Cough for Comprehensive Otolaryngologists: Beyond Asthma, Allergies, and Acid Reflux

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Cough is consistently the most common patient reported ambulatory chief complaint in the United States. In these almost 21 million annual visits, the cough does not persist beyond 8 weeks. However, for those patients with recalcitrant symptoms, chronic cough can be a very frustrating affliction. For the comprehensive otolaryngologist, determining the etiology of the cough and proper management can be challenging and time consuming. As chronic cough is often multi-factorial and multi-system, its evaluation benefits from efficient history taking and algorithmic work-up. Tailored to the comprehensive otolaryngologist, this Expert Lecture will discuss strategies to efficiently evaluate and manage chronic cough with emphasis on history taking, exam, communication with consultants, and management algorithms. We will review the treatment for chronic cough beyond asthma allergies and acid reflux. Specifically, we will review neuromodulating agents, cough suppression therapy, injection augmentation, and superior laryngeal nerve blocks.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Provide comprehensive otolaryngologists guidelines and algorithms to efficiently manage patients with chronic cough.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Review evidence based medical management for chronic cough, aside from medical treatment of asthma, acid reflux, allergy and chronic rhinosinusitis

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Discuss treatment modalities for chronic cough including neuromodulators, voice therapy, and a few office-based procedures.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Chronic cough is a challenging, often multifactorial, clinical entity, which can be frustrating for patients and providers alike. We are enthusiastic about treating and curing cough want to provide otolaryngologists tools for efficient and effective management of chronic cough.