With spring upon us–and summer fast approaching–the last thing you want is a lingering cough keeping you down. As a pulmonologist, I’ve seen firsthand how a chronic cough can disrupt quality of life, making even the simplest conversations or a good night’s sleep feel impossible.
What is chronic cough?
Many people think of a cough as a temporary annoyance, perhaps from a cold or the flu. But there’s a distinct difference when a cough becomes chronic, particularly when it lasts two weeks to a month, or longer.
It’s crucial to understand that a chronic cough isn’t the problem itself. It’s a symptom; a signal from your body that something deeper needs attention.
Why does chronic cough happen?
It’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to understanding a chronic cough–some investigation is needed. The first thing your doctor will ask you is whether it’s a dry or wet cough. A dry cough doesn’t produce mucus or phlegm–it’s typically due to irritation or inflammation. A wet cough does produce mucus or phlegm and is typically caused by an infection. Once that is determined, a physical examination, imaging scans and further studies might be needed to find more answers.
It’s equally important for your doctor to understand the occurrence of the cough and if there’s an underlying condition in play, which may include:
- Post-nasal drip: Mucus dripping down the back of your throat can irritate airways.
- Asthma or emphysema: These conditions can present primarily as a cough and are especially common in smokers.
- Allergies: Seasonal changes or exposure to certain environmental triggers, including smoke, dust or chemicals should be considered.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid from the stomach can irritate your throat and airways, causing chronic cough.
Less commonly, chronic cough may be a sign of a more serious lung condition, vocal cord disorder or neurological condition that affects motor function (such as Parkinson’s disease), which is why a thorough evaluation is so important.
When to seek medical care–and where to start
If you’ve been experiencing a persistent cough for weeks, months or even years, our multidisciplinary team at the Chronic Cough Clinic in Westchester provides comprehensive care to help you get the relief you deserve.
After a comprehensive evaluation, we’ll connect you with a specialist who best meets your needs in areas such as pulmonology, gastroenterology, immunology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), neurology and speech therapy.
Let’s get to the bottom of your cough together. Call (914) 821-6389 to schedule an appointment today.
