A lingering cough can be exhausting—disrupting sleep, making conversations difficult, and leaving you constantly searching for relief. Whether it started with a virus, allergies, or an underlying condition like asthma or acid reflux, a persistent cough can feel impossible to shake.

Senior woman relieved of chronic cough with acupuncture

Many people try over-the-counter medications, prescription cough syrups, or home remedies, only to find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle with little improvement. But relief is possible. Acupuncture offers a natural way to calm irritation, support lung health, and help your body recover fully.

Acupuncture works by reducing inflammation, regulating the nervous system, and addressing underlying imbalances that contribute to chronic cough. In addition to acupuncture, Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness in Tualatin, OR, offers ATP Resonance BioTherapy® and O3 ReBoot Therapy®, which can further support the body’s healing process by improving circulation and immune function.

In this article, we’ll explore why chronic cough happens, how acupuncture and complementary therapies can help, and what research says about their effectiveness.

Why Chronic Cough Won’t Go Away

A cough is usually the body’s way of clearing irritants from the airways—but when it lingers for weeks or even months, it becomes more than just an annoyance. A chronic cough is typically defined as one that lasts eight weeks or longer in adults¹, and it can be triggered by a variety of underlying issues.

Young girl coughing from persistent respiratory irritation

Common Causes of a Persistent Cough

Even after an initial illness has resolved, certain factors can keep the cough going:

Post-Viral Irritation – After a cold, flu, or respiratory infection, lingering inflammation can make the airways overly sensitive, leading to a stubborn cough.
Allergies & Sinus Issues – Chronic postnasal drip from allergies or sinus congestion can trigger throat irritation and a constant need to clear mucus.
Asthma & Airway Sensitivities – Some people experience cough-variant asthma, where coughing is the primary symptom instead of wheezing.
Acid Reflux (GERD) – Stomach acid can irritate the throat and airways, leading to a dry, hacking cough—especially at night.
Environmental Factors – Exposure to pollutants, smoke, or dry indoor air can worsen throat irritation and prolong coughing episodes.
Stress & Anxiety – Psychological factors like stress and anxiety can heighten cough sensitivity, making the airways more reactive and prolonging coughing episodes.²

For many, over-the-counter cough syrups and prescription medications only provide temporary relief—addressing symptoms but not the root cause. This can leave patients feeling frustrated, stuck in a cycle of trying different remedies with little long-term success.

When Is It Time to Seek Help?

If your cough has persisted for several weeks without improvement, or if it’s disrupting sleep, work, or daily activities, it may be time to explore a more effective, long-term solution.

How Acupuncture Provides Lasting Relief

Chronic cough isn’t just about irritated airways—it often signals an imbalance in the body that needs to be addressed for true, lasting relief. That’s where acupuncture comes in. Unlike conventional treatments that focus solely on suppressing symptoms, acupuncture works with the body to reduce inflammation, calm hypersensitive airways, and restore balance to the nervous system.

Acupuncture treatment to relieve chronic cough

How Acupuncture Helps Chronic Cough

Acupuncture has been shown to:

Regulate the nervous system, reducing hypersensitivity that triggers ongoing coughing episodes³
Decrease inflammation, helping to soothe irritated airways and support lung function³
Improve circulation and immune response, aiding the body’s natural healing process³
Address underlying causes, such as stress, digestive imbalances, or post-viral inflammation that contribute to a lingering cough³

At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to care. In addition to acupuncture, we may incorporate ATP Resonance BioTherapy® and O3 ReBoot Therapy® to enhance treatment outcomes.

Acupuncture vs. Western Medicine: Finding the Best Approach

When dealing with a chronic cough, most people turn to conventional medicine first—which is understandable. Over-the-counter cough suppressants, inhalers, steroids, and acid-reducing medications are common go-to treatments. While these treatments may help manage symptoms, they often don’t resolve the underlying issue, leading to a cycle of temporary relief and frustration.

For many patients, acupuncture works best alongside conventional care, helping to fill gaps where medications fall short.

How Conventional Treatments Compare to Acupuncture

Medications like cough suppressants, inhalers, and acid reducers can provide short-term relief but don’t always resolve the issue.
Acupuncture and integrative therapies work with the body to promote healing by regulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and improving immune function.
Unlike medications, acupuncture is drug-free and well-tolerated, addressing deeper causes rather than just symptoms.

A Comprehensive Approach for Lasting Relief

At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we specialize in helping people find long-term relief from persistent health issues like chronic cough. Many of our patients come to us after trying multiple medical treatments without success, and they often find that a more comprehensive, natural approach makes all the difference.

What Science Says – Research on Acupuncture for Chronic Cough

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to support respiratory health, but modern research confirms its effectiveness for chronic cough. Clinical studies show that acupuncture can reduce cough severity, improve lung function, and regulate inflammation, making it a valuable option for those struggling with a lingering cough.

Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for Chronic Cough

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2,835 participants found that acupuncture significantly reduced chronic cough severity and improved overall treatment effectiveness compared to conventional medical treatment.³ Researchers concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for chronic cough, regardless of its underlying cause.³
Another meta-analysis focused on cough-variant asthma (CVA) found that acupuncture improved lung function, decreased airway inflammation, and reduced cough frequency.⁴ Since airway hypersensitivity and inflammation contribute to many types of chronic cough, these findings suggest that acupuncture may help patients with post-viral cough, allergies, and other respiratory-related cough conditions as well.⁴

At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we combine acupuncture with advanced therapies to further support healing and improve patient outcomes.

Your Next Step – Easy, Natural Relief Starts Here

If you've been dealing with a lingering cough that won’t go away, relief is possible. At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we take a results-driven approach to help you feel better—naturally.

How We Help You Find Lasting Relief

Our personalized treatment plans may include:

✔️ Acupuncture – Helps regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and calm airway hypersensitivity.
✔️ ATP Resonance BioTherapy® – A non-invasive therapy that supports cellular healing and immune function.
✔️ O3 ReBoot Therapy® – A specialized ozone therapy designed to improve oxygen utilization and reduce chronic inflammation.

By combining these proven therapies, we provide a comprehensive solution designed to help you recover more effectively—without relying on medications or short-term fixes.

What to Expect from Your First Visit

1️⃣ Comprehensive Consultation – We take the time to understand your symptoms, health history, and personal wellness goals before creating a customized treatment plan.
2️⃣ Tailored Treatment Approach – Your session will include one or more of our specialized therapies based on your individual needs.
3️⃣ Long-Term Results – Our goal isn’t just short-term relief—it’s to help you break the cycle of chronic coughing so you can breathe easier and feel better.

📞 Call us today at +1 (503) 336-4747 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.

References

Irwin RS, French CL, Chang AB, Altman KW. Classification of Cough as a Symptom in Adults and Management Algorithms: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Chest. 2018;153(1):196-209.
Gibson P, Wang G, McGarvey L, et al. Treatment of Unexplained Chronic Cough: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Chest. 2016;149(1):27-44. doi:10.1378/chest.15-1496
Lee B, Kwon CY, Jeong YK, et al. Acupuncture-related therapy for chronic cough: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Integr Med Res. 2025;14:101121.
Xiong X, Wang P, Duan W, et al. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of cough-variant asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2021;27(5):421-432.

How Acupuncture Helps Treat Persistent, Long-Lasting Cough