Cough Hypersensitivity and Chronic Cough
Cough is a natural process that helps us clear foreign objects that irritate our lungs or throat. It is a protective involuntary response.
We can cough for several reasons but most commonly it is either to clear phlegm, commonly known as mucus, from our lungs, or to protect our airway when choking.
Overtime your cough can become a habit, this means you may still feel the need to cough but not have any reason to cough. A cough that lasts more than 8 weeks is known as a chronic cough and is often irritable and repetitive.
Common side effects of chronic cough include
- Altered sensation in your throat
- Voice change
- Urinary incontinence
- Fainting, known as cough syncope
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
Chronic cough is diagnosed if a cough last longer than 8 weeks
At Take a Breath Physio we understand that repetitive coughing can often be embarrassing, disruptive (waking you at night) and reduce your quality of life. We can help you understand the nature of your cough and teach you appropriate methods to help reduce this need or sensation giving you more control.
Contact us now to see how we can help