The Chronic Cough Cycle

Jun 9

Written By Kristen Paler

The Chronic Cough Cycle

Coughing is a protective reflex—but when it becomes chronic, it can trap you in a damaging cycle.

Let’s break it down:

You cough—often after a trigger like talking, laughing, or exposure to dry air.
The cough irritates your vocal folds, which causes swelling or inflammation.
Inflammation makes your larynx even more sensitive.
You cough more, reinforcing the cycle.

This cycle can go on for months or years if not addressed, and the constant irritation can lead to:

Muscle tension dysphonia (voice strain)
Vocal fold swelling (leading to hoarseness or breathiness)
In some cases, vocal fold lesions like nodules or polyps

The longer this loop continues, the harder it becomes to break. And while medications may reduce some inflammation, they rarely stop the neurologic cough reflex itself.

That’s where a skilled SLP steps in.

SLP Intervention: Interrupting the Cycle

SLPs use evidence-based therapy to disrupt this cough cycle through:

Cough suppression techniques: training your brain and body to override the urge to cough
Rescue strategies: hydration, sniff-swallow techniques, and focused breathing
Neuromuscular re-education: teaching your larynx to respond more appropriately to stimuli

We work not just on the voice, but on the mind-body coordination behind it. This isn’t just speech therapy—it’s airway training.