Cough Specialist

What is a cough?

A cough is your body’s way of removing pollutants or other irritants from your mouth, throat, or lungs. It’s a natural reflex that occurs if you have an itchy throat or something caught in your windpipe. 

Coughing is a normal bodily function, but if your cough becomes chronic or it keeps you from work or exercise, it’s vital to seek professional help. The sooner Fivestar Pulmonary Associates pinpoints the cause of your cough they can make treatment recommendations.

What are the common causes of a cough?

At Fivestar Pulmonary Associates, the team diagnoses and treats coughs caused by a wide range of factors, including:

• Smoke
• Pollen
• Dust
• Excess mucus 
• Cold
• The flu
• Acute bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Postnasal drip
• Throat disorders

You might also develop a cough if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition characterized by chronic heartburn.

When should I see a respiratory specialist about a cough?

Make an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates if you develop a cough and it doesn’t resolve with at-home treatments, like rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter decongestants. That’s especially true if your cough occurs alongside other symptoms, like wheezing, a fever, or coughing up phlegm.

How is a cough diagnosed?

To diagnose a cough, your Fivestar Pulmonary Associates physician reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the cough started, if you use tobacco or marijuana, and what kind of work you do.

Next, your physician conducts a physical exam. During the exam, they check your heart and respiratory rate, take your temperature, and perform lung function tests, including spirometry. Your physician might also assess your oxygen levels and order X-rays of your lungs if you’ve had the cough for more than a few days.

How is a cough treated?

Treatment of a cough depends on several factors, including the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Fivestar Pulmonary Associates might recommend:

• Rest
• Drinking lots of water
• Taking over-the-counter cough suppressants or decongestants
• Taking antibiotics if you have bronchitis or another bacterial infection
• Quitting smoking
• Using an inhaler if you have asthma or COPD

To learn more about the treatment options for a cough, make an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates by calling the office or booking online today.