Chronic Cough: How Speech Therapy Can Help You Find Relief

Are you dealing with a cough that won’t go away? Coughing is a protective reflex that helps clear the airways of irritants like dust, mucus, or smoke. But when a cough persists for more than eight weeks in adults—or more than four weeks in children—it becomes classified as a chronic cough. This condition can disrupt sleep, interfere with work and social life, and cause significant frustration.

In this blog, we’ll explain what chronic cough is, outline common causes, and explore how speech therapy for chronic cough may offer effective support. If you’re searching for solutions, you’re not alone—and help is available.

What Is Chronic Cough?

Chronic cough is defined as a persistent cough that lasts beyond eight weeks in adults or four weeks in children (Gibson et al., 2016). It may be dry (non-productive) or wet (productive), and often signals an underlying health condition. Chronic coughing is more than just a lingering symptom—it can significantly affect your quality of life and may require targeted intervention.

Common Causes of Chronic Cough

If you’re Googling “why do I have a cough that won’t go away,” you’re not alone. Chronic cough can stem from several sources, including:

1. Postnasal Drip Syndrome (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome): Mucus draining down the throat can irritate the airway and trigger frequent throat clearing and coughing (Pratter, 2006).

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux may irritate the esophagus and cause a chronic dry cough, particularly at night.

3. Asthma or Cough-Variant Asthma: Asthma often causes inflammation in the airways, leading to coughing as a primary symptom.

4. Chronic Bronchitis or COPD: Long-term airway inflammation can result in a productive cough that persists over time.

5. Medications (like ACE inhibitors): These can trigger chronic coughing in some individuals (Gibson et al., 2016).

6. Environmental Irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, mold, or allergens can lead to chronic coughing—especially for sensitive individuals.

In some cases, despite thorough testing, no clear cause is found. This is referred to as idiopathic chronic cough (Morice et al., 2018).

Speech Therapy for Chronic Cough: A Non-Medication Approach

When medical treatment alone doesn’t resolve a persistent cough, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can offer targeted, evidence-based strategies. Many people are surprised to learn that speech therapy is an effective tool for managing chronic cough, especially when it’s driven by vocal cord dysfunction or a habitual cough reflex.

How Can a Speech Therapist Help With Chronic Cough?

Speech therapy may be beneficial if your cough has become a behavioral pattern, continues despite medical treatment, or is related to voice or breathing function. Some areas addressed during evaluation and therapy include:

• Identifying and reducing cough triggers

• Reducing habitual or reflexive coughing

• Improving vocal cord function and airway protection

• Enhancing breathing coordination and breath support

When to See a Speech Therapist for Chronic Cough

Not sure if it’s time to seek help? Consider scheduling a speech therapy evaluation for chronic cough if:

• You have a chronic dry cough or cough with voice changes

• You’ve ruled out infections, allergies, asthma, or GERD with your doctor

• You’ve tried medications without improvement

• Your cough seems worse when you talk, laugh, or take deep breaths

• You’ve been diagnosed with vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or paradoxical vocal fold motion

A qualified SLP can perform an in-depth evaluation and collaborate with your medical team to support your recovery.

Don’t Wait to Get Help for Chronic Cough

Living with a cough that won’t stop can be exhausting—but you don’t have to manage it alone. Speech therapy offers a non-pharmacological, evidence-supported approach to help reduce coughing episodes, restore vocal health, and improve your breathing patterns.

If you’re dealing with a chronic cough that’s disrupting your life, don’t wait. Reach out to Marigold Speech for a personalized evaluation with specialists experienced in managing chronic cough. Lasting relief could be closer than you think.

References

Gibson, P., Vertigan, A. E., & Gallois, C. (2016). Speech pathology and chronic cough: A new frontier for behavioral therapy. Lung, 194(1), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-015-9813-2

Irwin, R. S., Baumann, M. H., Bolser, D. C., Boulet, L. P., Braman, S. S., Brightling, C. E., … & Prakash, U. B. S. (2006). Diagnosis and management of cough: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest, 129(1_suppl), 1S–23S. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.129.1_suppl.1S

Morice, A. H., Millqvist, E., Bieksiene, K., Birring, S. S., Dicpinigaitis, P. V., Ribas, C. D., … & McGarvey, L. P. (2018). ERS guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in adults and children. European Respiratory Journal, 55(1), 1901136. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01136-2019

Pratter, M. R. (2006). Overview of common causes of chronic cough: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest, 129(1_suppl), 59S–62S. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.129.1_suppl.59S

Smith, J. A., Owen, E., Earis, J. E., & Woodcock, A. A. (2006). Cough in gastro-oesophageal reflux: Investigations and management. Gut, 55(11), 1530–1539. https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.2005.087007