Chronic Cough: ENT Causes & When to See a Specialist
A chronic cough is a cough lasting more than 8 weeks. While short-term cough is usually due to flu or infection, a persistent cough should not be ignored, especially when it affects sleep, work, and social life.
As an ENT specialist, I frequently see patients who have taken repeated cough syrups and antibiotics without improvement. In many cases, the cause is not lung-related, but originates from the nose, throat, or reflux.
What Does Chronic Cough Feel Like?
Common ENT Causes of Chronic Cough
1. Post-Nasal Drip
Mucus dripping from nose irritates the throat.
2. Acid Reflux (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)
Stomach acid irritates throat and vocal cords.
3. Chronic Throat Inflammation
Persistent irritation of pharynx or larynx.
4. Voice Overuse
Excessive speaking causes throat dryness.
5. Smoking & Vaping
Chemical irritation triggers cough reflex.
6. Rare Causes
Tumours or nerve-related cough (usually with red flags), and tuberculosis infection.
🚨 When Should You Worry?
Seek ENT review urgently if:
- Cough lasts >8 weeks
- Blood in sputum
- Unexplained weight loss
- Voice change
- Difficulty swallowing
- Night sweats
How an ENT Specialist Evaluates Chronic Cough
Assessment includes:
- Detailed history
- Nose & throat examination
- Flexible nasoendoscopy
- Voice assessment
- Reflux assessment
- Imaging if needed
This identifies ENT-related causes accurately.
Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can sinus problems cause chronic cough?
Yes, post-nasal drip is a common cause.
Q: Is chronic cough always lung-related?
No, many cases originate from ENT causes.
Q: Should I keep taking cough syrup?
Only after proper diagnosis.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur?
Consult ENT if:
- Cough persists
- Medications do not help
- You have warning signs
Proper ENT evaluation ensures targeted treatment.
👨⚕️ ENT Specialist’s Perspective
Chronic cough is often misattributed to the lungs. From an ENT perspective, thorough throat and nasal assessment is crucial to identify hidden causes such as reflux or post-nasal drip. Correct diagnosis prevents unnecessary medication and long-term discomfort.
Reviewed by Dr Ameen, ENT Specialist, Kuala Lumpur
Dr. Ameen, ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur 