Internet-Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy

Inclusion Criteria: No barriers to using a computer or smartphone (e.g., no significant fine motor or visual problems). Internet and e-mail access and the ability to use it. Suffering from a cough lasting at least eight weeks that is: Largely unproductive (cough up no more than a few teaspoons worth of clear or white sputum or mucus in a 24-hour period). Report of cough triggered by identifiable stimuli including and not limited to any combination of the following: cold air, talking, laughing, taking a deep breath, exercise, crumbly foods, strong smells or odors, fumes from paint or cleaning sprays. Often preceded by the sensation of an urge-to-cough (e.g., tickle or itch) at the level of the throat. Self-report of receiving the following assessments for current cough symptoms with unremarkable results: Physical evaluation by at least one physician. Chest x-ray. Willingness to avoid other potential cough treatments during the course of the study (or alert study personnel if alternative treatment is implemented out of necessity). Exclusion Criteria: Current smoker of any substance. Diagnosis of any of the following: Respiratory disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma) Neurogenic disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular disease) Head and neck cancer Self-report of difficulty swallowing since having chronic cough Use of the following medication: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) in the past four weeks: benzapril (Lotensin), Captopril (Capoten), Enalapril/Enalaprilat (Vasotec oral and injectable), Fosinopril (Monopril), Lisinopril (Zestril and Prinivil), Moexipril (Univasc), Perindopril (Aceon), Quinapril (Accupril), Ramipril (Altace), and Trandolapril (Mavik). Use of a neuromodulator medication in the past 48 hours: Neurontin (Gabapentin) and amitriptyline. Individuals with dysphonia (abnormal voice; either self-reported or perceived by study personnel during enrollment interview) will be excluded unless they have had a normal laryngoscopy (endoscopic assessment of the larynx) by an otolaryngologist (ENT) within the past year specifically for their cough.