Ep. 221 Chronic Cough: An Allergist’s Perspective with Dr. Basil Kahwash

How can you treat a chronic cough when you’re not sure what’s causing it? In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Basil Kahwash, a board-certified allergist and immunologist from Ohio ENT and Allergy, discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating chronic cough. ---SYNPOSISDr. Kahwash explains common causes, such as upper airway cough syndrome, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, and delves into the importance of patient history and physical exams in identifying the root cause. The conversation also covers diagnostic tools, including allergy testing, spirometry, and chest X-rays, as well as treatment options like allergy medication, immunotherapy, and cough suppressants. Dr. Kahwash also touches upon new therapies on the horizon and emphasizes the role of multidisciplinary collaboration with ENTs, pulmonologists, GI specialists, and speech therapists in managing chronic cough.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:20 - Defining Chronic Cough06:47 - Patient Evaluation and Key Questions11:10 - Asthma vs. Allergic Rhinitis Cough18:31 - Red Flags in Chronic Cough30:20 - Diagnostic Testing for Chronic Cough34:46 - ENT Collaboration in Allergy36:08 - Skin Testing vs. Blood Testing for Allergies44:30 - Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE) & Upper Airway Cough Syndrome50:28 - Allergy Treatment Pathways01:03:05 - Conclusion and Contact Information---RESOURCESDr. Basil Kahwash https://www.ohioentandallergy.com/physicians/basil-kahwash-md/