An occasional cough is one of your body’s ways of keeping you healthy. When your cough turns chronic, however, it’s important that you find out why. At Lexington ENT & Allergy on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, board-certified otolaryngologist Alexa Lessow, MD, offers on-site diagnostic testing to determine whether your cough relates to underlying asthma, allergies, or other conditions. Dr. Lessow customizes care plans to ease your cough and improve your overall respiratory health. Schedule an evaluation today by calling the office in New York City, or you can request an appointment using the online booking system.
request an appointmentWhat causes a cough?
A cough is a natural reflex to clear mucus and other irritants out of your throat. An acute cough begins suddenly, usually due to a cold or flu. If you have a cough that lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, it’s considered chronic.
Some of the common causes of a chronic cough include:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Postnasal drip
- Chronic sinusitis
- Chronic bronchitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
You can also develop a chronic cough if you smoke or take certain medications.
When should I seek treatment for a cough?
If you have a chronic cough that isn’t getting better with home care and over-the-counter medications, you should schedule an evaluation at Lexington ENT & Allergy as soon as possible.
You also need to seek medical attention if you have a chronic cough and symptoms like:
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up green-yellow mucus
Dr. Lessow reviews your medical history and your lifestyle to pinpoint the root cause of your cough. She may order tests to identify underlying conditions like asthma or allergies that contribute to your persistent cough.
How is a cough treated?
You can typically ease an acute cough with over-the-counter medications, cough drops, and a humidifier. Drinking lots of fluids also keeps you hydrated and helps to thin mucus in your throat.
If you have a chronic cough that results from an underlying medical issue, Dr. Lessow creates a treatment plan to manage your condition and ease your chronic cough.
If you have allergies, you may need to take antihistamines or other medicines to stop your cough and make it easier to breathe. If you have asthma, you may need to use inhaled or oral medications.
When your cough relates to COPD or another pulmonary condition, Dr. Lessow may need to refer you to a lung specialist for additional testing and care.
In addition to treatment, you should focus on quitting smoking and avoid being around environmental irritants that can trigger a cough, especially if you have chronic bronchitis or asthma. Dr. Lessow can recommend resources for smoking cessation and manage your long-term care for bronchitis and asthma.
Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for a persistent cough by calling Lexington ENT & Allergy or by requesting an appointment online today.