What is a chronic cough?
Although everyone coughs at some point in their life, a persistent cough can become highly disruptive over time. A chronic cough is usually defined by the medical community as a cough that lasts more than eight weeks. A chronic cough can be a product of many factors. Allergists are well-trained to diagnose many of the causes of a chronic cough, helping you get the relief that you need.
What are the common causes of chronic cough?
Since “chronic cough” is a phrase that is used to describe a symptom, there can be many different causes of an individual’s chronic cough. Getting a proper diagnosis of the specific cause can help inform the best treatment to alleviate symptoms. Common causes of a chronic cough include:
- Allergic rhinitis or hay fever
- Post-nasal drip
- Sinus infection
- Asthma
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Heartburn
- Sinusitis
In addition, there are other less common potential causes of chronic cough. The experts at Allergy and Asthma Consultants have years of experience finding the exact cause of chronic cough, helping direct their patients to the appropriate treatment.
How is chronic cough treated?
Knowing the cause of your chronic cough is half the battle, but if you suffer from it, you also want to know how it can be treated. Since chronic cough can be caused by many different conditions, the treatment varies depending on which condition you may have. Treatment is targeted at the underlying condition that causes the cough.
If you have GERD, antacids may be helpful in alleviating your reflux symptoms, thereby reducing the cough. Treatments that help to keep your airway clear may help to reduce your cough if it is due to asthma, just as treatments aimed at alleviating your allergic rhinitis symptoms can help to eliminate post-nasal drip and your chronic cough. The team at Allergy and Asthma Consultants will work with you to address your unique situation in order to relieve you from the burden of your chronic cough.
To learn more about chronic cough and how you can get relief, call or go online today to schedule your first appointment with the team at Allergy and Asthma Consultants.
