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Childhood habit cough treated with self-hypnosis
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA. Anbar@mail.upstate.edu
The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 5, 2004
Summary
Habit cough, often triggered by infections or asthma, frequently causes school absence. Self-hypnosis effectively resolves this persistent cough in most children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Habit cough is a common condition in children and adolescents.
- Factors contributing to habit cough development and persistence require further understanding.
- Associated symptoms and impact on daily life, such as school absence, are significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with habit cough development and persistence.
- To evaluate the efficacy of self-hypnosis as a treatment for habit cough.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 56 children and adolescents diagnosed with habit cough.
- Instruction in self-hypnosis techniques focusing on relaxation and cough suppression.
- Analysis of cough triggers, duration, school absence, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Common triggers included upper respiratory infections (59%) and asthma (13%).
- Average cough duration was 13 months, with significant school absence in 50% of patients missing over a week.
- Self-hypnosis led to resolution in 78% during the initial session and 12% within a month.
Conclusions:
- Habit cough is linked to various physiological conditions and can lead to substantial school absenteeism.
- Self-hypnosis presents a safe and efficient therapeutic option for habit cough.
- Early intervention with self-hypnosis can rapidly resolve habit cough symptoms.