Childhood cough still haunts me

Ever since I was a kid I was diagnosed with asthma, but none of the inhalers ever really worked. I'm curious to know if there's any other explanation for this cough I get. 1-3 times a year I'll get a horribly loud and heavy cough with really sticky phlegm that won't go away. It gets pretty terrible, usually to the point where I will cough until I vomit. There's also usually a headache coupled with it but I always assumed it was because of the pressure from coughing.

I used to just wait until it got bad, went to the doctor, and got a cough suppressant or steroid inhaler to make it through and go on with things but I'd really like to try and get to the bottom of this if I could.

Before anybody asks, I am a smoker, but this has been going on since as far back as I can remember (obviously, before I smoked) and it's always been as bad as it is now. I also had quit for about 2 and a half to 3 years with no noticeable difference in symptoms. I know I need to quit again (and I'm trying), but it doesn't seem to be the cause.

[FaithFriend]

Hi there!

When you go to the doctor for a cough suppressant, does the doc also prescribe something for infection such as an antibiotic? I guess I'm just trying to get to the bottom of whether this sticky phlegm is infected in the lungs or not?

Your Friend in Faith

[Miasthma]

Sometimes I get an antibiotic, sometimes not. I've been diagnosed with things from pneumonia to asthma to "cold-induced" asthma. I've been on a bunch of inhalers that tend to work sometimes but it's kind of hit and miss. The best thing so far has been symbicort turbohaler.

By sticky, I mean there's lots of it, but it's hard to swallow or spit. There's usually no discoloration in it either, so I'm pretty sure it's not an infection.

[FaithFriend]

Sorry to hear how you suffer...

You can try OTC meds that contain mucus thinners with guaifenesin that act as an expectorant but that won't clean your lungs, just somewhat move the mucus. It sounds like you need daily maintenance with your lung care, especially because of the smoking, which, as you know, doesn't help optimize the air for breathing in your respiratory tract.

I would like to share with you some real feedback from a smoker who struggled with her breathing just like you by the name of Judy Sobel. She states,

"Following a bout with bronchitis, I was still having some trouble breathing. You offered me one of your therapipes (mineral salt pipe inhaler) to try. Within the first five minutes, I felt a difference. My breathing was no longer labored and I could take deeper breaths. As a pack a day smoker, I decided to keep using the pipe. Not only did it help my breathing, but it relaxed me. I can't explain it, but I felt more rested during and after my twenty minute session with the pipe. I even started to smoke less..."

You can read Judy's full experience at:

http://www.saltrocks.org/Salt-Pipe-Testimonials_Personal-Experiences.html

It's definately worth looking into. I wish you only the best with your health and hope you find the answers you are seeking here.

Your Friend in Faith