MEDICAL EVALUATION

HOW WE EVALUATE A PATIENT WITH A COUGH

MEDICAL HISTORY

A careful and complete medical history will be taken by Dr. Nsouli or one of the medically trained cough specialists on staff

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

A careful physical examination will be conducted by Dr. Nsouli or one of the medically trained cough specialists on staff.

SPECIFIC TESTING

Specific testing will be ordered according to your medical history and physical examination

SPECIAL DIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOLS

The Institute has developed specialized diagnostic protocols and testing (in collaboration with our team of specialists) to detect the nature of your cough. If indicated, these tests may include the following:

• Chest x-ray
• Pulmonary function tests to check lung function
• Pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels in the blood with an electronic oxygen sensor placed on the finger
• Allergy skin testing to determine if an allergy is triggering the cough
• FeNO testing, an extremely advanced test using state-of-the-art medical technology to measure nitric oxide (NO) released from the bronchial airways in cases of airway inflammation
• Blood work
• Computed chest tomography (CT scan of the lungs) to check for possible tumors or scarring of the lungs
• Flexible fiberoptic nasal endoscopy to evaluate presence of sinusitis triggering cough, postnasal dripping (UACS), laryngopharyngeal reflux caused by stomach acid that travels up into the throat, causing chronic cough (most individuals with LPR do not feel heartburn but suffer from chronic cough)
- Nsouli et al. Rhino-Sino-Bronchial Syndrome.
• CT scan of the paranasal sinuses to check for sinus disease causing cough
• Sputum and blood cultures (pneumonia)
• CT angiography, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scanning of the lungs (pulmonary embolism/blood clot in the lung artery)
• Bronchoscopy (to detect a foreign body, masses, or other issues in the lungs)
• Upper endoscopy (insertion of a flexible fiberoptic viewing tube into the esophagus and stomach) to detect GERD
• pH probe study (placement of a sensor in the esophagus to monitor acidity: 24-hour pH)

MEDICAL HISTORY

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

SPECIFIC TESTING

SPECIAL DIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOLS

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