Symptoms
Persistent, dry cough lasting weeks or months
Cough is often described as barking, honking, or hacking
Cough may disappear during sleep or when the person is distracted
Throat clearing
Chest tightness or discomfort
Symptoms may worsen during periods of stress or anxiety
Voice Hoarseness
Causes
The exact cause is not fully understood, but functional cough is thought to be related to:
Psychological stress
Anxiety
Depression
Habitual behavior
Possible history of upper respiratory infection or other trigger that initiated the cough.
Medicine Used
There's no specific medication to "cure" functional cough. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and addressing the underlying psychological factors:
Speech therapy: Techniques to control and suppress the cough.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses underlying anxiety, stress, or behavioral patterns contributing to the cough.
Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation to reduce stress.
Medications for anxiety or depression: If underlying mental health conditions are present, medication may be prescribed.
Cough suppressants: Sometimes used for temporary symptom relief, but not a long-term solution.
Is Communicable
No, functional cough is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection or contagious agent.
Precautions
Since functional cough is not contagious, standard precautions against infection are not relevant. Precautions focus on managing the cough and addressing any underlying psychological factors:
Identify and manage stress triggers.
Practice relaxation techniques.
Seek professional help from a therapist or speech therapist.
Avoid irritants that might trigger coughing (smoke, dust, etc.).
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How long does an outbreak last?
Functional cough isn't an "outbreak" like an infectious disease. The duration of the cough varies greatly depending on the individual and the effectiveness of treatment. It can last for weeks, months, or even years if not properly addressed.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made after ruling out other medical causes of cough:
Medical history and physical exam: To identify potential underlying medical conditions.
Chest X-ray or other imaging: To rule out lung disease.
Pulmonary function tests: To assess lung function.
Exclusion of other causes: After medical causes are ruled out, a diagnosis of functional cough may be considered based on the characteristic cough and its association with psychological factors.
Referral to a specialist (pulmonologist, ENT, or psychologist) may be necessary.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies. It may start after a common cold or respiratory infection, and the cough persists long after the infection has resolved. Symptoms can also start gradually without any clear trigger. The cough becomes a persistent habit, exacerbated by stress or anxiety.
Important Considerations
It's important to rule out underlying medical conditions before diagnosing functional cough.
A multidisciplinary approach involving a physician, therapist, and speech therapist may be necessary for effective management.
Patience and understanding are crucial, as treatment can take time.
Addressing the underlying psychological factors is essential for long-term relief.
The cough is real to the patient, even if there is no identifiable medical cause.