Chronic Cough

What is Chronic Cough?

Chronic cough is a cough that doesn’t improve over time. This is condition, often a symptom of another condition, affects about 10-20% of the U.S. population each year.

Chronic cough often leads to laryngeal hypersensitivity, which means the larynx (also known as the voice box) is especially sensitive and irritated.

Causes of Chronic Cough

Chronic cough can be connected to a variety of conditions. You’re at a higher risk for developing chronic cough if you smoke or have the following conditions:

Chronic Cough Triggers

Strong odors
Dust
Fumes from chemicals
Temperature changes
Speaking
Eating/drinking
Change in position (such as lying down)
Allergies

Other Symptoms of Chronic Cough

Stuffy nose
Heartburn
Sore throat
Frequent throat clearing
Fever
Shortness of breath
Hoarseness

UR Medicine's Treatments for Chronic Cough

Our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) have specialty training and expertise in chronic cough. We will complete a personalized assessment of your coughing, breathing, and voice in order to diagnose you correctly.

Your provider will treat your cough based on the condition it relates to. Treatment may include:

Drinking more water than average
Surface hydration (steam inhalation, humidification)
Avoiding smoking
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
Diet adjustments
Voice therapy
Breathing techniques
Medications including antibiotics, decongestants, or steroids

What Sets Us Apart?

At UR Medicine, we utilize a multidisciplinary approach to care for children and adults. We are exposed to more complex cases than most providers in the Rochester region, and each of our patients can be assured they are always in the hands of highly skilled experts.

Our speech pathologists are licensed by the New York State Department of Education and hold Certificates of Clinical Competence for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), in addition to postgraduate training and certifications in several clinical subspecialties.