Florida Allergy & Asthma Associates
Chronic Cough Treatment in Atlantis & Boynton, FL
Resolving Persistent Coughs in South Florida
Is a lingering cough disrupting your sleep, work, or social life? At Florida Allergy & Asthma Associates, we specialize in solving the medical mysteries behind chronic coughs. While an occasional cough is normal, a cough that persists despite over-the-counter treatments is a signal that your body needs expert attention.
In Atlantis and Boynton Beach, chronic cough is frequently misdiagnosed. It is not always a lung infection. Often, it is the result of untreated post-nasal drip, undiagnosed asthma, or acid reflux. These conditions are often exacerbated by our local climate and lifestyle. Our specialists use a detective-like approach to identify the root cause and silence your cough for good.
Chronic Cough Symptoms & Warning Signs
A cough is considered “chronic” if it lasts for eight weeks or longer. However, you should not wait two months to seek relief. Chronic cough affects nearly 20% of the population and often presents with accompanying symptoms that help us pinpoint the cause:
- Post-Nasal Drip: A sensation of liquid running down the back of your throat.
- Hoarseness: Changes in your voice or a constant need to clear your throat.
- Heartburn/Sour Taste: Signs that your cough may be linked to digestive issues (GERD).
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty finishing sentences or winding down after exercise.
- Nocturnal Coughing: Fits of coughing that worsen specifically when you lie down to sleep.
Common Causes & Florida Triggers
Why will your cough not go away? In Palm Beach County, we rarely see chronic cough as an isolated issue. It is usually a symptom of an underlying trigger:
- Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS): Formerly known as post-nasal drip, this is the top cause of chronic cough in Florida. It is driven by year-round allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Cough-Variant Asthma: A type of asthma where the only symptom is a dry, non-productive cough. This is often triggered by mold or humidity.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): Acid rising from the stomach can irritate the throat and cause a reflex cough.
- Environmental Irritants: Red tide (coastal aerosols), tobacco smoke, and indoor pollutants common in sealed, air-conditioned environments.
How We Diagnose Your Cough
The “guess and check” method does not work for chronic cough. At Florida Allergy & Asthma Associates, we use evidence-based diagnostics to look inside the lungs and airways.
Comprehensive Evaluation
- Medical History Review: We analyze your exposure to local Florida allergens, your work environment, and medication history.
- Physical Examination: Listening for specific lung sounds (crackles or wheezes) that indicate inflammation.
Advanced Testing
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT): To rule out or confirm asthma.
- Imaging: If necessary, we may order Chest X-rays or CT scans to rule out structural lung issues.
Targeted Treatment Plans For Chronic Cough
We do not just suppress the cough. We treat the source. Depending on your diagnosis, your personalized plan in Atlantis or Boynton Beach may include:
- For Allergy-Induced Cough: Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and saline rinses to stop the drip.
- For Asthma-Related Cough: Inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to open the airways.
- For Reflux-Related Cough: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and dietary guidance to reduce acid irritation.
- Lifestyle Optimization: Strategies to reduce exposure to household mold and dust mites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cough worse at night?
This is a classic sign of either post-nasal drip or Asthma. Gravity pulls mucus down the throat when you lie flat, and asthma naturally flares up during sleep due to hormonal changes and cooling airways.
Can anxiety cause a chronic cough?
Yes. This is often called a “habit cough” or “psychogenic cough.” However, we only consider this diagnosis after we have medically ruled out all physical causes like allergies or reflux.
If I’m coughing up mucus, is it an infection?
Not necessarily. Clear or white mucus often indicates allergies or asthma. Yellow or green mucus can signal an infection, but it can also be a sign of significant inflammation. If you are coughing up blood, please seek immediate emergency care.
What happens if chronic cough is not treated?
Some complications could arise from chronic cough if left untreated. This includes exhaustion, social withdrawal, and interruption of sleep.