About Chronic Cough
Key Highlights
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Provides a definitive diagnosis for a persistent and often frustrating symptom.Offers targeted treatment based on the specific underlying cause (e.g., reflux, sinusitis, allergy).Can significantly improve quality of life by reducing cough frequency and severity.Minimally invasive diagnostic tools like nasal endoscopy are often used.Involves a multidisciplinary approach, potentially including speech therapy or allergy management.
Who is this surgery for?
- A cough that persists for more than 8 weeks (chronic).
- Cough that is unexplained by common conditions like asthma or bronchitis after initial evaluation.
- Symptoms suggesting an upper airway cause, such as throat clearing, hoarseness, or a sensation of something in the throat (globus sensation).
- Suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or post-nasal drip syndrome.
- Cough triggered by talking, eating, or specific odors.
- Need for visualization of the larynx and vocal cords to rule out structural issues or dysfunction.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed history of your cough, including duration, triggers, and associated symptoms.
- List all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- You may be asked to temporarily stop certain medications (like blood thinners) if a procedure like a biopsy is planned, but this is rare for initial scoping.
- For a nasal endoscopy, a topical decongestant or anesthetic spray may be used; no major preparation is typically required.
- Fasting is usually not necessary for a diagnostic clinic visit or flexible laryngoscopy.
Risks & possible complications
- For diagnostic endoscopy: Minor nose or throat discomfort, gagging, or brief nosebleed.
- Rare risks of endoscopic procedures include reaction to topical anesthetic, vasovagal response, or very rarely, injury to mucosal tissues.
- Risks associated with any recommended subsequent surgical treatment (e.g., sinus surgery) would be discussed separately and are specific to that procedure.
- Potential for incomplete resolution of cough if the underlying cause is multifactorial or difficult to treat.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery from a diagnostic clinic visit or flexible laryngoscopy is immediate; you can resume normal activities right away.
- You may experience a numb throat or mild soreness for a short period after the scope.
- If a specific treatment is prescribed (e.g., medications for reflux), recovery involves adherence to that regimen over weeks to months.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor response to treatment and adjust the plan as needed.
- Implementing recommended lifestyle changes (dietary modifications for reflux, nasal irrigation for post-nasal drip) is a key part of the long-term recovery process.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: Varies by treatment; diagnostic evaluation has no downtime
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering chronic cough in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for chronic cough in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform chronic cough. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for chronic cough compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 10 Thousand | 0 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ Varies by treatment; diagnostic evaluation has no downtime | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 35 Thousand | 0 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ Varies by treatment; diagnostic evaluation has no downtime | Know More |
Top hospitals for Chronic Cough in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing chronic cough.
Michael Smith, a 58-year-old high school...
Michael Smith, a 58-year-old high school history teacher, had developed a persistent, hacking cough over the last eight months. It started after a bad cold but never went away. The cough was dry, worse at night and when he talked for long periods, disrupting his sleep and making teaching exhausting. He had tried over-the-counter syrups and his primary doctor prescribed two rounds of antibiotics and an inhaler for suspected asthma, with no improvement. Feeling frustrated and self-conscious, he was referred to an ENT specialist. The ENT, Dr. Evans, suspected Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) or a vocal cord issue. She recommended a Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy, a quick scope procedure to visualize his throat and vocal cords. Michael was nervous but desperate for answers. In the clinic, a numbing spray was used, and a thin, flexible scope was passed through his nose. It was slightly uncomfortable but quick. The procedure revealed mild inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords consistent with chronic cough and LPR, not cancer or a serious structural issue. Post-procedure, with a diagnosis in hand, Michael started a treatment plan of dietary changes and a proton-pump inhibitor. Within six weeks, his cough reduced by 80%. Emotionally, he moved from frustration and fear of a serious illness to immense relief. Knowing the cause wasn't life-threatening and having a manageable treatment plan restored his hope and allowed him to reconnect with his passion for teaching.
ENT Specialists for Chronic Cough
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform chronic cough and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore