What is Cough Variant Asthma?

Treatment from Board-Certified Specialists in Metro Atlanta

Cough-variant asthma, sometimes called chronic cough, is a type of asthma where a dry cough is typically the only symptom present. However, some patients may also experience a tightness in their chest.

Wheezing and shortness of breath, which are other asthma-related symptoms, are often not present with cough-variant asthma. Cough-variant asthma may cause coughing during the day or night, sometimes disrupting sleep. It is possible for cough-variant asthma to develop into traditional asthma, resulting in additional symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

While cough-variant asthma may affect anyone, it is more common in young children who have childhood asthma. At the Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia, our board-certified allergy doctors are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of asthma, including cough-variant asthma.

What are Triggers of Cough-Variant Asthma?

Cough-variant asthma may occur as the result of several triggers, including:

• Exercise, which causes exercise-induced asthma.
• Allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, and dust.
• Breathing cold air or strong odors.
• Upper respiratory infections, such as sinusitis.
• Medications, such as aspirin or beta-blockers.

The introduction of these triggers can cause increased coughing associated with cough-variant asthma, and may increase the likelihood of developing traditional asthma.

Find Treatment for Cough-Variant Asthma in Metro Atlanta

When diagnosing cough-variant asthma, our highly-qualified doctors will begin by asking you questions about your medical history and listening to your breathing. Additional tests, such as spirometry and a methacholine challenge test, may be ordered to diagnose cough-variant asthma.

Cough-variant asthma is often treated similarly to traditional asthma. Our doctors may prescribe an inhaled steroid and a rescue inhaler to prevent coughing attacks brought on by cough-variant asthma. Symptoms of cough-variant asthma are typically relieved within a several weeks of treatment.

Speak to a Board-Certified Doctor About Cough-Variant Asthma

Find out if you’re experiencing cough-variant asthma by speaking to a board certified doctor at the Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia. We have offices conveniently located throughout Metro Atlanta, including Carrollton, Villa Rica, Smyrna/Vinings, Hiram, Acworth/Kennesaw, and Douglasville.

To schedule your appointment, please contact us via phone at (770) 459-0620 or online via our patient contact form. We have a no-wait policy in all of our offices for both new and existing patients, ensuring that you receive the immediate care you need.