Is it a Cold or Just NYC Pollution? Navigating Brooklyn’s Winter Coughs
If you’ve lived in Brooklyn long enough, you know the feeling. You step out onto Pitkin Avenue on a cold morning, take a deep breath, and immediately start hacking. By the time you get to the pharmacy, you’re wondering: Am I coming down with something, or is the air just bad today?
In neighborhoods like Brownsville and East New York, this is a very real question. Between the heavy traffic, older heating systems in our apartment buildings, and the cold winter air, our lungs take a lot of heat.
At Broadway Pharmacy, we help neighbors figure out the difference every day. Here is how to tell if you need an antibiotic or just a better air filter.
The "Pollution Cough" vs. The Common Cold
Not all coughs are created equal. In NYC, we deal with "PM2.5"—tiny particles from truck exhaust and construction that get deep into the lungs. In the winter, cold air actually traps these pollutants closer to the ground, right where we breathe them in.
It might be the pollution if:
It’s a "dry" scratchy cough: You aren't hacking up anything, but your throat feels like it has sand in it.
It gets worse outside: If your coughing fits start specifically when you're walking near busy intersections or construction sites.
No fever or aches: If you feel totally fine otherwise—no chills, no muscle pain—your body is likely just trying to clear out irritants.
It might be a cold or a virus if:
You have "the gunk": If the cough is wet and you’re bringing up mucus, that’s usually a sign of an infection.
You have a "low-grade" fever: Even a slight temperature of 99°F or 100°F points toward a bug.
It lasts all day and night: A viral cough doesn't care if you're inside or out; it stays with you.
The Hidden Triggers Inside Brooklyn Apartments
Sometimes the problem isn't the air on Pitkin Ave; it's the air inside your home. In the winter, we keep our windows shut tight, which traps a few common Brooklyn "cough triggers":
Dust Mites & Mold: Older buildings can have hidden mold behind walls or dust trapped in radiators. When the heat kicks on, it blows these allergens right into your face.
Dry Air: Radiator heat is notoriously dry. It dries out the lining of your throat, making it feel raw and "tickly," which triggers a cough reflex.
How to Find Relief?
Whether it’s a virus or the city air, you shouldn't have to suffer. Here is what we recommend to our neighbors:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Water keeps the lining of your throat moist so it’s less sensitive to dust and exhaust.
The Saline Rinse: If you’ve been outside in the smog, a simple saline nasal spray can wash the particles out before they drip down your throat and cause a cough.
Honey is your best friend: It’s a natural "cough suppressant" that’s often just as effective as the stuff in the bottle for a scratchy, dry throat.
FAQs
Can air pollution actually make me sick?
Yes. While the pollution itself isn't a virus, it "primes" your lungs. When your lungs are irritated by exhaust or dust, it’s much easier for a flu or cold virus to take hold. This is why people in high-traffic areas often get sick more often.
What kind of cough medicine is best for a "scratchy" NYC cough?
If your cough is dry and just caused by irritation, a "suppressant" (like Dextromethorphan) is usually best to calm the reflex. If you have "gunk" in your chest, you want an "expectorant" (like Guaifenesin) to help you get it out. Come see us at the counter, we can help you pick the right one for your specific symptoms.
Should I wear a mask outside when the air feels heavy?
Honestly? Yes. A good N95 or even a high-quality surgical mask does more than just stop viruses; it filters out those tiny soot particles from the B12 or B14 buses that irritate your throat.
Is my radiator making my cough worse?
Probably. If you wake up with a sore throat and a cough that goes away after you drink water, your room is too dry. Try putting a bowl of water on top of your radiator—it acts as a simple, free humidifier.
Stop by and See Us
Don't just guess what’s going on with your health. If you’ve had a lingering cough for more than a week, or if you just need to stock up on some tea and honey, stop by Broadway Pharmacy at 1538 Pitkin Ave. We’ve been part of this neighborhood for years, and we’re always here to help you breathe a little easier.
