Since 2006, the Chronic Cough Clinic started by the Alberta Health Services (AHS) has helped those suffering from persistent coughs. The clinic was started in 2006 due to the efforts of Dr. Stephen Field. He is working as a respirologist at the Foothills Medical Centre.

Dr. Field stressed that these coughs can have a significant impact on the life of someone suffering from them. He points that violent coughing can lead to various things like retching, vomiting and continence in severe cases. Many people suffering from this condition cannot even sleep properly during the night.

Experts argue that any cough that lasts for a period of more than four weeks can be classified as a chronic cough. Anyone suffering from a chronic cough is more likely to visit a doctor and it has a severe impact on the life of someone suffering from a chronic cough.

Most of the patients who come for treatment at the Chronic Cough Clinic are assessed by Dr. Field and Diane Conley who are qualified respiratory educators. The first thing they do is to work with the patient to determine the cause of the cough.

The doctors work with the patients to ensure that these coughs are not caused due to a serious medical condition. Then, they find an effective way to manage the problem.

In most of the cases, these coughs are caused by blockages in the upper airway, mild asthma or acid reflux.