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...
Can Nasal endoscopy help tailor your treatment for your nasal symptoms?
Having nasal congestion or blockage can affect your quality of life. A blocked nose can be due to lots of factors. It can be as simple as nasal polyps, deviated septum or due to allergy. In rare cases, nasal tumours can cause nasal obstruction.
When should I see ENT doctor for nasal endoscopy?
Your doctor may recommend having nasal endoscopy if you have symptoms like nasal congestion or blockage, loss of smell, nose bleed, postnasal drip or catarrh, facial pain or headaches.
Can Nasal Endoscopy pick up cancer?
Nasal endoscopy can be used to examine nasal cavity, back of the nose, voice box and upper food pipe in some cases. During nasal endoscopy with the use of "Narrow Band Imaging" can help pick up early cancer changes. Narrow Band imaging uses a special filter which allows to pick up abnormal vessels on the mucosa, which is covering our nose and gullet.
What is involved in nasal endoscopy?
Typically nasal endoscope can be done in the clinic. ENT surgeon will use a special camera which is attached to a narrow tube. This camera is connected to a screen to review the findings of the clinical examination. Magnified images can be seen on the screen. Before the procedure ENT doctor will explain to you about the procedure. He will spray your nose with a numbing spray and a decongestant. The spray helps shrink the lining of the nose. This step will make it comfortable to pass the tube. The whole procedure takes 3 to 5 minutes. During the procedure, ENT doctor makes notes of the lining of the nose, septum, back of the nose, polyps if any, eustachian tube, voice box.
What preparation do I need before nasal endoscopy?
Before the ENT surgeons perform the nasal endoscopy, the surgeon will take a detailed history. Always inform about any blood thinner you are taking or even some herbal tablets. Blood thinner increases the risk of nose bleed during the procedure. Also, share if have a history of blood pressure or allergy to any medication.
What are the complications of nasal endoscopy?
- Bleeding - In some cases, spotting of blood can happen post-procedure. Profuse bleeding is a risk in patients on a blood thinner or biopsy is performed during the endoscopy.
- High blood pressure - In some cases, immediately after the spray, the blood pressure can go up. Always tell the surgeon if start having a headache or feeling fuzzy.
- Allergic reaction - Patients can be allergic to the content of the spray. An allergic reaction is very sporadic.
What happens immediately after nasal endoscopy?
The surgeon will advise you not to eat and drink anything for the next 30 minutes until the effect of numbing spray subsides. He will then share the endoscopy findings and discuss a further treatment plan. Additional treatment may include organising a CT / MRI scan or biopsy.
Is nasal endoscopy included in consultation fee?
Nasal endoscopy is additional to consultation. Any procedure is billed separately. The consultant will charge his fee to perform the procedure, and the hospital charge includes a charge for using the instrument. If you are insured, it will be billed to your insurance company. Check with the insurance company if you are covered for the procedure ( Procedure code E1780). Once you have been explained why you need the nasendoscopy, you will be informed about the cost of the procedure. Only when you agree with the price involved, the surgeon will be able to perform the procedure.
Helping Patients With Specialist Expertise And Kindness
Mr Gaurav Kumar
Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon
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Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant