I had the symptoms you described. My doctor thought it was allergies and he sent me to a ENT. The ENT diagnosed me with silent reflux and noted that I had vocal cord nodules. I had chest pressure, throat constriction (which I described, probably incorrectly, as shortness of breath), and a metalic taste quite often in the mornings but never any heartburn. I constantly cleared my throat. Best of luck to you in finding your answer.
You said you do a lot of public speaking. This can put a strain on the voice box maybe you should check for polyps, this happened to my husband and over a period of 3 years he had several operations (finally with Laser) to remove polyps as they kept coming back, he was finally referred to speech therapist, best therapy was he have up public speaking that was 25 years ago.
Chronic reflux could also be an issue. Good luck.
Hi Kina600,
All have given valid inputs.
Though your symptoms are not very typical of GERD, you can undergo a 24 hours pH monitoring test for confirmation.
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My husband was coughing forever until they finally figured out it was one of his blood pressure medicines. Once he was off the drug and it went completely out of his system so went the cough.
Someone else I knew had a cough for over a year, they never checker her heart......she is dead now. Don't let it go!
It can also be caused by GERD< research that too.
It sounds like you may be suffering from LPR - its a type of reflux that affects the upper respiratory system - causing mucous to come up, coughing fits, one sided ear and sinus pain, etc. Please look it up, much of what you are talking about sounds like that (as I am guessing you have ruled out things like asthma, etc.?).
The usual treatment is a PPI like Nexium twice a day and allergy type medications. Also watching your diet for acid producing foods (tomatos, onions, garlic, citrus fruits, milk, etc.)
I hope you feel better soon.
Vanessa
You could try Saline nasal spray and gargling warm salt water a couple of times a day. May take a little time to see a difference as all natural, but if it doesn"t help it won't hurt. Good Luck.