Integrative Approach to Somatic (Psychogenic) Cough in a Geriatric Female Patient: A Case Study.

Chronic cough, defined as a cough lasting more than eight weeks, is a common condition that can significantly impair one's quality of life. Chronic cough is often attributed to respiratory, gastrointestinal, or allergic causes; however, a subset of patients experience persistent symptoms without identifiable pathology. In such cases, somatic cough syndrome (formerly known as psychogenic cough) should be considered. This report describes the successful treatment of a chronic refractory cough in an elderly patient using an integrative East-West medical approach. Following assessments by multiple specialists and a negative workup, along with a clinical history marked by unresolved grief, a diagnosis of somatic (psychogenic) cough was established. Non-pharmacologic therapies including acupuncture, dietary changes, insight-based guidance, and mind-body practices led to substantial symptom improvement. Clinicians should consider somatic (psychogenic) cough in cases of chronic cough that remain unresponsive to standard therapies. Integrative medicine offers a patient‑centered, holistic approach to managing complex and multifactorial cases.