Chronic Cough

What Is Chronic Cough?

Sometimes a cough sticks around much longer than it should. Chronic cough is one that lasts more than 4 weeks in children and more than 8 weeks in adults. If you are dealing with a cough this long, you should consult a doctor.

What Are Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Cough?

Chronic cough can be annoying, and it can interrupt your sleep or give you a headache. Some symptoms of chronic cough include:

• a rough or hoarse voice from coughing
• coughing frequently throughout the day

What Are the Causes of Chronic Cough?

The most common causes of chronic cough are:

• acid reflux (stomach acid that rises into the throat)
• allergies or sinus problems that cause mucus to drip down the back of your throat
• asthma or other breathing problems

Sometimes, chronic cough can be caused by other things, like:

• a cold
• bronchitis (inflammation in your airway)
• certain blood pressure medications
• being very sensitive to changes in air temperature and/or strong odors or fumes
• a strong urge to cough that becomes a habit

What Does Testing for Chronic Cough Look Like?

You will probably see a team of professionals to find out if you have chronic cough. Your SLP is an important member of the team. Other members may include:

• allergy doctor (allergist)
• ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist)
• lung doctor (pulmonologist)
• stomach doctor (gastroenterologist)

The team will ask you about your medical history and how long you have been coughing. They will ask about the medicines you take and if you smoke. They may recommend a chest x-ray or other tests.

Your doctor or SLP may use a camera called an endoscope. This camera goes in through your mouth or nose. This test will let them see if there is any swelling in or around your vocal cords. The SLP may also test your voice to see if there are any changes caused by the cough.

What Does Treatment for Chronic Cough Look Like?

Treatment can help you identify triggers of your chronic cough and learn ways to reduce coughing.

SLPs work closely with your doctors. Treatment by an SLP focuses on:

• helping you understand chronic cough and what might trigger your cough
• teaching you ways to help reduce coughing
• teaching you ways to keep your vocal cords healthy

You may need medical treatment by a doctor for chronic cough if you have a medical condition such as asthma, allergies, or reflux.

To find an SLP near you visit ProFind.

Other Resources

Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement

• American Lung Association – Chronic Cough
• American Thoracic Society – Cough
• CHEST Foundation – Cough