What’s in a Name? Don’t be Confused: Chronic Cough by Any Other Name is Still Chronic Cough

“What’s in a name?” asked William Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet.  And just as it is with a rose,  Chronic Cough can be referred to by other names, all of them mouthfuls:  Refractory Cough, Idiopathic Cough, or Unexplained Cough.  But, don’t be confused – it could still be Chronic Cough.

If you are coughing for eight (8) weeks or longer or have already seen a physician for your cough but are still coughing, then call Dr. Mandel Sher at Center for Cough now:  727-393-8067. 

Chronic Cough refers to anyone who is coughing for eight (8) weeks or longer.  Many coughers  continue to cough despite a medical work-up for conditions  such as post nasal drip, asthma, or GERD. The medical community refers to people who have Chronic Cough that persists in spite of medical intervention as:

  • Refractory Chronic Cough
  • Idiopathic Chronic Cough
  • Unexplained Chronic Cough

Different words for the same thing can be very confusing, slow down or get-in-the-way of  productive idea sharing, and create ambiguity.  Common vocabulary within the medical community is very important for “getting on the same page” and communicating about clinical practice guidelines, data collection, research, and education.

What’s going on in chronic coughers who are refractory/idiopathic/unexplained?  These coughers are almost always “hot wired” to cough.  Simply put, these coughers have the nerve endings at the back of the throat become easily stimulated and irritated resulting persistent, annoying and frequently debilitating coughing.

Common language and shared understanding are essential ingredients for creating a Chronic Cough Community.  The development of universal terms will be challenging, but the discussions are already underway.

Dr. Mandel Sher is leading a national conversation among doctors, scientists, and patients about Chronic Cough.  Please help Dr. Sher increase awareness of and advocacy for Chronic Cough treatment by visiting the Center for Cough website and Like and Share the Center for Cough facebook page.

Is it Bronchitis or Chronic Cough?

Cough is the most frequent illness-related reason people visit their doctor.  Bronchitis is one of the main reasons why people cough.    But in most people with Chronic Cough, it is not the cause.  Most people suffering with Chronic Cough have a cough mechanism that is overly sensitive, also known as hypersensitive, making them hard-wired to cough.  Irritants trigger a hypersensitive cough mechanism to  produce cough that won’t go away.

Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes.  According to Medscape, the most common signs and symptoms are cough and mucus that last for three weeks or less.   Other symptoms can include: sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.   Chronic Bronchitis is defined as cough with sputum expectoration for at least 3 months a year during a period of 2 consecutive years.  Infectious agents, such as viruses or bacteria, and noninfectious agents, such as smoking, dust, or chemical pollutants, can be bronchitis triggers.  A flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections and subsequently, reduce the risk of developing acute bacterial bronchitis.

Do these signs and symptoms sound familiar?  While a Bronchitis diagnosis should be considered, other conditions such as Allergies, Asthma, Sinusitis, and Pneumonia often present a similar clinical picture.  In fact, Asthma can be mistakenly diagnosed as Acute Bronchitis.  In one study, one third of patients who had recurrent bouts of acute bronchitis were eventually identified as having asthma. Generally, bronchitis is a diagnosis made by exclusion of other conditions. 

Nagging, constant cough should not be ignored.  If you have already seen a physician for your cough and are still coughing or if you have been coughing for eight weeks or longer, make an appointment to see Dr. Mandel Sher at Center for Cough: 727-393-8067.

Cough Drops Can Work: Take the Guesswork Out of Treatment

Cough drops can really work!  Dr. Mandel Sher generally recommends cough drops as part of a comprehensive cough treatment approach.

A precise diagnosis of your cough’s cause(s) and trigger(s) is the first step toward effective cough treatment and relief.  Take the guesswork out of cough treatment by seeing Dr. Mandel Sher at Center for Cough.  Trying cough remedies that are not targeted to your unique cough wastes time and money and exposes you to unnecessary health risks and side effects.

Here’s why cough drops work:

  • Sweetness has been shown to reduce cough
  • The act of swallowing reduces cough
  • Menthol in cough drops reduces cough except in people with Chronic Cough. Menthol acts as a local anesthetic agent which temporarily “numbs” the nerves in the throat to provide relief.
  • Pectin in cough drops is a better choice for people with Chronic Cough. Chronic Cough is associated with dry and irritated throat and vocal cords.  For those people, menthol in cough drops worsens drying.  Mandel Sher recommends cough drops with pectin to patients with Chronic Cough.  Hall’s Breezers contain pectin, a more effective agent to temporarily provide a soothing layer on the surface of the throat.

Choosing the “best” cough drop depends on the precise cause of the cough.  For example, a wet cough,  possibly caused by chronic bronchitis or upper respiratory infection, acts differently and needs different cough treatment including cough drop than a Chronic Cough which is often dry.

Cough drops are big business.  Convenience Store annual cough drop sales are over $50 million.  Center for Cough’s face book page has reported a flurry of cough drop brand activity over the last several months.  Smith Bros. is being revitalized after a series of ownership transitions.  American Olympian swimmer, Ryan Lochte, has signed an endorsement deal with Pine Brothers.  And Ricola has teamed up with a web-based wellness app with the hope that users will suck on a Ricola cough drop everyday rather than wait until coughing begins.

Not all coughs are created equal.  If you have recently been diagnosed and treated by your primary care physician for cough, but are still coughing, contact Dr. Mandel Sher at Center for Cough.  Cough that doesn’t go away is not normal and should be evaluated by a Cough Doctor.  Dr. Mandel Sher and Center for Cough team have a solution for your unique cough:  727-393-8067.