People frustrated by an unexplained or difficult-to-treat chronic cough find the specialized care they need with the pulmonary medicine specialists of the Cough Clinic. A cough can be a sign of another disease — asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), tumors, infections and others. Or it can be caused by medications. In many people, chronic cough may have more than one underlying condition. Determining the cause of chronic cough is crucial to effective treatment.
During a Cough Clinic visit, you'll receive a comprehensive evaluation for cough. Your doctor will talk with you about your personal and family medical history, your signs and symptoms, and your medications. Then you'll undergo a physical exam and possibly medical tests or procedures such as the following:
Your doctor uses these test results, along with the clinical evaluation, to develop a treatment plan individualized to your needs and goals.
Our chronic cough doctors have specialized training in diagnosing and treating all types of respiratory conditions. And they are all certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
At the Cough Clinic, your pulmonologist is part of a team of experts that work together to help people with this common condition, which can be very complex and difficult to treat. Each year at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, our doctors evaluate, diagnose and treat nearly 15,000 people with chronic cough.
Our pulmonary medicine specialists use a multispecialty practice model that consistently yields effective, coordinated, high-value care. Your pulmonologist may work with experts in ear, nose and throat conditions; speech pathology; allergic diseases; digestive disorders (gastroenterology) or others as needed so that you get exactly the care you need.
Nationally recognized expertise
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for pulmonology by U.S. News and World Report.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for respiratory disorders by U.S. News and World Report.
Research that leads to improved care
Mayo Clinic pulmonary medicine clinician-scientists and researchers are committed to advancing chronic cough prevention, diagnosis and treatment through research. They work closely with colleagues in otolaryngology to research new medications and bring them into clinical practice. Other research studies include:
- Exploring options for airway management of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
- Refining the distinction between chronic cough and hoarseness
- Assessing the unusual case of chronic cough in a person with liver cancer
Our researchers also carry out a wide range of clinical trials focused on treatment of conditions that affect the lungs and breathing.