Chronic Cough Care at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists

What is Chronic Cough?

Chronic cough is defined as a cough lasting more than six weeks, beyond the duration expected for a typical respiratory infection. It is often linked to underlying conditions, with the most common causes being:

• Asthma – A condition that causes airway inflammation and sensitivity, sometimes presenting as cough-variant asthma
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Acid reflux that irritates the throat and triggers coughing
• Postnasal drip syndrome – Excess mucus from the sinuses dripping into the throat, leading to frequent coughing
• Medication side effects – Certain drugs, such as ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, can cause persistent cough.

In some cases, multiple factors contribute to chronic cough, requiring a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment approach.

Diagnosing Chronic Cough

Since chronic cough can stem from various causes, our diagnostic approach is thorough and tailored to each patient. It may include:

• Comprehensive medical history and symptom review – Identifying triggers, duration, and associated conditions
• Pulmonary function testing (spirometry and methacholine challenge) – Assessing lung function and ruling out cough-variant asthma
• GERD testing – Measuring acid reflux activity to determine its role in chronic cough
• Imaging (chest X-ray or CT scan) – Evaluating lung structure and identifying potential abnormalities
• Specialist evaluations – Exploring other contributing factors such as postnasal drip, allergies, or sleep apnea

Treatment of Chronic Cough

Effective treatment of chronic cough depends on identifying the underlying cause. Common management strategies include:

• Asthma treatment – Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators to reduce airway inflammation and sensitivity
• GERD management – High-dose proton pump inhibitors and dietary modifications to reduce acid reflux
• Postnasal drip relief – Antihistamines or nasal sprays to decrease mucus production
• Medication adjustments – Switching or discontinuing cough-inducing medications if applicable
• Additional interventions – In complex cases, advanced diagnostic testing or specialist referrals may be needed for optimal management.

Why Choose Arizona Pulmonary Specialists?

• Expert pulmonologists – Specialists with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating chronic cough
• Comprehensive, personalized care – Individualized treatment plans based on advanced diagnostics and patient needs
• Multidisciplinary approach – Collaboration with ENT, gastroenterology, and allergy specialists for thorough evaluation
• Accessible and coordinated treatment – Convenient Scottsdale location and hospital affiliations for seamless care

Physicians Specializing in Chronic Cough

At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, our team is dedicated to accurately diagnosing and effectively treating chronic cough. Our physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists provide expert guidance and ongoing support to help you find lasting relief.