Cough – AIR Care

Cough

Everyone knows what it’s like to get the type of cough that comes along with the common cold or the flu. But a cough that doesn’t go away creates a more complex problem with challenging symptoms. That’s when Richard Herrscher, MD and Maryam Saifi MD, at AIR Care can help, using his expertise to work through your medical history, conduct diagnostic tests, and ultimately provide treatment that targets the source of your cough. To get relief from a chronic, dry cough, contact us. Call our office today Dallas 214-373-1773 or Plano 972-473-7544 to schedule an appointment.

Cough Q & A

What should I know about coughs?

Coughs are described as being wet or dry. A wet cough that produces mucus is usually caused by an infection like the common cold, flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia. A dry cough, however, develops when something is irritating your throat. This type of cough is a common symptom of allergies and asthma, especially when it’s a chronic cough.

What causes a chronic cough?

When your cough lasts eight weeks or longer, it’s considered a chronic cough. It’s estimated that 90% of chronic coughs are caused by:

Postnasal drip or upper airway cough syndrome
Postnasal drip, which is responsible for up to 70% of all chronic coughs, occurs when mucus drips down from your nose and into the back of your throat. Allergies and sinusitis often cause postnasal drip.

Asthma
A chronic cough, especially one that’s worse at night, is one of the top symptoms of asthma. There’s also a type of asthma called cough-variant asthma that causes just one symptom: a chronic, dry cough.

Gastroesophageal reflux
With acid reflux, your throat gets irritated when stomach contents flow up into the esophagus.

Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis occurs when your airways are constantly inflamed. This condition is frequently caused by smoking.

What triggers allergy and asthma coughs?

Allergies and asthma are closely related. If you have seasonal allergies, you have a higher risk of developing asthma. Additionally, the same substances that trigger your allergies also cause asthma flare-ups. Both conditions lead to a dry cough due to postnasal drip and lungs that are irritated by dust and other airborne allergens.

What symptoms might occur with chronic cough?

When you have a chronic cough, you can end up feeling fatigued from the constant energy drain of coughing, plus the cough interrupts your sleep. Chances are you’ll have additional symptoms related to the underlying cause of your cough, such as:

Sneezing and itchy nose and eyes
Runny or congested nose
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Wheezing
Sore throat
Heartburn

Whether you only have a cough or you also have additional symptoms, it’s important to get a thorough exam at AIR Care so you can get started on the best treatment.

How is a cough treated?

Dr. Herrscher methodically evaluates your cough, learning about your medical history and determining the underlying cause. When needed, he runs diagnostic tests such as an immune system assessment and allergy testing.

Once the cause of your cough is diagnosed, Dr. Herrscher creates a customized treatment plan that targets the underlying health condition and relieves your symptoms.

To get help for an ongoing cough, call AIR Care or schedule an appointment online.

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