It comes with sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, or itchy eyes
• It gets worse with exercise, cold air, dust, pets or at night
• You also wheeze, feel short of breath or have chest tightness
• Cough medicines and antibiotics haven't helped

How Dr. Lubitz evaluates a chronic cough

1. History and exam. When the cough started, what makes it worse, your medicines and your home and work environment.
2. Breathing test. A lung function test in the office checks for asthma.
3. Allergy testing when allergies may be involved, with skin test results the same visit.
4. A treatment plan aimed at the cause, such as treating nasal allergies, an asthma plan, or allergy shots or drops for long-term relief.

See a doctor promptly if

you cough up blood, have a high fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss, or have trouble breathing. If you have severe difficulty breathing, call 911.

Related: post-nasal drip · wheezing and shortness of breath · sneezing and runny nose · what is asthma

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor or call 911.