Coughing for months EVERY year?

[themensroom]

For 4-5 years now, I've been having dry, unproductive coughs that last from September all the way to March. Due to the timing of the coughs, I came to the conclusion that it's an allergy of some sort. I've been to doctors and they would all tell me different things and prescribe cough medicine and give me inhalers. They never worked. All I really did was wait until March until it naturally ended.

I also tried getting an X-Ray done and they say my lungs are perfectly normal and healthy. I'm currently trying Acupuncture and I've had 2 treatments with no improvement...I'm going to try 2 more as recommended.

Also, my throat does not itch and I do not have a stuffy nose or watery eyes. It's just a cough that lasts a long time.

Anyone have ideas on what I could do or anyone have experience with this?

Thanks!

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,
How are you? It is good that your X-ray was fine. Aside from asthma and allergies, cough may also be due to infection, certain medications,  smoking, or heartburn. Postnasal drip caused by allergies can make you cough. Postnasal drip is mucus that runs down your throat from the back of your nose. If you have postnasal drip from allergies, try to avoid the things you are allergic to. This could be any of the following: dust, smoke, pollen, mold,  freshly cut grass, pets and certain plants, cleaning agents, chemical fumes  and room deodorizers. If the allergen is not known, you may benefit from an allergy test.  An over-the-counter antihistamine-decongestant combination may help provide relief. Take care and do keep us posted.