Q:
What is the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough?
A:
Your doctor will order tests and physical exams to look for the cause of your chronic cough and ask about your medical history. Tests may include:
- Imaging tests
- Lung function tests
- Lab tests
- Scope tests
Common treatment of chronic cough is medications including:
- Antihistamines, glucocorticoids and decongestants. These drugs are standard treatment for allergies and postnasal drip.
- Inhaled asthma drugs. They reduce inflammation and open up your airways.
- Antibiotics. If a bacterial infection is causing your chronic cough, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
- Acid blockers. When lifestyle changes don’t take care of acid reflux, you may be treated with medications that block acid production.
- Cough suppressants. If the reason for your cough can’t be determined and it’s causing serious problems for you, your doctor may prescribe a cough suppressant.
