Can Speech Therapy Help with Chronic Cough?
If you’ve ever been ill with a cold that leaves you coughing relentlessly, you know how frustrating it can be to have an uncontrollable cough. Coughing is one of the body’s many natural reflexes that works to clear out our lungs and throat and prevent infection by pushing irritants and particles (mucus and dust, for instance) out. Coughing is a normal part of everyday life and serves the purpose of protecting our respiratory system.
A cough that doesn’t go away, known as a chronic cough, however, is a different situation that should not be ignored. Chronic coughs are increasingly common, especially following COVID-19 infections, and often indicate an underlying condition. A cough that doesn’t go away can make effective communication challenging and frustrating, but the good news is that help is available. Speech therapy can help reduce coughing, improve breath control, and promote stronger communication abilities. If you or a loved one is struggling with a chronic cough, get help today by scheduling your free introductory call!
What Is Chronic Cough?
A cough is considered to be chronic if it persists beyond two months. In some cases, a cough can persist for many months or in rare cases, even years. It is important to note that a chronic cough is not a specific condition, but a symptom of another underlying condition that stimulates the natural cough reflex. This type of cough can make simple tasks incredibly difficult and have a profound negative effect on daily life.
What Are the Signs of a Chronic Cough?
The most obvious indicator of a chronic cough is the presence of a cough for more than 8 weeks. Outside of this, some symptoms that indicate a chronic cough are:
- Constantly Feeling the Need to Cough or Clear Your Throat
- A Sore or Hoarse Speaking Voice
- Frequent Sleep Disruptions
- Frequent Headaches
- Feeling Mentally & Physically Exhausted All the Time
- Social Anxiety Due to Uncontrollable Coughing
A chronic cough can cause damage to the respiratory system over time if not addressed. Some of the other problems that a chronic cough can cause include:
- Pain in the Chest & Ribs
- Muscle Aches & Pains
- Damaged Blood Vessels
- Damaged Larynx
- Coughing Up Blood
- Damaged or Fractured Ribs
- Ruptured Diaphragm
When dealing with a chronic cough, it is highly important to consult a healthcare professional and closely monitor your symptoms, as in some rare cases, extreme damage and complications can occur.
What Causes Chronic Cough?
As mentioned above, a chronic cough is a symptom of another existing illness or health condition, and several causes can lead to the development of a cough that doesn’t go away. It is important to identify the underlying cause to treat that condition effectively and eliminate the frequent coughing. Some of the most commonly seen causes of chronic cough include:
Allergies that Cause Post-Nasal Drip
Sinus Problems
Asthma
Acid Reflux or Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Tobacco Smoke
Respiratory Infections
Viral Infections
Some Blood Pressure Medications
Other Breathing Issues
Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
An Overstimulated Coughing Reflex
Vocal Damage
Some Forms of Cancer
In the majority of cases, a chronic cough isn’t life-threatening and can be remedied with a proper treatment plan.
What is an Effective Treatment for Chronic Cough?
The most important part of treating a chronic cough is identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Your primary care provider should be able to diagnose the condition causing the cough and provide treatment and/or medication to resolve the condition. The treatment will depend on what is causing the cough, and as the condition improves, the instances of coughing will reduce.
Beyond this, speech therapy can be highly beneficial in helping individuals overcome a chronic cough. If you’re living with a chronic cough and think speech therapy might be right for you, connect with us by scheduling your free introductory call today!
Is There a Technique to Stop Coughing? How Do You Stop an Uncontrollable Cough?
While addressing the underlying cause of the cough can often help to improve the situation, it doesn’t always. Sometimes a cough will persist despite recovering from what was causing it. Living with a chronic cough can impact communication skills and the ability to navigate daily life. There are some techniques that can help to reduce or stop an uncontrollable cough, such as:
- Staying Hydrated
- Avoiding Triggers
- Drinking Honey Lemon Tea to Soothe the Throat
- Quitting Smoking
- Avoiding Tocabbo Smoke
- Using a Humidifier to Keep Moisture in the Air
- Sitting in a Steamy Bathroom
While the above tips won’t necessarily cure your chronic cough, they can go a long way toward reducing instances of coughing and helping your body overcome uncontrollable coughing fits.
How Can Speech Therapy Help With Chronic Cough?
Every speech therapy journey, regardless of the goal of speech therapy, begins with a thorough evaluation of the specific communication challenges and the individual’s medical history. The speech therapist may also assess vocal function and quality, breathing, posture, and muscle control.
Every speech therapy treatment plan is unique and designed to address the particular challenges of the individual and target the specific goals and skills they are hoping to achieve.
The goal of speech therapy for a chronic cough is to provide tools to manage the cough, reduce damage to the affected areas of the body, and soothe the discomfort and negative effects they may be experiencing. The speech therapist will demonstrate certain strategies that will help reduce coughing instances, as well as provide education about how to ensure your vocal folds remain healthy and able to function properly. They may also provide guidance on how to identify and avoid potential triggers.
Some common speech therapy techniques for chronic cough are:
- Focusing on Breath Control
- How to Alter Your Environment to Reduce Exposure to Triggers
- Voice Therapy
- Techniques that Target the Head, Neck & Upper Body
- Support & Counseling to Reduce Social Anxiety & Negative Emotions
If you are seeking the support of a speech therapist or have questions about chronic cough, Great Speech can help. Coping with a chronic cough can be frustrating and overwhelming, and in many cases, it can have profound effects on your physical and mental health. At Great Speech, our vast team of experienced speech therapists are available to work with you to overcome your chronic cough and communicate with ease. Book your free introductory call with Great Speech today!