Generally, unexplained (idiopathic/refractory) chronic cough (UCC) persists after the common causes have been evaluated and ruled out; also, medical management options have not offered any convincing relief from symptoms. This condition is a diagnosis of exclusion following a careful diagnostic workup such as underlying lung/airways disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux, rhinosinusitis, etc. The objective of this article is to emphasize the effectiveness of speech and language therapy (SLT) for the treatment of patients with UCC. Evidence suggests that UCC may be caused by neural hyper-responsiveness.
Patient with this condition calls an ’irritation’ or ’tickle ’ within the throat and a keen urge or necessity to cough. In addition, lower concentrations of tussive agents are essential to induce cough in patients with UCC compared with healthy controls. It is also reported that vagal afferent…
