The "Prague Cough": How to Tell if It's Allergies, a Cold, or Asthma

Swiss Medical Services
4 days ago
2 min read

Late April and May bring beautiful blooming trees to the Czech capital, but they also bring the dreaded "Prague Cough." Right now, it feels like half the city is sneezing on the tram.

Because the weather has been rapidly fluctuating between chilly rain and sudden sunshine, many expats are confused. Are you dealing with a lingering spring cold, or have you developed a brand new allergy to Central European pollen?

The Pollen Explosion Birch and grass pollen are currently at peak levels in Prague. It is incredibly common for expats to move to the Czech Republic and suddenly develop allergies they never had back home, simply because they are exposed to new types of flora.

Decoding Your Symptoms How do you know what is actually causing your misery?

The Spring Cold: Generally includes a low-grade fever, yellow or green mucus, and body aches. It should resolve within 7 to 10 days.
Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever): Features thin, clear mucus, violently itchy eyes, and sneezing fits. Crucially, allergies do not cause a fever. If symptoms last for weeks without improving, it is likely pollen.
Asthma: If your cough is dry, worsens at night, and is accompanied by a tight chest or a slight wheezing sound when you breathe out, the pollen might be triggering allergic asthma.

Stop Guessing, Start Testing You can find basic relief at a Czech pharmacy with over-the-counter antihistamines (ask for Zodac or Zyrtec equivalents). However, if your symptoms are disrupting your sleep or your work, you need a targeted medical approach.

At Swiss Medical Services, our English-speaking specialists can run comprehensive allergy panels to identify exactly what is triggering your immune system. We provide prescription-grade relief, inhalers for asthma management, and personalized plans so you can actually enjoy the Prague spring.

📅 Stop suffering through the pollen season. Book an allergy consultation today

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