Ive had a dry cough for 4 weeks along with dry and sore nasal lining. Throat is itchy and requires me to cough to remove the itch. No problem sleeping or any cold symptoms. CBC and diff all normal. Humidity at work is 22%. Had an ENT look at throat and nose lining and said it was perhaps a new allergy to something in my house. Cough occurs every 10 min or so during the day. Should I wait it out and just drink a lot of water or go see my family physician ?
Hello, Runny nose, sneezing, nasal discharge (usually white), cough are signs of an allergic process. Once the rhinitis goes beyond control and affects the airways, you develop breathing difficulties as in asthma. That the CBC is normal, suggests the eosinophil count is also normal, that would exclude severe allergies. However, house dust mite or fungal allergies are common at this time of the year. I would suggest long-acting antihistamines like cetirizine 10 mg (maximum twice daily) and/or a nasal spray like Flonase 2 sprays per nostril twice daily for 1 month and see the benefit. If things worsen after you stop, please get a blood test or skin prick test (must stop all antihistamines for at least 1 week if skin tests are required) to exclude allergic triggers. Hope this helps. Best Wishes.