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Chronic Cough Specialist

Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc. Our Services Chronic Cough

Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc.

Allergy Specialists located in West Covina, CA & Pasadena, CA

Coughing is a typical symptom of many health conditions, including the common cold and reflux. A chronic cough, which is a cough that lasts more than eight weeks, is most often caused by allergies or asthma. Claire Smigiel, MD, Erica Chen, MD, and the team at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., are experts in diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma. They offer comprehensive testing and can identify the cause of your chronic cough and help you get relief. Call the office in Pasadena or West Covina, California, or book an appointment online today.

Chronic Cough Q & A

What is a chronic cough?

Coughing occurs when something irritates your throat or airway. It’s normal and healthy to cough on occasion. However, a cough that lasts for several weeks may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

A chronic cough is a cough lasting eight or more weeks or four or more weeks in children. 

What causes a chronic cough?

You may develop a chronic cough from any number of health issues. Typical reasons include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Postnasal drip
  • Infections
  • Blood pressure medication
  • Use of tobacco products

However, allergies and asthma can also cause a chronic cough. 

What are allergies and asthma?

Allergies and asthma are chronic health conditions. 

Allergies

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a substance it considers harmful even though it’s not an issue for most people. Allergies may cause a wide range of symptoms, including respiratory symptoms like a chronic cough, congestion, or runny nose. 

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes swelling of the airway passages, making it hard to breathe and triggers coughing. With asthma, you may experience chronic coughing after a respiratory infection, a change in weather, or exposure to an allergen that triggers your asthma.

What happens during an evaluation for my chronic cough?

When you come in with concerns about an ongoing cough, the team at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., conducts a comprehensive evaluation to find the root cause of your symptom.

During your exam, they ask detailed questions about your cough, including when it started and any underlying illness or condition that triggered it. They also ask about your medical history, family history, and the type of medications you take. 

To confirm or rule out asthma or allergies as the cause of your chronic cough, your provider may run several diagnostic tests. Testing may include:

  • Spirometry to assess lung function
  • Exhaled nitric oxide test to confirm or rule out asthma
  • Comprehensive allergy testing

The experts at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., aim to find the root cause of your symptoms for the most effective treatment. 

How is a chronic cough treated?

Your provider at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., develops a personalized treatment plan for your chronic cough based on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

  • Allergy medication
  • Decongestant
  • Corticosteroids
  • Asthma inhaler (long-term and rescue)
  • Antibiotics
  • Immunotherapy

The specialists at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., aim to find the right treatment that helps you live your life free of your chronic cough. 

For comprehensive care for your chronic cough, call Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., or book an appointment online today.