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Are antibiotics necessary for a seasonal allergic cough?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

For the past three years, I have been suffering from an allergic cough that occurs only during September and October, lasting for one to two months. This time, my primary care physician administered a Dexamethasone shot, and my cough improved within a few hours. Should I purchase the prescribed antibiotic Azithromycin and Albuterol sulfate, or should I wait and see if the cough persists?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shyam Kalyan N

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is a highly skilled Allergy and ENT Specialist dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, throat, and allergy-related conditions. With expertise in advanced ENT care and allergy management, he provides personalized treatment plans that improve overall health and quality of life. Known for his patient-focused approach and clinical excellence, he combines modern medical practices with compassionate care to ensure long-term wellness.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that you are a 33-year-old male experiencing a cough, particularly during September and October each year. This pattern suggests you may have allergic bronchitis, which is a seasonal allergic cough that exacerbates during specific months. During such exacerbations, it is advisable to use a steroid, a bronchodilator, and, if necessary, an antibiotic. In your case, Dexamethasone is the steroid, Albuterol is the bronchodilator, and Azithromycin is the antibiotic. Antibiotics should be prescribed only if there is an infection, indicated by symptoms such as yellow or green sputum production, fever, and chest congestion.

The bronchodilator in the form of an aerosol spray helps relieve bronchospasm and inflammation. I suggest you continue using the aerosol spray as prescribed by your doctor and monitor your symptoms. If the cough recurs, then consider starting the antibiotic. During an exacerbation of allergic bronchitis, you can use the Albuterol inhaler along with either the combination of Fluticasone and Salmeterol or the Budesonide inhaler. Make sure to follow the specific usage instructions for these inhalers, and consult your physician for guidance.

Thanks for using icliniq, and have a nice day.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 24, 2017
Reviewed At October 31, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is a highly skilled Allergy and ENT Specialist dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, throat, and allergy-related conditions. With expertise in advanced ENT care and allergy management, he provides personalized treatment plans that improve overall health and quality of life. Known for his patient-focused approach and clinical excellence, he combines modern medical practices with compassionate care to ensure long-term wellness.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Symptom Awareness Builder
Seasonal Allergic Cough Awareness Builder

Seasonal Allergic Cough?

Five quick questions help you understand your cough symptoms and when it might be time to talk to a doctor.

This tool provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Medications should be taken after consulting a physician. The dosages will be prescribed by the physician. Do not alter, start, or stop medications without consulting a healthcare professional.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is a highly skilled Allergy and ENT Specialist dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, throat, and allergy-related conditions. With expertise in advanced ENT care and allergy management, he provides personalized treatment plans that improve overall health and quality of life. Known for his patient-focused approach and clinical excellence, he combines modern medical practices with compassionate care to ensure long-term wellness.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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