How ENT Specialists Can Help With Chronic Cough

Chronic cough can be more than just an annoyance, it can disrupt daily life, disturb sleep, and even cause physical discomfort like chest pain or exhaustion. For many, identifying the root cause of a persistent cough can be frustrating, especially when over-the-counter treatments fail to bring relief. This is where the expertise of an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist comes into play. With their in-depth knowledge of the upper respiratory system, ENT doctors can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of a chronic cough and provide effective treatment options.

At our clinic, you’ll receive care from the best ENT consultant in Dubai, renowned for expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions that lead to chronic cough, offering you relief and improving your quality of life.

Common Causes of Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is defined as a cough that lasts more than eight weeks in adults or four weeks in children. There are many potential causes, but the most common include:

1. Postnasal Drip: When the nasal passages produce excess mucus, it can drip down the back of the throat, irritating it and triggering a cough.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to irritation in the throat that can cause coughing, especially at night.
3. Allergies: Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and postnasal drip, leading to chronic coughing.
4. Asthma: Asthma can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, particularly after exercise or at night.
5. Infections: Respiratory infections, such as a cold, sinus infection, or bronchitis, can lead to persistent coughs, even after other symptoms have cleared up.
6. Smoking and Environmental Irritants: Tobacco smoke, pollution, or chemical irritants can damage the respiratory tract, causing chronic cough and other respiratory symptoms.

How ENT Specialists Diagnose Chronic Cough

At our clinic, our ENT doctors take a thorough approach to diagnosing the cause of a chronic cough. This may involve:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to the cough.
• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to examine the lungs, sinuses, and airways to detect any abnormalities.
• Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected, an allergy test may be conducted to identify specific triggers.
• Endoscopy: This involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the throat and esophagus for signs of GERD or other abnormalities.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: If asthma is suspected, pulmonary function tests may be performed to assess lung function.

Treatment Options for Chronic Cough

Once the underlying cause is identified, your ENT specialist will recommend a tailored treatment plan. Treatment options may include:

1. Medication: Depending on the diagnosis, prescription medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or proton pump inhibitors (for GERD) may be recommended to address the underlying cause of your cough.
2. Allergy Management: For coughs caused by allergies, ENT specialists may recommend avoiding known triggers, using medications like nasal sprays or antihistamines, or even undergoing immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term relief.
3. Sinus Treatment: If postnasal drip or sinusitis is causing your cough, your ENT specialist may suggest treatments such as saline nasal irrigation, steroid nasal sprays, or even balloon sinuplasty to relieve chronic sinus congestion.
4. GERD Management: Lifestyle changes such as adjusting your diet, elevating your head while sleeping, and taking medications to reduce stomach acid can help relieve GERD-induced coughing.
5. Asthma Control: If asthma is the cause, your ENT doctor may prescribe inhalers or other asthma treatments to keep the condition under control and prevent coughing episodes.

When to See an ENT Specialist for Chronic Cough

If you’ve been experiencing a persistent cough that lasts for several weeks and is not improving with over-the-counter remedies, it’s time to consult an ENT specialist. At our clinic, we are proud to offer care from the best ENT doctor in Dubai, who will thoroughly evaluate your condition and offer expert treatment solutions.

Common signs that you should seek professional help include:

• A cough lasting more than eight weeks
• Coughing up blood or discolored mucus
• Unexplained weight loss or fever accompanying the cough
• A cough that worsens