Cough-Variant Asthma Symptoms

When you think of asthma, you probably picture someone wheezing and struggling to breath. However, someone with cough-variant asthma may never wheeze.

Cough

The most common symptom of cough-variant asthma is a dry, non-productive cough. A non-productive cough is one where no mucus is expelled while coughing.

Interrupted Sleep

People with cough-variant asthma may find that they suffer from interrupted sleep, because their coughing is worse at night. Coughing may also occur during the day.

Duration

This chronic cough can last six to eight weeks or longer.

Response to Medicine

Another symptom of cough-variant asthma is that the chronic cough doesn't respond to cough medicines. You may continue to cough even after taking medicine.

Triggers

Cough-variant asthma has the same triggers as regular asthma, such as allergens like dust and pollen. Coughing may be worse after you exercise or when you are exposed to cold air.

Treatment

Cough-variant asthma is treated with the same medications as regular asthma. Your doctor may prescribe an inhaler with albuterol or inhaled steroids. It may take six to eight weeks for your cough to improve after beginning asthma treatments.