Chronic Cough Management
A cough is a normal protective reflex that helps clear the airways. However, when a cough persists for more than eight weeks, it is considered chronic and may continue even after the original illness or trigger has resolved.
Living with a persistent cough can be frustrating and exhausting. Frequent coughing may interfere with work, social interactions, sleep and quality of life. Many people also experience throat irritation, changes to their voice or worry about coughing in public.
How does Speech Therapy help?
Chronic cough requires a multidisciplinary approach. Speech pathology is typically introduced alongside medical assessment to excluded and manage underlying causes of chronic cough.
Vocal Health works closely with Respiratory Physicians and Ear and Nose & Throat (ENT) Surgeons to ensure behavioural management forms part of a coordinated approach to care.
Common triggers
For many people with a chronic cough (or throat clearing), everyday triggers that would not normally cause coughing provoke repeated coughing episodes.
talking or prolonged voice use
laughing
strong smells or perfumes
cold air
eating or drinking
changes in temperature
exercise
Assessment and Treatment of Chronic Coughing
Behavioural cough suppression therapy is recommended in international clinical guidelines for people with chronic refractory cough and cough hypersensitivity syndrome. Research has demonstrated that speech pathology can reduce cough frequency, improve cough control and enhance quality of life in appropriately selected patients.
Assessment begins with understanding your cough, your medical history and the factors contributing to your symptoms.
This may include discussion of:
when and how your cough began
cough frequency and triggers
associated throat symptoms
voice changes
breathing patterns
medications and previous investigations
the impact of coughing on your daily life
Where appropriate, assessment findings are considered alongside information from your treating medical practitioner and any relevant investigations.
Cough Management
Cough management is tailored to your individual presentation and may include:
identifying and managing cough triggers
techniques to reduce the urge to cough
strategies to interrupt coughing episodes
breathing retraining
reducing throat irritation and vocal strain
optimising hydration and vocal health
education about cough hypersensitivity
developing practical strategies for everyday situations
Treatment is individualised and based on your symptoms, goals and response to therapy..