Speech Pathology Management of Chronic Refractory Cough and Related Disorders

Book excerpt: Cough is such a common experience that it in fact accounts for the largest number of ambulatory healthcare visits internationally. Most cases of acute cough resolve spontaneously, however chronic refractory cough is another matter. This is defined as a cough that lasts for longer than eight weeks, and persists despite medical treatment; and it is a significant health problem for many people. Often lasting for months or even years, chronic refractory cough has debilitating side effects including stress urinary incontinence, depression, poor sleep, headaches and reduced quality of life. Some patients resign from work and many avoid social situations. Even simple activities such as conversing or using the telephone can become distressing because talking can trigger coughing episodes. Although medical treatment is ineffective for chronic refractory cough, speech pathology intervention can be effective in treating the condition. Presently, there are no widespread education programs and material is generally disseminated through journal articles published in a wide array of literature and by word of mouth. This book fills the gap. It is the first manual available to speech pathologists to support their treatment of chronic refractory cough and to eliminate their reliance on conference presentations, infrequent journal articles and short textbook descriptions. Presented here are a comprehensive overview of the conditions, detailed outlines of therapy options, and qualified guidance on recent advances in this area that speech pathologists need and are looking for when treating these patients. With contributions from world leading clinicians, this is the first book worldwide on the topic. It offers a comprehensive overview of the condition, outlines therapy in great detail and consolidates recent advances in this area. It provides all materials needed for speech pathologists to assess and treat individuals and all practical resources and tools needed to treat the condition - supported with step-by-step instruction, clear and concise explanations, pragmatic advice on decision-making, and no less than 11 photocopiable assessment and treatment forms, patient handouts and more.