I have had a persistent cough for about 2 years. By persistent I mean all day, every day (but not while I m sleeping). Quite often some phlegm is produced, especially bad when I first wake up and decreasing as the day goes on. Originally (in 2012) my doctor called it bronchitis, but it never got better. Then I wondered if it was allergy related -- I do have allergies to various plants and cats in and around my house -- but the cough stays the same whether I m at home or not, having an allergy attack or not. Is this worth pursuing with a specialist? Or is it just allergies that I will have to live with?