Cough is one of the most common symptoms of many illnesses. Persistent cough leads to as many as 30 million doctor visits each year. However, some of these cough cases or more severe than others, and it is important to know when to see Anne Arundel ENT to treat your chronic cough.
When Should I See An ENT?
1. When you have a prolonged cough.
2. When you have a cough that affects your quality of life.
3. When you have a cough accompanied by a fever.
4. When you have a cough with too much bloody mucus.
A Prolonged Cough
Coughing is your body’s response when something irritates your throat or airways. The irritant stimulates the nerves that send messages to the brain. You cough when your brain tells your chest and abdominal muscles to push air out of your lungs to force the irritant out. Occasional coughing is not an alarming matter. However, if you have a cough that lasts more than 14 days it is time you see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Cough That Affects Your Life
A persistent cough can be incredibly bothersome, not to mention its capacity to disrupt your sleeping patterns and impede your work. It is oftentimes accompanied by additional signs such as difficulty breathing, congestion, runny nose, and heartburn. Constant coughing can also lead to chills, a persistent cough in the evening, and difficulty sleeping. If you come across more serious symptoms, including wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing up blood, then you must visit an ENT specialist as this could be an indication of internal bleeding.
Cough Accompanied By A Fever
Fever is not a disease in itself. Rather, it is a symptom of something wrong with the body such as a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction to a food or medicine. A fever is defined as a higher-than-normal body temperature, however, exercise, hot weather, and usual childhood vaccinations can also increase body temperature.
Normal body temperature is between 97.5°F and 98.9°F and tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the evening. Most healthcare providers assume a fever is anything 100.4°F or higher. High fevers that linger or worsen can cause significant health complications if left untreated, including febrile seizures and brain damage. If your fever lasts more than 3 days, it is time for you to see a healthcare provider.
Cough With Too Much Bloody Mucus
If your cough is producing copious amounts of bloody mucus, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This could be indicative of a more serious medical condition. However, if you are feeling unwell and have a respiratory problem, coughing up small traces of red phlegm or mucus is common. This is typically associated with upper respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or asthma. Ultimately, if you are concerned about the amount of blood in your mucus, you should consult an ENT.
Why Should You See AAENT For A Chronic Cough?
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors or otolaryngologists specialize in everything to do with these body parts. Anne Arundel ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in Annapolis, MD specializes in treating cough symptoms with the following treatments:
- Anti-reflux medicines.
- Oral and topical corticosteroids.
- Medicines that modulate nerve conduction in the larynx, the “reset button for coughing.”
- Injections to repair “leaky vocal cords” are common in older adults and certain neurological disorders. These injections can now be performed safely and easily under local anesthesia.
- Surgical removal of vocal cord tumors (rare cases)
In addition to ENT services, our clinic offers medispa and facial plastic surgery to clients in Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington, and surrounding communities. If you are interested in any of our services call 410-573-9191 for a consultation.
