Chronic Coughing (OCD)

[curlielmh]

I am not sure whether or not I have picked the right topic. I started smoking at 18, and quit a couple of times before I got pregnant at 26. I always coughed ALOT with smoking and when I would first quit. I picked up smoking again for a year, but because of the coughing I have now quit for the final time. I cough most in the mornings and after I eat. I have thrown my back out in the past from coughing, but that is not usual. I have also had strep 2x this year, and Bronchitis many times in the past. My coughing has decreased somewhat in the past month (quit 3 months ago) and I cough up small amounts of clear phelgm sometimes. I breath out of my mouth ALL the time do to a deviated septum that i have lready had surgery on. I am not sure if that contributes to the cough. I am also OCD, so anytime I feel anything in my throat I force myself to cough till I feel that I have made progress. I stopped coughing while I was pregnant (after several months of severe coughing) but am nervous that I might really have a problem. I have seen improvements though, which has kept me looking at the bright side. Do I need tests? is there something wrong with me? Is this all being blown out of preportion? I think I am letting my OCD control me! I always think I have something wrong and need confirmation or I drive myself nuts!

[National Jewish Health]

This is not an easy question to answer without being seen.

It IS possible that your cough is related to years of smoking.  That is called Chronic Bronchitis.  A good physical examination, a chest xray and lung function tests will help with this diagnosis.

You OCD could also be a primary cause or aggravating an existing Bronchitis.  

Chronic cough can also be due to other causes.  

Seeing your physician and having some basic tests would be a good idea to get some definitive answer to your questions.