Chronic Cough Management
Coughing, when it happens continuously throughout the day, can be not only a nuisance to the patient, but in many cases, disruptive to normal activity. A chronic cough is considered to be one that is long-standing in nature, extending over several weeks, months or even years.
The coughing behavior itself can range from simple throat clearing behavior to more violent coughs and even coughing bouts that lead to emesis (vomiting). It is important to have a comprehensive examination to ensure there is no problem with the heart, lungs or airways that is causing or contributing to the cough.
In this practice, we may receive referrals from outside physicians after a full work-up, many times by multiple different specialists, has failed to find a cause for the coughing behavior.
After the otolaryngology examination has ruled out any pathology, disease, obstruction or other abnormality that may be causing your cough, you will typically be referred for further evaluation by the SLP staff.
The SLP staff is extremely skilled in helping patients with their chronic cough. Helping patients gain a comprehensive understanding of the cough, as well as how prescribed treatments and methodologies will help to relieve the cough, is a primary goal.
This is a typical profile for a patient presenting with a chronic cough in this office:
The coughing behavior itself can range from simple throat clearing behavior to more violent coughs and even coughing bouts that lead to emesis (vomiting). It is important to have a comprehensive examination to ensure there is no problem with the heart, lungs or airways that is causing or contributing to the cough.
In this practice, we may receive referrals from outside physicians after a full work-up, many times by multiple different specialists, has failed to find a cause for the coughing behavior.
After the otolaryngology examination has ruled out any pathology, disease, obstruction or other abnormality that may be causing your cough, you will typically be referred for further evaluation by the SLP staff.
The SLP staff is extremely skilled in helping patients with their chronic cough. Helping patients gain a comprehensive understanding of the cough, as well as how prescribed treatments and methodologies will help to relieve the cough, is a primary goal.
This is a typical profile for a patient presenting with a chronic cough in this office:
- All previous diagnostic examinations are normal
- Typical cough medicines (except those with Codeine), are ineffective
- Dry cough (no significant mucous is coughed)
- Cough began during or after an upper respiratory illness (i.e., could, flu)
- Cough has been persistent for several weeks, months or even years
- Coughing now is commonly triggered by a tickle
- Patients wake up coughing
- Coughing can lead to sense of being strangled, even vomiting
Understanding a Cough
There are two general types of coughs. One is reflexive or involuntary, triggered by a reflex in the larynx; while the other is volitional, or under our control.
There are normal reflexive thresholds or “triggers” that exist in the larynx. When these thresholds are lowered (i.e., more sensitive), less stimulation is required to trigger a cough.
- Reflexive/Involuntary Cough
There are normal reflexive thresholds or “triggers” that exist in the larynx. When these thresholds are lowered (i.e., more sensitive), less stimulation is required to trigger a cough.
- Volitional Cough
