Chronic Cough Evaluation in Las Vegas, NV

Chronic cough is one of the most common reasons adults see a pulmonologist, and for good reason. A cough that has gone on for eight weeks or more is rarely random. The vast majority of chronic cough cases in non-smoking adults are caused by one of three things, upper airway cough syndrome (often called postnasal drip), asthma or its cough-variant cousin, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, but the list of less common causes is long and worth ruling out.

Our evaluation starts with a careful history that asks all the right questions: when does the cough happen, what triggers it, what medications are you on (ACE inhibitors are a famous culprit), do you have heartburn or postnasal drainage, are you a current or former smoker, what are your work and home exposures, and what testing has already been done. We perform pulmonary function testing at the visit when indicated and review prior imaging so we don't repeat what's already been answered.

A structured workup, not a guessing game

We follow an evidence-based, stepwise approach. Treatable causes are addressed empirically when the picture is clear; targeted testing is ordered when it isn't. We pay specific attention to cough in former energy workers and federal employees, where occupational exposure can be the missing piece. If your cough is connected to covered employment, evaluation can be coordinated under DOL/OWCP or DEEOIC.

When something more serious needs to be ruled out

New cough in a smoker or former smoker, cough with blood, unintentional weight loss, persistent fever, or new shortness of breath all warrant urgent attention. If you've been told repeatedly that nothing is wrong and your cough has not improved, a second opinion in pulmonology is a reasonable next step.