Coughing from Red Tide?: Pinellas, Manatee, & Sarasota Counties

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Can you smell it? Red Tide is back in the Tampa Bay area. Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota Counties have red tide right now. IF YOU HAVE AN ACTIVE COUGH OR ARE COUGHING AT THE BEACH WHEN OTHERS ARE NOT, THEN YOU MAY BE HARD-WIRED TO COUGH. RED TIDE AND OTHER IRRITANTS MAY RESULT IN INTENSE COUGHING SPELLS. Contact Dr. Mandel Sher, Medical Director and Founder of Center for Cough, to precisely diagnose the cause of your cough and begin a comprehensive and effective cough treatment plan: 727-393-8067.

Red Tide can result in breathing difficulties, respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, tearing and an itchy throat) and/or serious illness for people with chronic respiratory conditions such as Chronic Cough. The Florida Department of Health advises people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions to avoid red tide areas.

Chronic Cough may be caused by more than one condition. Chronic Coughing spells may be triggered by more than one irritant. An overly sensitive cough mechanism, also known as hypersensitive cough reflex, is often a contributing factor to Chronic Cough. Some people are hard-wired to cough which simply means that the nerve endings at the back of the throat are easily irritated and ignite coughing spells. In these people, the cough reflex needs to be cooled-down with medication and easy-to-do at home voice exercises.

Each person and each cough is unique. That is why it is important to have your cough evaluated before beginning cough treatment. Sometimes, cough is an indication of an underlying and more serious medical problem. Sometimes, cough is THE problem. Rather than trying different cough treatments which may waste time, money and expose you to side effects or risks, get a cough treatment plan that is targeted specifically to your cough.

Red Tide occurs when there is a higher-than-normal concentration of a naturally occurring microscopic plantlike organism, specifically K. brevis, in the Gulf of Mexico and onshore wind conditions. K. brevis produces toxins that are released into the air when the organism dies and waves break open the cells. Red Tide is not new to this area. As far back as the mid-1800s fish kills were recorded. It occurs annually, usually in late summer or early fall, and lasts as long as wind and water conditions permit. Click on this link for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s “Red Tide Update Map:” http://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/