Chronic Cough: Why It Won’t Go Away—And What You Can Do About It
A persistent cough can be more than just annoying—it can interfere with your sleep, disrupt your workday, and even make you worry about something more serious. If your cough has lasted for weeks without relief, it may be time to take a closer look.
At MG Allergy in Newport Beach, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic coughs, helping patients uncover the root cause and breathe easier again.
What Is a Chronic Cough?
A chronic cough is defined as a cough that lasts:
More than 8 weeks in adults
More than 4 weeks in children
It’s one of the most common reasons people seek medical care—and one of the most frustrating if left untreated.
What Causes Chronic Cough?
Chronic cough isn’t a disease—it’s a symptom of an underlying issue. The most common causes we see in our Corona Del Mar office include:
Postnasal drip (often from allergies or sinusitis)
Asthma
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Chronic bronchitis or smoking-related irritation
Certain medications (like ACE inhibitors for blood pressure)
Environmental exposures (dust, mold, pollution)
Less commonly, chronic cough may signal lung infections or more serious conditions like lung cancer
How We Diagnose Chronic Cough
At MG Allergy, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis. We start by listening—really listening—to your symptoms, health history, and environment. Diagnostic tools may include:
Physical examination
Lung function testing (spirometry)
Chest imaging (X-rays or CT scans)
Allergy testing
Evaluation for acid reflux or sinus conditions
Our goal is to identify the root cause—not just manage symptoms.
Treatment Options for chronic cough in Newport Beach:
Your treatment plan depends on what’s triggering your cough. At our Newport Beach clinic, we offer:
Medication management (e.g., antihistamines, inhalers, proton pump inhibitors)
Lifestyle and environmental modifications
Steroid-sparing therapies for allergic and asthmatic conditions
Guidance on smoking cessation and gut health if applicable
Many of our patients experience meaningful relief in just weeks once the cause is properly diagnosed and addressed.
Chronic Cough FAQs
🤔 When should I see a doctor?
If your cough lasts more than a few weeks—especially if it disrupts your sleep, causes fatigue, or comes with other symptoms—it’s time to seek professional care.
🌿 Can allergies cause chronic cough?
Yes! Postnasal drip from allergies is a very common cause of chronic coughing, especially in Southern California.
🔥 What about acid reflux (GERD)?
Absolutely. GERD can silently irritate your throat and airways, triggering a lingering cough.
🚬 Can smoking cause chronic cough?
Yes. Smoking is a major contributor. Quitting often brings improvement in symptoms.
⚠️ Could it be something serious, like cancer?
In rare cases, yes—but don’t jump to conclusions. Most chronic coughs have treatable, non-cancerous causes. A medical evaluation is key.
Relief for Chronic Cough Relief in Newport Beach Starts Here
You don’t have to live with a persistent cough. At MG Allergy, we offer clear answers and effective, personalized treatment so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
📍 Visit us in Corona Del Mar—serving Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Irvine, and the surrounding Orange County area.
