Habit cough

Habit Cough is a type of cough that is persistent and chronic, often occurring without an apparent cause or underlying medical condition. It is also known as psychogenic cough, somatoform cough, or chronic cough.

Overview

Habit Cough is a condition that typically affects children and adolescents, but can also occur in adults. The cough is usually dry and hacking, and can be very disruptive to daily life. It often starts with a legitimate cough due to a cold or other illness, but continues long after the illness has resolved.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Habit Cough is a persistent, dry, hacking cough. This cough is often worse during the day and improves at night. Other symptoms may include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Throat irritation

Causes

The exact cause of Habit Cough is unknown, but it is thought to be related to psychological factors. It often begins after a cold or other respiratory infection, but continues long after the infection has cleared. Some theories suggest that the cough becomes a habit or coping mechanism for stress or anxiety.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Habit Cough involves ruling out other potential causes of the cough, such as asthma, allergies, or a respiratory infection. This may involve a physical examination, medical history, and possibly additional tests such as a chest X-ray or lung function tests.

Treatment

Treatment for Habit Cough typically involves behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help the individual learn to control the cough. Medications are generally not effective for this type of cough.

See Also

• Chronic Cough
• Psychogenic Cough
• Somatoform Cough

Habit cough Resources
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