Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is generally one that lasts longer than eight weeks in adults. It can be dry or produce mucus, and may have an obvious cause or remain unexplained even after investigation. Because a persistent cough can have many underlying causes, it should always be assessed by a doctor before being treated as a long-term cough problem.

Common causes include asthma, post-nasal drip, acid reflux, the after-effects of an infection, and certain medications, among others. Sometimes no clear cause is found, and the cough is driven by an over-sensitive cough reflex.

You should see your GP about any cough that lasts more than about three weeks, and seek prompt medical advice if you cough up blood, lose weight without trying, have chest pain, increasing breathlessness, a hoarse voice that won't settle, or feel generally unwell. These need proper assessment before any other treatment. Physiotherapy is considered once serious causes have been investigated and addressed.

Yes — for many people with a persistent or unexplained cough, physiotherapy can be very effective, particularly when the cough is driven by an over-sensitive reflex or a breathing pattern problem rather than an untreated illness. A physiotherapist teaches techniques to reduce the urge to cough and break the cycle that keeps it going.

Physiotherapy for chronic cough typically combines education about why the cough persists, cough-control techniques to reduce the urge to cough, breathing exercises, and advice on things like hydration and reducing throat irritation. The goal is to "reset" an over-sensitive cough reflex. Many people significantly reduce their coughing through these techniques.

Cough control therapy (sometimes called cough suppression therapy) is a set of techniques that help you recognise and resist the urge to cough, calming an over-active cough reflex. It includes strategies such as substituting the cough with a swallow or sip of water, relaxed breathing, throat deconstruction and reducing throat irritation. Delivered by a trained physiotherapist or speech therapist, it can be highly effective for refractory cough.

A refractory chronic cough is one that continues despite treatment of any underlying causes, while an unexplained cough is one where no cause is found at all. Both are often linked to an over-sensitive cough reflex — the nerves controlling the cough become hypersensitive, so even minor triggers set off coughing. These types of cough often respond well to physiotherapy techniques.

Yes — for many people, relaxed breathing techniques and breathing retraining help settle a persistent dry cough, especially when it's linked to a breathing pattern problem or throat sensitivity. Breathing through the nose and reducing throat tension can lower the urge to cough. A physiotherapist will teach you the techniques most likely to help your particular cough.

A persistent cough is often connected to sensitivity around the throat and larynx (voice box), which can feel like a tickle, irritation or a need to clear your throat. This is sometimes called laryngeal hypersensitivity. Physiotherapists and speech therapists use specific techniques to calm this sensitivity and reduce the coughing it triggers.

Your first session involves understanding your cough history, triggers and any investigations you've already had, plus an assessment of your breathing and throat sensations. Your physiotherapist then explains why the cough may be persisting and begins teaching control techniques. You'll practise between sessions, with follow-ups to build on what's working.

Many people benefit from a short course of sessions — often around three to five — with practice in between. Some need only a couple of sessions to learn the techniques, while others benefit from more. Your physiotherapist will give you a clearer plan after your initial assessment.

Once you've learned the techniques, you can use them again if the cough flares up — for example during or after a cold, when the cough reflex can become sensitive again. The aim is to leave you able to manage it independently. Your physiotherapist will make sure you have the tools to keep it under control.

No, at Take a Breath Physio you can self refer by clicking the contact button and start your journey to breathe better – live better.

A persistent cough is a sensitive topic and can occasionally signal something that needs medical attention. If you're worried about your cough, please see your GP, who can check for any underlying causes.