asthma

After gallbladder surgery 18 years ago I developed acute sensitivities to foods, pollens, fragrances,
chemical solvents, etc.  that result in severe coughing spells.  After some research I found that the general anesthesia probably caused this.  After trying many remedies unsuccessfully, I've just begun using COMBIVENT 4x/day (combination albuterol and atrovent) and am finally coughing much less.  Do you think this condition may eventually go away and is there any other treatment that  might help?  (I also use Allegra, Entex and Nasarel to control my sinuses which have never been the same either since the surgery).  Thank you.

[National Jewish Health]

What you describe, including improvement with Combivent® Inhalation Aerosol (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate), suggests that you may have cough variant asthma; that is, asthma with cough rather than wheeze as the main symptom.  This asthma may or may not be related to the anesthesia administered 18 years ago but that is of no consequence.  You should seek evaluation for asthma, by your doctor or by a lung specialist also known as a pulmonologist.  There are more potent medicines than those in Combivent® Inhalation Aerosol (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate).  It is conceivable that your cough could be relieved completely.

Good luck.