The “I Make People Cough” (IMPC) condition is a phenomenon where individuals believe they are causing others to cough, sneeze, or exhibit similar respiratory reactions, even in the absence of any obvious physical or environmental triggers. A unique aspect of this condition is that some people report causing these reactions remotely, such as over the telephone.
Related Conditions: ORS and PATM
IMPC is often compared to two other conditions: Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS) and People Are Allergic to Me (PATM).
- Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS): ORS is a psychiatric disorder where individuals have a persistent belief that they emit a foul odor, causing others to cough, sneeze, or react in other ways. This belief is not based in reality, but it can lead to significant distress and social isolation. Read more about ORS on wikipedia.
- People Are Allergic to Me (PATM): PATM is a term used by individuals who believe that their body odor causes others to have allergic-like reactions, such as coughing or sneezing. Despite their persistent efforts to find the cause, scientific evidence to support this belief is lacking. A small study conducted in Japan examined “skin gas” from PATM volunteers but found no conclusive link to the reactions they reported. Read the study here.
The primary difference between IMPC and PATM is the perceived cause of these symptoms. People with IMPC do not attribute these reactions to body odor, whereas this belief is central to the PATM community. Furthermore, in a review of the now-defunct MedHelp PATM forum, about 10.7% of the 498 members reported experiencing this phenomenon remotely, such as over the telephone, a characteristic more commonly associated with IMPC.
Challenges Faced by Those Affected
Experiencing IMPC can lead to severe emotional and psychological challenges. The belief that one is causing others to cough or sneeze often results in depression, anxiety, stress, and social isolation. A particularly troubling aspect is the development of intense anger and rage directed at those who keep coughing, even though the person believes they are the one causing it. This misdirected anger can escalate over time, becoming a significant issue that impacts daily life and relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common therapeutic approach that can help individuals manage these intense emotions and behaviors.
The Role of Well-being
The intensity of IMPC symptoms is closely related to an individual’s overall well-being. When a person is happy, calm, and in a good mood, the condition may hardly bother them, even around people who are coughing. Some individuals have reported going years without being significantly affected. However, during times of depression, anxiety, stress, or anger, the condition can become overwhelmingly intense and difficult to manage.
A Message of Hope and Support
If you are struggling with the IMPC condition, know that you are not alone. Although it is not yet fully understood, there are coping strategies and support resources available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your well-being. This website aims to provide information, tools, and resources to help you navigate this challenging condition. We encourage you to explore the materials provided here and reach out for help if needed.
Want to make a positive change? Check out our 30 Day Compassion Challenge on the Coping Strategies page. It’s a guided program designed to help you cultivate self-compassion, reduce anger, and improve your emotional well-being. Give it a try and see how it can make a difference in your life.