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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Coughing Spells Accompanied By Temporary Airway Obstruction
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Coughing Spells Accompanied By Temporary Airway Obstruction
by codbea, Jul 26, 2004 12:00AM
Man, age 43. Beginning 2 months ego, a coughing spell almost always begins after I've eaten (no matter what it is I've eaten and whether it’s a meal or a snack) which causes a feeling like phlegm has been dislodged in the back of my throat, but nothing comes out. It momentarily blocks my airway and I have to make a big effort to control it so I don't choke, and it makes it temporarily impossible to speak or breathe normally. I have to breathe in very slowly, with wheezing accompanying each breath. I often begin sneezing as well.
It has happened playing the saxophone (I’m a musician). Recently I became extremely short of breath performing, had to take very short breaths until my windpipe became clear again. In about 30 seconds I was back to normal. It was frustrating and a little scary.
This condition began with persistent coughing fits every couple of hours or so for one week and then gradually happened only after eating. At first it did produce a lot of greenish-grey phlegm, but no sore throat, nasal congestion, or other cold symptoms.
I’ve seen 3 doctors. All detected no fluid in my lungs. One considered bronchitis and put me on antibiotics for 3 days Claritin, which did not help. The 3rd had me get a chest x-ray, which showed nothing abnormal, so bronchitis ruled out. He speculated about a possible allergy, though I have not had allergies previously.
l live in New York, my air conditioner which constantly drips water onto a towel or newspaper. Mold? Also I was in the vicinity on 9/11.
Otherwise in good health. nonsmoker, although I smoke pot 1-2x/wk.
It has happened playing the saxophone (I’m a musician). Recently I became extremely short of breath performing, had to take very short breaths until my windpipe became clear again. In about 30 seconds I was back to normal. It was frustrating and a little scary.
This condition began with persistent coughing fits every couple of hours or so for one week and then gradually happened only after eating. At first it did produce a lot of greenish-grey phlegm, but no sore throat, nasal congestion, or other cold symptoms.
I’ve seen 3 doctors. All detected no fluid in my lungs. One considered bronchitis and put me on antibiotics for 3 days Claritin, which did not help. The 3rd had me get a chest x-ray, which showed nothing abnormal, so bronchitis ruled out. He speculated about a possible allergy, though I have not had allergies previously.
l live in New York, my air conditioner which constantly drips water onto a towel or newspaper. Mold? Also I was in the vicinity on 9/11.
Otherwise in good health. nonsmoker, although I smoke pot 1-2x/wk.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jul 29, 2004 12:00AM
, Jul 29, 2004 12:00AM
This sounds like a problem with your swallowing reflexes or a physical problem with your epiglottis. This is the "trap door" that ordinarily closes off your windpipe as the food or liquid goes by when swallowed. There are 2 tests that will help to find which problem is causing your cough.
A laryngoscopy is the first test. An ENT specialist does this using a small camera attached to the end of a flexible tube, called a fiberoptic laryngoscope. This specialist can look at your vocal cords and the upper part of your windpipe. If this all looks normal then it’s on to the next test.
A barium swallow test is helpful in finding swallowing problems. This is an x-ray test using fluoroscopy to watch for problems as barium is swallowed. Barium sulfate is a harmless chalky, water-insoluble compound (salt) that does not permit x-rays to pass through it. It causes the digestive tract to stand out in silhouette when viewed through a fluoroscope or seen on x-ray film.
A laryngoscopy is the first test. An ENT specialist does this using a small camera attached to the end of a flexible tube, called a fiberoptic laryngoscope. This specialist can look at your vocal cords and the upper part of your windpipe. If this all looks normal then it’s on to the next test.
A barium swallow test is helpful in finding swallowing problems. This is an x-ray test using fluoroscopy to watch for problems as barium is swallowed. Barium sulfate is a harmless chalky, water-insoluble compound (salt) that does not permit x-rays to pass through it. It causes the digestive tract to stand out in silhouette when viewed through a fluoroscope or seen on x-ray film.
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