Authored by Henderson Pulmonology
A chronic cough is one of the most common reasons people search for a pulmonologist near me or schedule a visit with the best pulmonologist in Las Vegas. Coughing is something everyone experiences from time to time. However, when a cough lingers for weeks or begins to interfere with your daily life, it becomes more than a minor irritation. It becomes a symptom that deserves proper attention and specialized care.
At Henderson Pulmonology, many of the patients we see from Henderson and the greater Las Vegas area arrive frustrated and unsure why their cough will not go away. They often describe feeling tired, embarrassed, or worried that the cough could be a sign of something more serious. The good news is that chronic cough has identifiable causes, and with the right evaluation, it can be treated effectively. The key is understanding what your cough might be telling you and knowing when to seek help from a pulmonologist.
This article explains what qualifies as a chronic cough, the most common causes, how pulmonologists diagnose the problem, and what treatment options may be available. If you have been coughing for more than eight weeks or if your symptoms are worsening, it may be time to Request an Appointment with a lung specialist.
What Is a Chronic Cough?
A chronic cough is defined as a cough that lasts for eight weeks or longer in adults. This is different from an acute cough, which usually lasts a few days to a couple of weeks and is often the result of a cold, flu, or seasonal irritation.
A chronic cough may be:
- Dry or productive
- Worse at night or early morning
- Triggered by talking, laughing, or breathing cold air
- Associated with shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Persistent despite home remedies or over the counter medications
Many patients come to Henderson Pulmonology believing their cough is just allergies or lingering bronchitis. In some cases they are right, but persistent coughing should not be ignored. It can signal an underlying lung condition that requires medical care, especially if you live in a desert climate like Henderson or Las Vegas where dust, dry air, smoke, and environmental irritants can worsen respiratory symptoms.
Common Causes of Chronic Cough
Chronic cough can develop for many reasons, and sometimes it has more than one cause working at the same time. Below are the conditions we most frequently diagnose and treat at Henderson Pulmonology.
Asthma
Asthma is one of the leading causes of chronic cough in adults. Some individuals have a form of asthma called cough variant asthma which presents mainly as a persistent dry cough without the classic wheezing. Cold air, dust, exercise, and stress can make symptoms worse.
A pulmonologist can easily diagnose asthma through breathing tests and create a personalized treatment plan that helps you control the condition long term.
Post Nasal Drip
Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, post nasal drip occurs when mucus from the sinuses drains down the back of the throat. In Henderson and Las Vegas, allergy seasons can be very intense, which means many local residents experience ongoing sinus congestion without realizing it. The constant irritation triggers coughing that often gets worse at night when you lie down.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acid reflux is an often overlooked cause of chronic cough. When stomach acid rises into the esophagus, it can irritate the throat and airway. Many people never feel traditional heartburn, so they do not realize GERD could be driving their symptoms. Pulmonologists frequently work hand in hand with GI specialists when GERD is suspected.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive lung disease often associated with smoking history, although non smokers can also develop it. Chronic bronchitis, a subtype of COPD, causes daily cough with mucus production. Early diagnosis is essential because the right treatment can slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
Infections
A chronic cough can linger after a respiratory infection like pneumonia, RSV, or post viral bronchitis. Many residents of Henderson and Las Vegas report long lasting coughs after winter illnesses or exposure to sudden temperature changes. If a cough from an infection does not go away within several weeks, further evaluation is needed.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, especially ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, can cause a dry, persistent cough. A pulmonologist can help identify medication related causes and communicate with your primary care provider about alternatives.
Smoking or Environmental Exposure
Air quality matters. Exposure to smoke, construction dust, chemicals, or poor indoor ventilation can irritate the lungs. Our desert climate in Henderson and Las Vegas can worsen these irritants due to extreme dryness and frequent airborne particles.
More Serious Conditions
While less common, chronic cough can also be an early symptom of lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, or structural abnormalities in the airway. This is why proper testing with a pulmonologist is so important. Early detection can save lives.
When Should You See a Pulmonologist?
A pulmonologist is a specialist in lung and respiratory conditions. You should consider scheduling an appointment if:
- Your cough lasts more than eight weeks
- You experience shortness of breath or chest tightness
- You cough up blood
- Your cough disrupts sleep or daily activities
- You feel a wheeze or rattling sensation in your chest
- Over the counter treatments have not helped
- You once smoked or currently smoke
- You live with asthma or COPD that is not well controlled
Searching for a pulmonologist near me is a common first step for patients who start to worry about their symptoms. Working with the best pulmonologist in Las Vegas can give you clarity, answers, and a clear treatment plan.
How a Pulmonologist Diagnoses Chronic Cough
At Henderson Pulmonology, we approach chronic cough with a thorough and personalized evaluation. Diagnosing the cause involves several steps:
Detailed Medical History
We ask about your cough pattern, exposure to irritants, past medical issues, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors. Sometimes the cause becomes clear simply through thoughtful questioning.
Physical Examination
Listening to the lungs can reveal signs of obstruction, inflammation, or infection.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Also known as PFTs or spirometry, these tests measure your lung capacity and airflow. They are essential for diagnosing asthma and COPD.
Imaging
A chest X ray or CT scan may be ordered if structural problems or more serious conditions need to be ruled out.
Allergy or Sinus Evaluation
Since allergies and post nasal drip are major causes of chronic cough in Henderson and Las Vegas, this is often a key part of the diagnostic process.
Treatment Trials
In some cases, we recommend trying specific medications or inhalers to see how your symptoms respond. Your improvement offers valuable diagnostic clues.
Treatment Options for Chronic Cough
Once the underlying cause is identified, treatment becomes much more effective. Your pulmonologist may recommend:
- Inhalers or medications for asthma
- Nasal sprays or antihistamines for post nasal drip
- Lifestyle and dietary changes for GERD
- Bronchodilators or inhaled steroids for COPD
- Antibiotics if a lingering infection is present
- Smoking cessation guidance
- Environmental modifications to reduce triggers
Most patients experience significant improvement once they receive the right diagnosis. The frustration of not knowing what is wrong begins to ease, and daily life becomes more comfortable again.
Why Choose Henderson Pulmonology
Patients throughout Henderson and Las Vegas trust our practice because we provide attentive, personalized care. We take your symptoms seriously and understand the impact a chronic cough can have on your sleep, your confidence, and your overall health.
Our goal is to help every patient breathe easier, feel better, and regain control of their daily life. If you are searching for the best pulmonologist in Las Vegas or a trusted pulmonologist near me, we are here to support you with compassion and expertise.
If Your Cough Has Lasted Too Long, It Is Time to Request an Appointment
A chronic cough is not something you need to struggle with on your own. The earlier you seek evaluation, the faster you can find relief and protect your long term lung health.
If you have a cough that will not go away, or if you are concerned about any breathing symptoms, Request an Appointment with Henderson Pulmonology today. Our team is ready to help you understand what is happening and guide you toward the right treatment.