As cold and flu season transitions into spring allergy season, you may find yourself dealing with a persistent cough. If you've recently recovered from a cold or bronchitis, you might notice a cough that lingers for two or more weeks after the upper respiratory illness. A cough may seem like a minor annoyance at first, but an ongoing cough may be a sign that it is time to schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

When Should You See Topeka ENT For A Chronic Cough?

A Prolonged Cough

Coughs are classified as either lingering coughs (lasting three to eight weeks) or chronic coughs (longer than eight weeks). Lingering coughs are often related to an unresolved infection or a virus. The cough could also be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as lung disease or asthma.

Common causes of chronic cough include asthma, COPD, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and upper airway cough syndrome.

Cough That Affects Your Quality of Life

Although a persistent cough may start as a scratchy annoyance, pay attention if it begins to disrupt your sleep, daily routine, or work. A chronic cough may also be accompanied by additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing, congestion, a runny nose, and heartburn. 

If you begin to experience more serious symptoms, including wheezing, chest tightness, or coughing up blood, seek medical attention right away, as these symptoms may point to a more serious condition.

Cough Accompanied by a Fever

A fever can be a sign that your body is fighting a bacterial or viral infection. Most healthcare providers define a fever as a body temperature of 100.4 F or higher. High fevers that last more than three days can lead to health complications if left untreated. If your fever persists for more than three days, it is time to seek medical care.

Cough With Bloody Mucus

A persistent cough with bloody mucus should always be taken seriously. Small amounts of red phlegm or mucus are often linked to upper respiratory conditions like bronchitis or asthma. Any amount of bloody mucus that concerns you warrants prompt medical evaluation.

What to Expect at Your ENT Visit

At your initial ENT appointment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and the timeline of your coughing. The specialist will also ask about your medical history, smoking habits, and any medications you are taking.

Next, the doctor will perform a physical exam of your throat, larynx, ears, and nose. At Topkea ENT, the doctor may use a nasal endoscopy to examine the nasal passages, back of the throat, and vocal cords for signs of irritation, inflammation, or structural concerns.

Potential Additional Tests:

• CT scan to check for chronic sinus infection

• Allergy testing if allergies are suspected to be triggering the cough

• Pulmonary function testing to evaluate for asthma

Treatment Discussion:

Once the medical history and physical exams are complete, the doctor will develop a treatment plan. This plan may include recommendations for medication, lifestyle changes, or in-office treatment to help address the cause of your cough. 

Chronic cough can be frustrating and isolating, but you do not have to manage it alone. If medications and lifestyle changes have not brought relief, reach out to the specialists at Topeka ENT to discuss evaluation and treatment options tailored to your needs.