Imagine having a cough that lingers for weeks, keeping you up at night and interrupting your conversations. It’s more than an annoyance—it’s a disruption to your daily life. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a chronic cough.

At ENT Memphis, Dr. Rande Lazar and his team specialize in uncovering the root causes of persistent coughs, offering solutions to help you breathe easier and live better. A chronic cough can be a sign of an underlying issue, and identifying the cause is the first step toward relief.

What Causes a Chronic Cough?

A cough that lasts more than eight weeks in adults (or four weeks in children) is considered chronic. Unlike a cough caused by a cold or flu, chronic coughing often points to deeper issues. Some common causes include:

• Postnasal drip: Excess mucus dripping down the back of your throat can irritate your airways.
• Allergies or sinus infections: These often go hand in hand with postnasal drip.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid that travels up your esophagus can irritate your throat and trigger a cough.
• Asthma: Chronic coughing can sometimes be the only symptom of asthma, especially in adults.
• Medications: Certain drugs, like ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, can lead to a persistent cough.

Sometimes, chronic coughing may be caused by less common but serious conditions, such as respiratory infections, vocal cord disorders, or even lung issues. That’s why seeking expert care is essential.

The Impact of a Chronic Cough

A chronic cough isn’t just a physical symptom—it affects your whole life. From disrupted sleep to a constant tickle in your throat, the consequences can be exhausting.

For many people, the social effects are equally challenging. You might feel self-conscious coughing during meetings, dinners, or other gatherings. Worse, persistent coughing can irritate your throat, leading to hoarseness or throat clearing, and in some cases, it might even cause chest pain or headaches.

Dr. Rande Lazar understands the frustration that comes with a chronic cough. His patient-focused approach ensures you feel heard, understood, and cared for at every step of your treatment journey.

How ENT Specialists Diagnose Chronic Coughs

Diagnosing the cause of a chronic cough often requires a comprehensive evaluation. At ENT Memphis, Dr. Lazar uses state-of-the-art tools and techniques to pinpoint the root of the problem.

Some diagnostic methods include:

• Nasal Endoscopy: This quick procedure examines your nasal passages and throat for signs of postnasal drip, sinus blockages, or irritation.
• Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected, testing can help identify specific triggers.
• Reflux Evaluation: Chronic coughing may be tied to GERD or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which can irritate your throat.
• Pulmonary Testing: If asthma or another respiratory condition is a concern, further testing can confirm or rule it out.

This thorough process allows Dr. Lazar and his team to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Treatment Options for Chronic Coughs

Treating a chronic cough begins with identifying its cause. At ENT Memphis, treatment plans may include:

• Medications: Nasal sprays, antihistamines, or acid-reducing medications can address allergies, postnasal drip, or reflux.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes like avoiding allergens, modifying your diet, or sleeping with your head elevated can help alleviate symptoms.
• Allergy Therapy: For chronic coughs linked to allergies, immunotherapy may offer long-term relief.
• Advanced Care: In some cases, additional procedures or specialist referrals may be necessary to address more complex issues.

With Dr. Rande Lazar’s expertise and personalized approach, patients at ENT Memphis often find relief sooner than they expect.

When Should You Seek Help?

A chronic cough isn’t something you should ignore. While some causes are benign, others may indicate a more serious condition. Signs it’s time to see a specialist include:

• Coughing up blood.
• A fever over 100.4°F.
• A “whooping” sound when coughing.
• Wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

If your cough persists for more than eight weeks, or if it disrupts your sleep and daily life, it’s time to consult an ENT specialist. Don’t wait for the problem to resolve on its own—early intervention can lead to faster, more effective relief.

Rediscover Relief with ENT Memphis

A chronic cough doesn’t have to control your life. At ENT Memphis, Dr. Rande Lazar and his compassionate team are dedicated to helping you find answers and lasting relief. With their expertise, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized treatment plans, you can breathe easier and feel like yourself again.

Living with a chronic cough is exhausting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact ENT Memphis today to schedule an appointment. Let Dr. Rande Lazar help you uncover the cause of your cough and guide you toward effective treatment.

Reclaim your voice, your sleep, and your comfort. With two convenient locations in Memphis and Bartlett, ENT Memphis is ready to help you rediscover a life free from chronic coughing.