Normalize your cough. Don’t stop it!
You’ve probably used the expression, “Cough it up!” While this slang usually means “hand it over or give it up,” it refers to the body’s all important cough function. Cough has a vital role in getting rid of foreign objects before they are inhaled into our respiratory system and end-up in our lungs. So, coughing is natural, but is your cough normal? Read more
We all cough. Cough is an important function. But like many things, too much of a good thing is no good. The first and most important step toward effective cough treatment is understanding what’s causing cough. And there’s a meaningful difference between identifying the underlying cause of your cough and the triggers or irritants or stimuli that tickle your body’s cough mechanism and produce cough. Real and lasting success relies on addressing what’s causing cough rather than the symptom.
Dr. Mandel Sher and Center for Cough team accurately diagnose the cause and triggers of your unique cough. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of an individualized and effective cough treatment plan.
Cough evaluation includes a thorough medical history and physical exam exploring your cough symptoms and their effects on your daily activities. Previous physician visits, laboratory testing, X-rays, and diagnostic procedures will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, further testing may be performed at the initial visit using advanced diagnostic tools. These tools include:
Precision cough diagnosis avoids a trial and error approach with cough treatments that prove to be ineffective. Accurate diagnosis and targeted cough treatment also shortens the time it takes for people suffering with Chronic Cough to feel better. More than 8 out of 10 Center for Cough patients demonstrate measurable improvement in their cough and life.
Dr. Sher is a Cough Specialist. He is the only doctor in the southeastern United States, and one of only a few in the nation, who focuses on being a cough doctor. Dr. Sher and Center for Cough team have a comprehensive approach to cough diagnosis and cough treatment. In almost all cases, cough evaluation and recommendation of cough treatment occurs during a single outpatient visit to the Center for Cough office.
If you or someone you know suffers with Chronic Cough, contact Dr. Mandel Sher at Center for Cough: 727-393-8067.
There are many irritants that can trigger Chronic Cough. That is why it is so important to see a Cough Doctor who can precisely diagnose the cause(s) and trigger(s) of your Chronic Cough. Upper Airway Cough Syndrome is a common contributor to Chronic Cough. Examples of upper airway irritants include: Allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, and sinusitis.
Imagine a game of dominoes. Upper Airway Cough Syndrome and Chronic Cough can mimic a game of dominoes. Nasal inflammation from allergies and/or infection contribute to irritating the cough mechanism. Symptoms of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome are a sensation of post nasal drip at the back of the throat, nasal discharge, or throat clearing. Treatment often includes nasal saline, antihistamines, nasal steroids, and ipratropium bromide.
If you have a persistent cough that won’t go away, contact Dr. Mandel Sher at Center for Cough to have your cough evaluated and begin cough treatment targeted specifically to your cough: 727-393-8067.
Sometimes, cough is a symptom of an underlying and serious medical problem. Sometimes, Chronic Cough is THE problem. A cough that won’t go away should not be ignored. Prompt cough evaluation and cough treatment plan minimize your and your loved ones’ concerns that something more serious can be going on.
Did you know that GERD can be a silent contributor to Chronic Cough? While there are often classic symptoms associated with GERD, sometimes GERD is silent and there are no telltale symptoms. That is why it is important to see a Cough Doctor who carefully reviews your medical history with you and looks for clues. Questions about diet, reclining or lying down position, time of day, and cough while or after eating may offer you and the Cough Doctor clues about the role of GERD in Chronic Cough.
Dr. Mandel Sher, Medical Director and Founder of Center for Cough, is a Cough Doctor. Dr. Sher offers patients a comprehensive diagnostic and cough treatment approach. Over 8 out of 10 Center for Cough patients demonstrate a remarkable reduction in the frequency and intensity of cough. When Chronic Cough is normalized, patients report an overall improvement in daily living activities. Professional performance, energy level, social engagement, and personal relationships improve when cough is normalized.
Persistent cough that won’t go away should not be ignored. Sometimes, cough is an indication of an underlying and serious medical problem. Sometimes, Chronic Cough is THE problem!
Cough can be triggered by gastro esophogeal reflex disease (GERD) or can be associated, but not triggered, by GERD. GERD triggered or associated coughs sometimes have symptoms of hoarseness, throat clearing, and sore throat, or is asymptomatic in others. Treatment often includes simple and effective dietary changes and Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medications aimed at reducing gastric acid production.
Do not guess or make assumptions about the cause of your cough. Do not waste time and money on cough treatments that are not targeted to your type of cough. Contact Dr. Mandel Sher at Center for Cough for a comprehensive cough evaluation and cough treatment plan: 727-393-8067.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors found in some prescription medications can be associated with Chronic Cough. It is important to never stop a medication without first discussing the consequences with the ordering physician. But a Cough Doctor can precisely diagnose the cause(s) of your Chronic Cough and the role of ACE Inhibitor medication in your situation.
A persistent, dry, tickling cough is a relatively common result of ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, which are used to treat hypertension, heart and kidney diseases. Cough may occur within hours of the first dose of medication, or its onset can be delayed for weeks to months after the initiation of therapy. Treatment with ACE inhibitors may sensitize the cough reflex, thereby potentiating other causes of chronic cough.
The mechanism of ACE inhibitor induced cough is not fully understood but probably is associated with increases in bradykinins that activate the cough reflex. Although cough usually resolves within 1 to 4 weeks of the cessation of therapy with the offending drug, in a subgroup of individuals cough may linger for up to three months. A different drug class, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), do not cause cough, even in those patients with a history of ACE inhibitor-induced cough.
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.
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.
