First Group in Los Angeles Dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of The Causes of 'Chronic Cough' Opens in Burbank.

Health/Medical Writers

BURBANK, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--July 22, 2002

Everyone coughs sometimes, but some people cough nearly all the time. For these people, the first program in Los Angeles expressly designed to identify the reasons for chronic cough and treat its symptoms has been opened at the Institute for Better Breathing. The Institute is the premier regional medical group providing comprehensive and innovative treatment for pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases.

"Coughing is one of the most common complaints for which people seek medical attention, but the cause may not be immediately apparent," says Giovanni Smith, M.D., a board-certified pulmonologist and one of five physicians at the Institute. "In the greatest majority of cases, a proper medical examination by physicians expressly trained in this field can isolate the specific cause of cough and successfully treat it."

Some of the causes of cough are benign conditions such as nose and sinus allergies, prescription drug related problems, chronic heartburn, asthma and patients that have chronic snoring problems. But there are also more serious conditions that, according to Dr. Smith "should not be taken lightly and need to be considered. Anyone with a cough lasting more than three weeks should be evaluated by a specialist."

Chronic cough, technically called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), includes several related conditions that limit the ability of an individual to exhale. Combined, these conditions kill over 100,000 Americans each year, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. after coronary heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.

The two most serious of these conditions are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. With emphysema, the very small airways (bronchioles) that join the alveoli are damaged, and the walls lose elasticity, resulting in labored breathing and increased susceptibility to infection. With chronic bronchitis, there is structural change in the airways of the lungs and enlargement of the mucous glands, which causes coughing and the production of sputum. In addition to shortness of breath, symptoms may include infection, mucous production and coughing.

"The chief symptoms of COPD are coughing, wheezing, expectoration and labored breathing," says Dr. Smith. "Unlike lung cancer, which kills its victims relatively quickly, COPD progresses slowly, gradually reducing one's ability to breathe." Like lung cancer, COPD is caused primarily by cigarette smoking. "Passive smoking and occupational exposure to dust and fumes play a part, and dust and sulfur dioxides outside the workplace may also be risk factors."

Nineteen out of twenty of those dying of COPD are 55 or older. Men are more likely to die of the disease than are women, but people of all ages are affected.

The Institute for Better Breathing provides diagnosis and treatment for all causes of chronic cough. Diagnostic services such as pulmonary function tests, allergy testing, bronchoscopy and a full set of diagnostic services are available. Treatment may include the use of bronchodilator and corticosteriod medications, oxygen-replacement therapy, somnoplasty and antibiotic medication as well as careful instruction of breathing techniques. Day-to-day management of symptoms includes smoking cessation, protection against respiratory infections, breathing exercises, controlling secretions, exercise and diet. In severe cases, surgery may be warranted.

The Institute for Better Breathing is a group pulmonary practice that specializes in pulmonology, somnoplasty and the treatment of asthma, chronic cough, allergies and osteoporosis. Its offices are located in Burbank and Glendale. Information on the Institute may be obtained by calling 818/842-1327 or by visiting www.instituteforbetterbreathing.com.