Coughing | De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen
Cause, assessment and treatment of persistent coughing.
De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen ENT care Throat & voice Coughing Lump in the throat Swallowing difficulties Tonsillitis Voice complaints Nose & sinuses Loss of smell Nasal congestion Nasal polyps Sinusitis Ears & hearing Ear infection Earache Earwax Hearing loss Tinnitus Focus areas Allergy Sleep & snoring The practice For referrers Contact Request a referral NL EN DE Home / Throat & voice / Coughing Throat Coughing Cause, assessment and treatment of persistent coughing. Request a referral Treatment On this page Coughing complaints What is coughing? Causes and assessment Treatment What you can expect Frequently asked questions Coughing complaints Do you suffer from coughing? We all cough occasionally, for example during a cold or in a very dry room. Coughing is a reflex: the airways contract and forcefully push air out from the lungs, to clear the throat, windpipe and lungs. If symptoms persist, contact your GP. With a referral, you can be seen quickly with us. Types of cough What is coughing? Productive cough This cough often results from an infection. Mucus is coughed up. When the mucus isn't coughed up, it's called a chesty (non-productive) cough. After coughing you can often breathe more easily again. Dry cough / tickly cough No mucus comes up and none is stuck either. Usually this cough is caused by irritation, and the coughing itself causes further irritation, keeping you coughing. Chronic / persistent cough A cough is chronic when symptoms last longer than 8 weeks and occur several times a day. Assessment Causes and assessment of coughing A cold: besides a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat, coughing is one of the symptoms Airway infection: such as flu, throat infection and pneumonia Allergic reaction: known as an inhalant allergy Acid reflux: stomach acid rising into the throat causes irritation Inhaling chemical substances, cold/warm or dry air Smoke: irritates the airways, causing you to cough Chronic disease: such as COPD and asthma When you've been referred to an ENT specialist for a cough, your GP suspects that the cause lies in the throat, nose or ear area. The ENT specialist's assessment starts with a conversation about your symptoms. Based on that, she determines any further assessment, such as a flexible scope examination of the nose, throat and vocal cords. Treating cough complaints Treatment tailored to you Which treatment is used depends on the cause. The ENT specialist discusses her findings with you and takes the time to look with you at the best treatment. A chronic or long-lasting cough can have a big impact on your concentration, work or studies, and sleep. For reflux Medication For example acid-reducing medication. Dry cough Speech therapy To learn breathing and cough-control techniques. For infection Cold or sinusitis Treating the infection to reduce the coughing. What you can expect Here's how your care journey goes Your GP refers you; we schedule a first conversation about your cough. The ENT specialist asks about your symptoms in detail to get a clear picture of your case. If needed, we examine the nose, throat and vocal cords with a flexible scope; you can watch along on the screen. We discuss the best treatment and continue to monitor its effect with you. Who treats you One dedicated ENT specialist throughout your care You are supported personally, from the first consultation through to treatment. dr. Anne-Martine de Heer ENT specialist BIG 19066557501 Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions {{ f.q }} {{ f.sign }} {{ f.a }} Make an appointment Persistent coughing? For an appointment at De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen you need a referral from your GP. Discuss your symptoms with your GP; they assess whether a referral is needed. With the referral, you contact us and we schedule your consultation. Get in touch Other throat complaints How to arrange a referral Discuss your symptoms with your GP Your GP assesses whether a referral is needed Get in touch to schedule your consultation De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen Personal, specialist care in Nijmegen and the surrounding area. Feedback & complaints Privacy notice © 2026 De KNO Praktijk Nijmegen · KvK 68663137 · AGB 22221372
