Positive Health Online

Abstract

ANBAR and HALL, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA, Anbar@mail.upstate.edu, report on childhood habit cough treated with self-hypnosis.

Background

The aim of this study was to better understand factors associated with the development and persistence of habit cough, and to report the use of self-hypnosis for this condition.

Methodology

A retrospective chart review was performed with 56 children and adolescents with habit cough. Interested patients were instructed in self- hypnosis for relaxation and to help ignore the cough-triggering sensation.

Results

The cough was triggered by upper respiratory tract infections in 59% of subjects, asthma in 13%, exercise in 5%, and eating in 4%. The onset of the condition was as early as age 2, and it lasted on average for 13 months. There was a high incidence of abdominal pain and IBS in the 50% of patients who missed more than one week of school because of their cough. Among the 51 patients who used hypnosis, the cough resolved during or immediately after the initial hypnosis instruction session in 78%, and within one month in an additional 12%.

Conclusion

Habit cough is triggered by various physiological conditions, related frequently to other diagnoses, and associated with significant school absence. Self-hypnosis offers a safe and efficient treatment.

References

Anbar RD, Hall HR. Childhood habit cough treated with self-hypnosis. The Journal of Pediatrics 144 (2): 213-217, Feb 2004.