Author: entmaster

Provided by: Jeff Schafer, MD

ENT

A chronic cough can be frustrating and exhausting—both for patients and for those trying to help treat it. If a cough has lasted longer than 8 weeks, and initial testing like a chest X-ray is normal, it may be time to look a little deeper.

An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist can help evaluate causes that aren’t always obvious. Using a quick, in-office exam to look at the throat and voice box, they can often identify issues that may be contributing to the cough and help avoid months of trial-and-error treatments.

Sometimes, a cough is related to common conditions like acid reflux, asthma, allergies, or sinus issues. In those cases, trying treatment for those conditions may help. However, certain symptoms should be checked more urgently by a specialist, including:

• Changes in your voice
• Noisy or high-pitched breathing
• Trouble or pain with swallowing
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss

In some cases, even after testing and treatment, the cough continues. This may be due to something called “laryngeal hypersensitivity,” where the nerves in the throat become overly sensitive. This can cause coughing from things that normally wouldn’t trigger it—like talking, breathing, or even certain smells.

The good news is that there are effective treatments available. These may include specific cough control techniques, medications that help calm the nerves, and in some cases, targeted procedures to reduce the sensitivity.

It’s also common for a chronic cough to have more than one cause. That means a combination of treatments may be needed at first, with the goal of gradually reducing them as symptoms improve.

If your cough isn’t going away, you’re not alone—and there are answers and options to help you feel better.

After decades of service, commitment, and compassionate care, Dr. Lowery is beginning a well-earned retirement. For many patients and colleagues, this milestone is both a moment of celebration and a moment of reflection on an extraordinary career that has shaped our practice and community.

Dr. Lowery followed in the steps of his father, Howard Lowery, MD, in becoming an ENT and began practicing medicine with a clear purpose, to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care while treating every patient with dignity and respect. Throughout the years, that purpose never wavered. Whether guiding families through complex medical decisions, mentoring young clinicians, or refining clinical protocols to elevate standards of care, Dr. Lowery brought consistency, insight, and unwavering professionalism to every interaction.

Patients frequently describe Dr. Lowery as a physician who listened first, spoke with intention, and always prioritized the whole person rather than just the diagnosis. His partners and staff share the same appreciation, noting his steady, reassuring presence, his genuine team-first attitude, and the way he brings a light, upbeat energy to even the most challenging clinical days. They often say he has a gift for keeping everyone grounded, supported, and smiling.

The medical landscape has changed significantly during Dr. Lowery’s career, yet the values that defined his practice, integrity, empathy, and dedication, remained constant. These values will continue to influence our team long after retirement.

As Dr. Lowery transitions into this next chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude. We are honored to have worked alongside such an exceptional physician and friend. While the practice will undoubtedly feel different without Dr. Lowery in the hallway, the legacy of care established over so many years will continue to guide us forward.

We wish Dr. Lowery health, happiness, and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Provided By: Philip Rancitelli, MD

Allergist/Immunologist

Here we go again.

The so-called allergy experts in the media are predicting a historical spring pollen season.  We hear this almost every year, but the reality is that it’s almost impossible to predict how pollen allergies will impact allergy sufferers year by year.  It ultimately depends on day-to-day weather.  Frequent rain washes pollen out of the air, whereas consecutive dry windy days can make outside activities insufferable.

Most allergy sufferers respond very well to medications, but for those who don’t, or for those who like the idea of a natural treatment that reduces medication reliance, allergen immunotherapy is an excellent option!

Did you know that allergen immunotherapy can prevent asthma?

Yep, it’s true.  Studies have shown that allergen immunotherapy prescribed for pre-adolescent children with allergic rhinitis reduces the risk of asthma!

The board-certified allergists/immunologists at Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians can guide patients (adult and pediatric) through all the options available for immunotherapy, including:

• Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) – traditional and accelerated protocols
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
• Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT)
• Oral immunotherapy (OIT) – for food allergies

We also have a robust biologics program for patients with severe asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, urticaria, and nasal polyps.

We have the most experienced team of allergists/immunologists in Central Ohio to help with all your allergy and asthma needs!