January 30, 2012 - Cough is one of the top reasons why people visit their family doctors. Many coughs are not life-threatening, but they can affect people’s sleep, and can sometimes lead to retching, vomiting and even incontinence. Chronic cough can also make people worry that something may be wrong with their health.
If you've had a cough that lasts for three weeks or longer and it’s not improving, the Canadian Lung Association recommends that you get it checked out.
To raise awareness about coughs that won’t go away, the Canadian Lung Association today, launched its 3+ Week Cough campaign that uses humour to get the message out.
"This campaign is a real departure for us. We usually do campaigns on specific lung diseases. But this year, we’ve decided to focus on a symptom that’s common to many lung diseases – a nagging cough that won’t go away," says Janis Hass, director of marketing and communications of the national office of the Canadian Lung Association.
"We’re using humour, instead of fear tactics, to attract attention. The goal is to drive people to our new website and to call our toll-free number, so they can talk to a certified respiratory educator," she adds.
The 30-second TV ad features a "3 week cough" character who is singing inside of a giant mouth. "He’s crooning a Frank Sinatra-like tune that we hope will become an “earworm” – one of those infectious songs that gets stuck in people’s heads." The new website features the same character, doing a comedy routine.
The four-week campaign targets adults, especially those who smoke or used to smoke, and who may think that a nagging cough is normal.
"A cough that lasts three or longer may go away on its own. But if it doesn’t, we’re asking people to find out what’s causing the cough and to get treated, if needed," said Hass.
There are many causes of a persistent cough. It could be caused by post-nasal drip, acid reflux, allergies, or an undiagnosed lung disease. Or it could be a flare-up of asthma or COPD that needs to be checked out.
"Early detection of lung disease is important. That’s why we recommend getting a proper diagnosis of a persistent cough," says Heather Borquez, CEO and president of the Canadian Lung Association.
People with a persistent cough can call and talk to a certified respiratory educators at: 1-866-717-COPD (2673). In Quebec, call 1 888 POUMON-9.
About the Canadian Lung Association
Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues.
For media interviews, please contact:
Janis Hass
Director of Markting and Communications
The Canadian Lung Association
(613) 569-6411, ext. 225
jhass@lung.ca
