You’ve probably had a cough that accompanies a cold or flu and then lasts a few weeks. A chronic cough, however, is one that doesn’t go away on its own and can be caused by many ear, nose, and throat conditions. The physicians at Lakeshore Ear, Nose & Throat Center are experts who can determine the exact cause of your chronic cough and provide the specialized treatment you need. If you suffer from a chronic cough, call one of their offices in St. Clair Shores, Macomb Township, Rochester, Grosse Pointe, or Sterling Heights, Michigan, or book an appointment online today.
A cough is considered chronic, or long-lasting, when it persists for eight weeks or longer in adults, or for more than four weeks in children.
Depending on the underlying cause of your cough, you may also develop other symptoms, such as:
Chronic coughing often leaves you fatigued, as it interrupts your sleep.
Smoking and chronic bronchitis are well-known causes of chronic coughing. When they’re not the source of the problem, however, the most common causes are:
UACS used to be called postnasal drip. Ongoing post-nasal drip often develops from problems like allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis (inflamed sinuses). You may also have throat symptoms, such as the need to clear your throat often or feeling like there’s something stuck in your throat.
Chronic coughing is often a sign of asthma, which is caused by persistent airway inflammation.
GERD occurs when acid from your stomach goes back up your esophagus toward your throat. A chronic cough is a common complication of ongoing GERD.
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), also called paradoxical vocal fold movement, occurs when your vocal cords close at times when they should be open, like when you inhale. As a result, you feel like you’re choking or can’t breathe.
A chronic cough often accompanies VCD, and in some cases, the chronic cough may contribute to the throat irritation that leads to VCD. The specialists at Lakeshore Ear, Nose & Throat Center use their extensive experience and specialized diagnostics to identify the source of your problem so you can get the help you need.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your chronic cough. With so many possible causes, treatments range from antihistamines, oral decongestants, and intranasal corticosteroids to voice therapy and allergy immunotherapy. In some cases, you may need in-office surgery for sinusitis or Botox® injections to relax muscles.
A chronic cough is a complex health condition that requires a specialist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem. Call the experts at Lakeshore Ear, Nose & Throat Center or book an appointment online.
