CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter colds bring winter coughs. But, that lingering dry cough and throat tickle may not be related to a cold at all. Millions seek cough cures every winter, often without much success. A persistent cough or chronic cough that last weeks to months can actually have very little to do with colds or infections such as bronchitis. If you're ready to stop coughing you may need a more thorough exploration of what's causing your cough – something Chicago asthma and allergy expert, Brian Rotskoff, MD, knows a lot about.

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At Clarity Allergy Center, Chicago asthma, allergy, and immunology doctor, Dr. Rotskoff provides expert diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, adult sleep apnea, childhood obstructive sleep apnea, and childhood nasal allergies. He also specializes in tough cough cases such as refractory chronic cough and Laryngeal Sensory Neuropathy (LSN).

What Causes Chronic Cough?
"I often treat patients who are frustrated by their inability to stop coughing," says Dr. Rotskoff. "They've seen their primary physician repeatedly, without diagnosis, and have exhausted over-the-counter cough remedies."

Most often, chronic cough is triggered by asthma, post-nasal drip or drainage, or acid reflux. But these factors are rarely independent and when a non-productive, dry cough lingers for weeks relief can be elusive. "In the absence of infection, refractory chronic cough can be very challenging for doctor and patient," Dr. Rotskoff says. "By digging deeper, I can ascertain why their cough reflex is hypersensitive. Sometimes the larynx and throat area become damaged in a way that makes them more susceptible to cough irritants."

Laryngeal Sensory Neuropathy (LSN) is one such chronic cough condition resulting from a damaged larynx and throat. In LSN patients, cough relief is challenging because it requires the isolation and treatment of each cause, including asthma, post-nasal drip, and acid reflux – each of which further exacerbates cough receptors.

Chronic Cough Relief
How do you know exactly which of these conditions is causing your cough? As Dr. Rotskoff explains, it's likely to be a combination of several factors. "In the case of LSN patients, we have to start by healing the injured tissue of the cough receptors. Medications such as Elavil (amitriptyline) help repair nerves and ultimately soothe the throat and larynx. As we see improvement, we layer in acid reflux or asthma medication to maintain control."

Not all chronic cough sufferers have LSN. Many may be experiencing asthma cough or acid reflux cough, both of which can be worsened by cold winter air. If you've been cleared of infection and continue to suffer with persistent coughing, Dr. Rotskoff encourages you to seek a chest x-ray and more thorough exploration.

The good news about refractory chronic cough is that finding the right ally, such as Clarity Allergy Center, can yield drastic results. "I'm dedicated to helping weary coughers overcome their chronic coughing," Dr. Rotskoff assures. More than 90 percent of his patients enjoy lasting control over their chronic coughs.

Get relief today by visiting www.clarityallergycenter.com or by calling 773-877-3500. You'll find Dr. Rotskoff's Clarity Allergy Center offices in Chicago and Arlington Heights, short distances from Lincolnwood, IL, Skokie, IL, Park Ridge, IL, Morton Grove, IL, and Niles, IL, Mount Prospect, IL, Palatine, IL, Elk Grove, IL, Buffalo Grove, IL, Bartlett, IL, Lake Zurich, IL, Schaumburg, IL, and Elgin, IL.

SOURCE clarityallergycenter.com