I met with Dr. Chang in May of 2011, after battling with a relentless, chronic cough for 15+ years. Initially, I would have 1-2 week periods of coughing that would occur 2-4 times per year without any explanation or effective treatment. As the years went by, the cough occurred more frequently and lasted for longer periods of time. While the cough was worse at night, at times it was so severe that it induced choking, vomiting and occasionally a sprained rib or abdominal muscle!! Prior to meeting Dr. Chang, I had been to various doctors, specialists and even an acupuncturist throughout the state of North Carolina, where I reside!! I had gone to some of the most renowned hospitals/clinics including Duke, Chapel Hill, NC Digestive Healthcare, Rex, WakeMed, Raleigh Internal Medicine (just to name a few) and had every type of test imaginable including chest x-rays, colonoscopies, endoscopies, manometries, ENT scans, allergy and pulmonary tests, all to no avail. I had been prescribed everything from A-Z...Antibiotics to Zantac including nasal sprays, steroids, antihistamines and cough syrups. Some of the medications were more effective (tussionex cough syrup) than others insofar as temporarily alleviating symptoms but NONE of the medications eradicated the cough completely or addressed the causal factor, which deeply concerned me. In May of 2011, I had been coughing EVERY day for the prior six (6) months!!
After 15 years of coughing, seeing numerous physicians and taking various medications without any sustained results, along came Dr. Chang!! I travelled from NC to VA for a late afternoon appointment. Unfortunately, due to traffic and construction in the DC area, I missed my appointment. Dr. Chang graciously made arrangements for us to stay in a local hotel and meet him the next morning, PRIOR to his regular office hours. That was the initial evidence of the unparalleled care and concern that is afforded to his patients. Upon meeting with Dr. Chang, whose bedside manner supersedes that of most physicians, it was obvious that he had reviewed 15+ years of medical records (that had only been sent 2-3 days prior) and taken the necessary action to synthesize that data identifying past diagnoses, tests, treatments and prescribed medications.
During the course of the hour long visit, Dr. Chang examined me, identified those tests that would be required as a part of his routine diagnostic process, conducted an allergy test and arrived at a preliminary diagnosis (Laryngeal Sensory Neuropathy) for which he prescribed an initial medication to treat the presumed CAUSAL FACTOR of the cough which he considered to be nerve damage/misfiring. The initial medication caused side-effects and no apparent relief. When reported to Dr. Chang, he promptly prescribed another medication that was effective within one week and has resulted in me being COUGH FREEE for the past 4 weeks!!!
It is with great pleasure and optimism that I highly recommend Dr. Chang to anyone that has been plagued by a chronic, mystery cough. His expertise, care and concern are unparalleled in the industry and destined to position him as a subject matter expert and leader in the industry that is sought after by many. Dr. Chang is NOT only very knowledgeable about ENT and chronic coughs, specifically. He cares about his patients. This combination of "expertise" and "compassion" makes him an awesome physician! read more