What is psychological cough

psychological cough refers to chronic cough caused by psychological factors without clear organic lesions, mainly manifested as recurrent dry cough and related to emotional fluctuations. Psychological cough may be related to factors such as anxiety disorders, depression, psychological stress reactions, somatic symptoms, and child behavior imitation, and can be improved through psychological intervention, behavior correction, medication treatment, and other methods.

1. Anxiety disorder:

Long term anxiety may lead to tension in the throat muscles, triggering the cough reflex. Patients often have physical symptoms such as palpitations and sweating. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used for psychological treatment, and anti anxiety drugs such as paroxetine tablets and sertraline hydrochloride tablets can be used according to medical advice. Daily stress can be relieved through deep breathing training. 2. Depressive state: Somatic symptoms caused by depression can manifest as persistent coughing, often accompanied by decreased interest, fatigue, and other symptoms. It is recommended to use antidepressants such as fluoxetine capsules and olanzapine tablets under the guidance of a doctor, combined with psychological counseling such as mindfulness meditation. Parents should be aware that adolescent patients may express their emotional needs through coughing.

3. Psychological stress response:

Acute stress caused by sudden life events may lead to psychogenic cough, with common throat foreign body sensation but no secretion. In the short term, follow the doctor's advice to use lorazepam tablets to alleviate symptoms, and in the long term, seek psychological counseling to deal with stressors. Suggest recording the context during a cough attack to identify the trigger.

4. Somatic symptoms:

Some patients may transform psychological conflicts into cough symptoms, and although there are no abnormalities on examination, the cough persists for more than 8 weeks. Biofeedback therapy can be attempted, and in terms of medication, doctors may prescribe citrate tanshinone capsules to regulate neurological function. Avoiding excessive attention to coughing behavior can help alleviate symptoms.

5. Child Behavior Imitation:

Children may develop imitative cough due to observing others' coughing behavior, which is more common in school age. Parents should avoid reinforcing this behavior and can divert their attention through games. In severe cases, consult a child psychologist. It is not recommended to use cough suppressants on your own. Maintaining a regular sleep routine can help regulate autonomic nervous system function, ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep per day. Moderate increase in foods rich in tryptophan, such as bananas and oats, in diet can help stabilize emotions. It is recommended to engage in 3-5 moderate intensity aerobic exercises per week, such as brisk walking or swimming, for 30-40 minutes each time. When coughing, try taking a small amount of warm water or lozenges to relieve discomfort in the throat. If the symptoms persist for more than 2 months or affect daily life, it is necessary to seek professional evaluation from a psychological or psychosomatic medicine department. Be careful to avoid overusing cough suppressants to mask potential psychological issues.