Many parents have experienced their child coughing, but what if that cough doesn’t have any physical cause? This is known as psychogenic cough, or habit cough.

It’s important to understand the causes and treatments, and that’s where pediatrician Marialena Kyriakakou comes in.

What is psychogenic cough?

Psychogenic cough, or habit cough, is a chronic cough in which there is no underlying physical disorder.

Unlike acute coughs that are caused by respiratory infections or allergies, psychogenic coughs result from stress, anxiety, or other emotional factors.

The cough tends to be dry, harsh, and persistent, and it may be worse during certain times of the day or in certain situations, such as when the child is at school or being evaluated by a doctor. It typically disappears during sleep.

What causes psychogenic cough in children?

The exact cause of psychogenic cough is not known, but it is thought to be related to psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or emotional trauma.

It often occurs after a child has had a respiratory illness or has been exposed to a stressful event, such as moving to a new school.

How is psychogenic cough diagnosed?

Diagnosing psychogenic cough involves ruling out any underlying physical causes for the cough.

Your pediatrician will likely perform a physical exam and may conduct tests, such as chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests, to rule out any respiratory disorders.

If no physical cause is found, your pediatrician will likely ask about your child’s medical history, including any recent illnesses, and any emotional or psychological stresses that may be contributing to the cough.

They may also ask your child to describe the cough and will likely observe the cough during the exam.

What are the treatment options?

Treating psychogenic cough typically involves addressing the underlying psychological factors.

Your pediatrician may recommend:

Behavioral therapy: This type of therapy involves teaching your child coping mechanisms such as deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques to help them relieve stress and anxiety.
Speech therapy: In some cases, speech therapy may be recommended to help your child break the habit of coughing.
Medications: In rare cases, medications such as low-dose antidepressants or antianxiety medications may be prescribed to help your child manage symptoms.

Your pediatrician may also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your child’s progress and help them continue to implement coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety.

What can parents do to help?

As a parent, there are several things you can do to help your child manage their psychogenic cough:.

Provide emotional support: Encourage your child to express their emotions and be open about their feelings. Listen to them without judgment and respond with empathy.
Limit exposure to triggers: If your child’s cough is triggered by stress or anxiety, try to limit exposure to these triggers as much as possible.
Encourage relaxation: Encourage your child to engage in relaxation activities such as reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath before bed.
Build a support network: Consider talking to your child’s school counselor or other mental health professional to help them build a support network and learn coping mechanisms.

Conclusion

While psychogenic cough can be frustrating and disruptive, it is treatable with the right care and support. If you suspect your child has a psychogenic cough, talk to your pediatrician to determine the best course of treatment.