Chronic refractory cough is a cough that has persisted for longer than eight weeks despite appropriate medical management. People report symptoms such as irritation or pain in the throat or chest, and cough triggered by talking, temperature changes, smells, eating, exercise and stress/anxiety. The cause of this condition is unknown; however, current theories suggest that is related to laryngeal hypersensitivity. Laryngeal hypersensitivity is hypothesised to arise from damage or inflammation to the sensory fibres of the vagus nerve which exists in the head, neck, thorax and abdomen. While the initial cause of nerve damage or inflammation is related to physical factors (e.g. viral infections), Chronic refractory cough is believed to be perpetuated by factors including habit formation and learning.
Treatment
Voice Therapy delivered by a Speech Pathologist is recognised as a successful treatment approach for chronic refractory cough. Voice therapy for management of chronic refractory cough aims to increase voluntary control over cough and reduce cough reflex sensitivity through learning of specific vocal exercises, training in vocal hygiene and psycho-educational support.
For more information on voice therapy please visit our voice therapy page. If you are looking for treatment of chronic refractory cough please contact us to book an appointment with our Speech Pathologist.
