Our body’s cough mechanism is stimulated by irritants that produce cough.  These irritants are also known as Chronic Cough and its triggers.  Upon learning about Chronic Cough and Triggers, a Center for Cough patient declared, “I’m trigger happy.”

Dr. Sher and Center for Cough team identify the precise Chronic Cough cause and Chronic Cough triggers.  Each person has a unique cough profile.  Understanding your cough profile is the first and most important step toward effective cough treatment.  Chronic Cough can be triggered by a variety of medical conditions.  Below are the  most common Chronic Cough triggers.

• Upper respiratory viral infections (like the common cold) are potent triggers of cough. The cough reflex can be sensitized for weeks, even months, after a viral respiratory infection
• Post nasal drip may trigger a cough
• Nasal and sinus inflammation from a viral infection, allergies, or sinusitis can activate the cough reflex
• Acid reflux can directly trigger a cough. Acidic and non acidic food refluxing into the esophagus can activate/heighten the cough reflex
• Asthma may trigger a cough
• Lung inflammation, particularly eosinophilic/allergic, can sensitize the cough reflex

Persistent cough that does not go away can be an indication of an underlying serious medical problem. Only precise diagnosis of your cough’s cause and its triggers can reveal if cough is a symptom or if cough is THE problem.

If you or someone you know has Chronic Cough, contact Dr. Mandel Sher at Center for Cough.  A comprehensive cough diagnostic approach and cough treatment plan is the first step toward measurable and lasting cough relief.  Please call:  727-393-8067.