Chronic Cough Speech Therapy - Wellington & Telehealth NZ
Break the cycle of
persistent cough
Chronic cough is complex. Gentle specialist expertise makes all the difference. Evidence-based therapy to restore your comfort and confidence.
When Speech Therapy Helps Chronic Cough
When your cough persists for more than 8 weeks, speech therapy offers powerful solutions that complement your medical care.
Red Flag Symptoms
Seek medical evaluation immediately if you experience:
- Coughing up blood or pink-tinged sputum
- Unexplained weight loss or night sweats
- Severe shortness of breath or chest pain
Speech Therapy Indicators
Consider chronic cough speech therapy when:
- Medical investigations are normal but cough persists
- Cough is dry or minimally productive
- Triggers include talking, laughing, or environmental factors
- Cough affects sleep, work, or social activities
Why Speech Therapy Works
Chronic cough involves the same anatomical structures we use for speech and swallowing. Our gentle specialist expertise targets the neuromuscular patterns that maintain persistent cough, helping you regain control while working alongside medical treatment.
Our Evidence-Based Treatment Approach
Comprehensive Assessment
Detailed analysis of your cough patterns, triggers, and impact on daily life. We assess respiratory function, laryngeal sensitivity, and contributing factors.
Cough Suppression Techniques
Evidence-based strategies to interrupt the cough reflex and reduce urge sensitivity. Includes breathing techniques and alternative throat clearing methods.
Behavioural Modification
Identifying and changing environmental triggers, stress factors, and habit patterns that perpetuate chronic cough.
Post-Infectious Cough
Following viral or bacterial infections (cold, flu, COVID-19). Usually dry with tickling sensation.
Reflux-Related Cough
Associated with GORD, often worse after meals or lying down with throat clearing.
Idiopathic Chronic Cough
No identifiable cause despite medical investigation. Excellent response to speech therapy.
Neurogenic Cough
Related to neurological conditions or nerve sensitivity, often with voice changes.
Treatment Techniques We Use
- Controlled breathing exercises to reduce laryngeal sensitivity
- Progressive muscle relaxation for throat tension
- Environmental modification and stress management
- Cough suppression and alternative throat clearing
- Hydration strategies and throat comfort measures
- Home exercise programs for ongoing management
Why Choose Sona Speech for Chronic Cough
Hospital-Grade Expertise
Our practitioner brings 15 years of adult speech therapy experience from Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), including extensive work with patients experiencing chronic cough following medical procedures, illness, or unexplained onset.
This hospital background provides deep understanding of how chronic cough intersects with various medical conditions and treatments.
Evidence-Based Methods
We use research-proven techniques developed specifically for chronic cough management. Our approach is grounded in the latest literature on cough reflex sensitivity and behavioural intervention.
Every technique we teach has been validated through clinical research and our own extensive experience with chronic cough patients.
Years Experience
Adult speech therapy specialisation in hospital and private practice
Nationwide Access
Wellington clinic plus secure telehealth for all New Zealand
Days Average
From initial contact to first appointment - no lengthy waiting
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Patient Success Stories
Real outcomes from our chronic cough therapy program. All details anonymised to protect patient privacy.
Idiopathic Chronic Cough Success Story
A 62-year-old with 18-month history of dry cough. Extensive medical investigations including CT chest, bronchoscopy, and specialist consultations found no identifiable cause. Cough severely impacted quality of life and social activities.
Treatment: Comprehensive 10-session program including desensitisation techniques, behavioural modification, and stress management strategies using evidence-based chronic cough speech therapy methods.
Outcome: Substantial improvement in cough control and daily functioning. Patient reported feeling "like themselves again" and developed confidence in managing occasional flare-ups independently. Progress maintained at 6-month follow-up.
Your Assessment Process
Our comprehensive 75-minute initial assessment gives us the detailed understanding needed to develop your personalised treatment plan.
Comprehensive Assessment
Detailed history of your persistent cough, triggers, medical investigations, and impact on daily life. We examine breathing patterns, throat tension, and voice quality to understand your unique pattern.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Development of your individualised chronic cough speech therapy plan with specific goals, evidence-based techniques, and clear timeline. We ensure you understand each step of your recovery journey.
Immediate Techniques
You'll learn cough suppression strategies during the assessment itself. Our gentle specialist expertise ensures you leave with practical tools to start managing your chronic cough straight away.
Working with Your Medical Team
We believe in collaborative care. Our speech therapy expertise integrates seamlessly with your existing medical care.
Specialist Integration
We regularly collaborate with ENT specialists, respiratory physicians, gastroenterologists, and neurologists. Our hospital background enables us to communicate effectively with medical colleagues using appropriate clinical language.
We provide detailed progress reports to your referring doctors and can coordinate care to ensure all aspects of your health are addressed.
Comprehensive Reporting
Following your assessment, we provide comprehensive reports to your GP and any relevant specialists. These include our findings, treatment recommendations, and how our therapy complements medical interventions.
Regular progress updates ensure your medical team remains informed about your improvement and any ongoing needs.
Common Referral Sources
- ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Specialists
- Respiratory/Pulmonary Physicians
- Gastroenterologists
- General Practitioners
- Neurologists
- Oncology Teams
Investment in Your Recovery
Transparent pricing with flexible payment options. No hidden fees or surprise costs.
Wellington Clinic
In-person appointments at our Newtown clinic
Telehealth Nationwide
Secure video sessions from your home
Payment Options
Flexible payment plans available • No hidden fees • Insurance support provided
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does chronic cough speech therapy take?
Most patients see significant improvement within 4-6 sessions over 8-10 weeks using our evidence-based persistent cough specialist approach. Some notice improvement after the first session, while complex cases may require 8-10 sessions for optimal results.
Can speech therapy help if medical tests are normal?
Absolutely. Normal medical investigations often indicate chronic cough related to hypersensitivity or habit patterns rather than ongoing disease. These respond excellently to our gentle specialist expertise in chronic cough speech therapy.
Is telehealth as effective as in-person treatment?
Yes, chronic cough speech therapy Wellington translates very well to nationwide telehealth. We can observe breathing patterns, teach techniques effectively, and provide the same quality assessment. Many patients prefer home-based sessions.
Do you work with my medical team?
Yes, we provide comprehensive reports to your GP and specialists. Our hospital-trained expertise enables effective communication with medical colleagues. We coordinate care to ensure all aspects of your persistent cough are addressed professionally.
Ready to Break the Cough Cycle?
Take the first step towards recovery. Your story matters, and gentle specialist expertise makes all the difference.
Quick Access
Same-week appointments available
Expert Care
NZSTA registered, hospital-trained
Proven Results
Evidence-based chronic cough therapy