Severe Cough

Over the past 4 to 5 months I've had a severe cough that won't seem to go a way. My doctor say's it's GERD, but other than the cough I don't have any other symptons. Oh...and they've taken X-rays, but my lungs looked clear. And the coughing seems to be brought on by laughter... Do you have any idea what it could be or what kind of test I could ask my doctor to run.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi Dex18,

Cough brought on by laughter indicates that your airways are hyperreactive. Do pulmonary function tests to see whether you have obstructive/ hypersensitive airway disease like asthma.

Regarding ERD causing these symptoms -
GERD can cause various symptoms not limited to esopahus. These include cough, sore throat, asthma and so on.

The confirmatory test is 24 hours pH monitoring.

So I would suggest two tests for you
1. 24 hours pH monitoring
2. Pulomonary function tests
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.