A chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts for eight weeks or longer. It can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, such as asthma, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While many people with chronic cough seek treatment from their primary care provider or pulmonologist, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may also be able to help.
ENTs, also known as otolaryngologists, specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat, including chronic cough. Here are a few ways an ENT specialist may be able to help with chronic cough:
1. Diagnosing the underlying cause
One of the primary ways an ENT can help with chronic cough is by diagnosing the underlying cause of the cough. An ENT may perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam, to identify any abnormalities in the upper airway, such as nasal polyps, tonsil enlargement, or post-nasal drip. They may also perform diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan or bronchoscopy, to get a closer look at the airway and identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the chronic cough. Just like a cough specialist doctor in Manchester.
2. Treating upper airway conditions
If an ENT identifies an upper airway condition that may be contributing to the chronic cough, they may recommend treatment to alleviate the underlying issue. For example, if nasal polyps are causing post-nasal drip and a chronic cough, an ENT may recommend nasal corticosteroid sprays or surgery to remove the polyps. If tonsil enlargement is causing a chronic cough, an ENT may recommend tonsillectomy surgery to remove the tonsils.
3. Collaborating with other specialists
While an ENT specialist can help with the upper airway issues that may be causing chronic cough, they may also collaborate with other specialists, such as pulmonologists or gastroenterologists, to provide comprehensive care for the underlying condition. For example, if GERD is causing chronic cough, an ENT may refer the patient to a gastroenterologist for treatment, while also providing treatment for any upper airway issues that may be contributing to the cough. You can simply search for “cough specialist near me” to find such a specialist near you.
4. Recommending lifestyle modifications
In addition to medical treatments, an ENT may also recommend lifestyle modifications to help manage chronic cough. For example, they may recommend avoiding triggers, such as smoke or strong odours, that may exacerbate the cough. They may also recommend using a humidifier or saline nasal spray to keep the airway moist and reduce coughing.
In conclusion, while a primary care provider or pulmonologist may be the first point of contact for people with chronic cough, an ENT specialist can also play an important role in diagnosing and treating the underlying conditions that may be causing the cough. By collaborating with other specialists such as a cough specialist in Manchester and recommending lifestyle modifications, an ENT can provide comprehensive care to help manage chronic cough and improve quality of life.
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