Allergies and Asthma: Common Causes of a Dry Cough
A dry cough can often be attributed to allergies or asthma. When allergies are the cause, the cough is typically seasonal and varies depending on the allergens present in the air. It is common for this type of cough to occur alongside other allergy symptoms, including sneezing, and itchiness in the eyes, nose, and ears.
Allergies trigger a dry cough by causing the airways to swell in response to the allergen. For individuals who also suffer from asthma, exposure to an allergen can lead to wheezing and chest tightness.
Curious about the source of your allergies? Discover The Top 10 Most Common Allergens.
GERD and its connection to dry cough
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that can lead to a dry cough. According to a study, approximately 14 percent of individuals with GERD experience a frequent cough, occurring four to six times a day for at least four days a week. The cause of this dry cough is the irritation of the back of the throat due to acid reflux.