Chronic cough can be more than just an annoyance—it can significantly impact your quality of life, causing discomfort and frustration. If you've been dealing with a persistent cough that lasts for more than eight weeks, it's important to understand the underlying causes and explore effective treatments. Here at Hanrahan Health, we assist in diagnosing and managing chronic cough through targeted speech pathology techniques and liaison with your medical team. In this post we explore what chronic cough is, its potential causes, and how speech pathology can offer relief.

What is Chronic Cough?

A chronic cough is defined as a cough that persists for eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children. Unlike acute coughs, which are typically associated with colds or infections and resolve on their own, chronic coughs can be indicative of underlying health issues and require specialised treatment.

Common Causes of Chronic Cough

Several factors can contribute to a chronic cough, including:

  • Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, triggering a cough reflex.
  • Asthma: Asthma-related coughs can be persistent and often worsen at night or with exercise.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD): Acid reflux can irritate the throat and lead to chronic coughing.
  • Chronic Bronchitis: Often associated with smoking, chronic bronchitis involves long-term inflammation of the airways.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure, can cause a persistent cough as a side effect.

How Speech Pathology Can Help

While the causes of chronic cough can vary, speech pathology offers a unique and effective approach to managing and reducing symptoms. Here's how:

1. Evaluation and Diagnosis

At Hanrahan Health, our speech pathologists begin with a thorough evaluation to identify the specific triggers and patterns of your chronic cough. This may involve a detailed medical history, voice assessments, and collaboration with other healthcare providers to rule out underlying medical conditions.

2. Behavioural Therapy

One of the most effective treatments for chronic cough is behavioural therapy. Our speech pathologists use techniques designed to:

  • Reduce Throat Irritation: Techniques to minimise throat clearing and other behaviours that irritate the throat.
  • Modify Cough Reflex: Exercises that help retrain the cough reflex, reducing the frequency and severity of coughing episodes.
  • Breathing Techniques: Teaching proper breathing techniques to ensure efficient and relaxed airflow, which can help manage cough triggers.

3. Vocal Hygiene Education

Educating clients about vocal hygiene is crucial for managing chronic cough. Our speech pathologists provide personalised advice on:

  • Hydration: Maintaining adequate hydration to keep the throat moist and reduce irritation.
  • Avoiding Irritants: Identifying and avoiding environmental irritants, such as smoke and allergens, that can exacerbate coughing.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Making dietary changes to reduce symptoms of GORD that may contribute to chronic cough.

These are all done in collaboration with your medical team.

4. Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Managing chronic cough is often an ongoing process. At Hanrahan Health, we offer continuous support and monitoring to track your progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and ensure long-term relief from symptoms.

When to Seek Help

If you've been struggling with a persistent cough that doesn't improve with over-the-counter treatments or lifestyle changes, it may be time to seek professional help. Chronic cough can be more than just a nuisance—it can indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed.

Chronic cough can significantly impact your daily life, but effective treatments are available. By addressing the underlying causes and providing personalised treatment plans, we can help you manage your chronic cough and improve your overall well-being.

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