Understanding Refractory Chronic Cough: What You Need to Know Have you ever faced a cough that simply refuses to subside? While most coughs resolve independently, some persist for an unacceptable length of time—weeks, months, or even years. This condition is known as refractory chronic cough (RCC), and it is a significant issue that demands attention in the medical community, especially among specialists in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care. In this blog post, we will clearly outline what RCC is, why it occurs, and the most promising treatments available to those suffering from relentless coughing. What is Refractory Chronic Cough? A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts longer than eight weeks in adults. For many individuals, it is associated with conditions such as asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or certain medications. However, there are instances where the cough continues even after these underlying causes have been effectively ad...
Are labyrinthitis and vertigo the
same?
The ear has three main parts: the
outer ear, the middle ear, with small bones of hearing, and the inner ear,
consisting of the labyrinth. The labyrinth has two parts as well, hearing
processing part and balance part. When you get an infection in the inner ear,
it is often called labyrinthitis. Common symptoms for Labyrinthitis are hearing
loss or vertigo, however, there are also other causes for vertigo as well.
What is the most important thing
to remember when you have labyrinthitis symptoms?
In the first few hours of symptoms,
it is difficult to know between stroke and labyrinthitis. If you have vertigo
and notice one side of your face becoming droopy, your arms or leg become weak
and speech becomes slurred, you should call for urgent help.
What is the difference between
labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis?
If you only have vertigo symptoms,
then it is due to vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis occurs due to viral
infection.
When should you call for help
for labyrinthitis?
If you have ear discharge, high
temperature, severe headache and ear pain, you should call for urgent advice.
How do we treat labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis symptoms usually will
resolve within two to three weeks. Acute symptoms are best managed by bed rest,
proper rehydration and using the anti-sickness medication if required.
If you have associated hearing loss
with vertigo, you may need antibiotics to clear the infection. Balance
rehabilitation exercises can help with early recovery from symptoms. These can
be started once acute symptoms have subsided.
When do we need MRI scan for
labyrinthitis patients?
Patients with severe one-sided
hearing loss, headaches and persistent vertigo need to be scanned to rule out
acoustic neuroma.
Acoustic
neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is rare benign non-cancer tumour arising from
balance nerve. Most of these tumours are very slow-growing, and yearly MRI
scans generally monitor all small non-growing tumours.
Mr Gaurav Kumar
Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon
To Make An Appointment
07494914140
info@entsugeonclinic.co.uk
Helping patients with Specialist Expertise and Kindness
Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant.
