Chronic Cough – Adult and Pediatric

Prolonged non-productive cough, even when it is not a sign of serious underlying disease, may become an exhausting and debilitating process that aggravates the patient's condition and can lead to social isolation. Therefore, a cough lasting longer than 6 weeks in duration should be approached aggressively.

Post-nasal drip, asthma and gastroesophageal reflux—all manageable conditions—account for most of the cases of chronic cough. Unfortunately, many patients with chronic cough have experienced repeated treatment failure and have come to regard their condition as permanent and incurable. In most cases, this perception is incorrect. However, control of the cough in these patients requires experience, patience, and an interdisciplinary approach.

Our evaluation, performed by an allergist or pulmonologist, and an ear-nose-and-throat specialist, includes an examination of the vocal cords, chest and sinus X-rays, allergy skin tests, pulmonary function tests, bronchial challenge, and esophageal pH monitoring. These procedures identify the cause of cough in nearly all cases. Treatment of underlying conditions and breathing exercises, developed at National Jewish Health by Dr. Florence Blager to interrupt the pattern of cough, generally result in therapeutic success.

Want to learn more about chronic cough?  Click on the link below.

It’s Just a Cough… Or Is It?

This information has been approved by Russell Bowler, MD, PhD (June, 2005).