Tips for managing a chronic cough

Living with an ongoing cough can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and socially isolating. Lung Foundation Australia understands this and has developed a factsheet on, Tips to Manage Chronic Cough. This factsheet aims to offer practical, evidence-based strategies to help individuals take control of their symptoms and improve their overall wellbeing, comfort, and confidence in daily life. 

This factsheet is designed to complement the medical treatment prescribed by your doctor by sharing techniques that can be used at any time, such as: 

• breathing through your nose instead of your mouth,  

• using a handheld fan to reduce the urge to cough,  

• sipping water regularly to keep your throat moist, and  

• avoiding cold air exposure.  

It also includes advice on natural remedies that people have reported benefits with — always in consultation with your GP. 

The factsheet introduces breathing exercises like the “stop cough technique” and “sniff and suck” methods, which can help interrupt a coughing episode or reduce its severity. These techniques are especially useful when practiced regularly, even when symptoms aren’t present. 

Mental health is also a key focus. A cough that doesn’t go away can increase stress and anxiety, which can make symptoms worse. The factsheet offers calming strategies such as slow breathing, mindfulness, visualisation, and promotes the benefits of joining support groups. Importantly, the factsheet encourages people to track their symptoms, keep an up-to-date list of all current medicines, and create a personalised action plan. It encourages people to be confident in educating others about their chronic cough, to deal with the stigma that can be experienced as it is often misunderstood and wrongly assumed to be contagious. 

By taking a holistic approach — starting with the treatments prescribed by your doctor and combining them with self-management strategies, looking after your mental health, and other therapies, you can feel more confident and in control of your cough. This approach gives you the tools and support you need to manage your symptoms effectively.