The Sneaky Signs Your Chronic Cough Is Actually Undiagnosed Asthma

If you have a persistent cough, you might wonder if it’s just a lingering cold. Maybe yes, maybe no. At Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, we help patients in Prosper and Celina, Texas, find the real cause of their symptoms. And Dr. Thomas Fowler, our board-certified allergist, provides expert asthma management to help you breathe easier if the cough is really asthma-related.

Many people believe asthma always causes loud wheezing or severe shortness of breath. However, a chronic cough can sometimes be the only sign of a specific type of asthma.

According to a review in the journal Pneumon, chronic cough is a highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Understanding why you’re coughing is the first step toward relief.

Can a chronic cough really be asthma?

Yes, a persistent dry cough can be the sole symptom of a condition called cough-variant asthma. This type of asthma doesn’t cause classic wheezing. Instead, airway hypersensitivity triggers a localized cough reflex.

However, ignoring this cough can be risky. A study in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy followed adults with cough-variant asthma. Classic asthma developed in 31% of patients. The study found that not using an inhaled steroid was the only factor linked to this progression.

At our Prosper, Texas, office, Dr. Fowler evaluates your symptoms to prevent this progression, and we create personalized treatment plans to protect your long-term lung health.

Why is it hard to self-diagnose a cough? 

It’s difficult to self-diagnose because different conditions share the same nerve pathways and trigger the same cough response. Many blogs claim that nighttime coughing is a unique sign of asthma. In reality, there are no standalone symptoms that can reliably prove your cough comes from asthma.

Other common issues often overlap and make diagnosis complex. A 2023 study of adults with a daily chronic cough showed how these issues overlap. In this group, 56% had asthma, 78% had postnasal drip, and 70% had acid reflux.

Because these conditions frequently coexist, you need professional testing rather than guesswork. We offer comprehensive allergy testing and breathing tests to identify all your triggers. 

How do we find the root cause of your cough?

We use objective lung function tests and detailed evaluations to pinpoint the exact cause of your cough. When you visit us, we don’t just guess based on a checklist. We look at your medical history and perform precise diagnostics.

The British Thoracic Society recommends that patients with a chronic cough receive spirometry testing to check for underlying airway disease. If we suspect asthma, we may also recommend a temporary trial of an inhaled controller medication.

During your evaluation, we look closely at several factors:

• Your daily triggers, like cold air or exercise
• Coexisting issues like allergies or sinus pressure
• How your lungs respond to simple breathing tests

Dr. Fowler guides you through every step of this process to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

You don’t have to live with a constant cough. Our team is here to help you find answers and get back to feeling your best. To get started on a personalized care plan, contact our team today to schedule your consultation.