Coughing center opens in Largo

Largo, Florida - The Center for Cough, which claims to be the only facility in the southeast dedicated solely to chronic cough, has opened in Largo.

Chronic cough is defined as a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks.

"So it's a cough that lasts for months, not weeks," said founder Dr. Mandel Sher.

The Center for Cough offers one-stop chronic cough treatment under physician-only care, with many of the diagnostic tests completed during the initial visit. Prior to the opening of the Center for Cough in Largo, patients had to travel to the northeast or the west coast for chronic cough treatment, according to Dr. Sher.

Normally, chronic cough has multiple causes, according to Dr. Sher. Causes can include asthma, smoking, heart disease, cancer, acid reflux and postnasal drip.

Rather than treating cough as the problem, the Center for Cough looks at the cough as a symptom of often two or more underlying problems.

Chronic cough can have serious consequences, such as social isolation, urinary incontinence, disruptive sleep, repeated doctor visits, anger, frustration and even depression.

The Center for Cough is located at 11200 Seminole Boulevard, suite 310, in Largo.