Chronic Cough Diagnostic Tests

[rikirana]

Hi,
I have a chronic cough problem since I can remember. The cough goes away for some months and then recurs and stays for as long as two-three months. It is worst during the Pollen season and assuming it was an allergy to pollen I was given a complete course of Pollinex Rye and Hay vaccines in 2006, which apparently did not help as the itchy nose, puffed eyes and cough are still persisting during the current Pollen season.
Regardless of the season however the cough has become an integral part of my identity and people who know me can gauge my presence by my cough on the stairs or even in supermarkets. It is very painful for me though and I recently developed pain in my left lower abdomen which I suspect could be a ruptured hernia due to coughs, though nothing is yet visible.  I am 50 year old nonsmoker since 1995. I have taken lots of different antibiotics and recently a throat swab was done and some bacteria discovered which went away but the cough did not. My condition gets a bit worst when I visit Asian countries probably due to pollution, but nevertheless remains even in cold climates. I have tried Budesoid sprays, different types of antibiotics like augmentin, Klacid, Sumamed etc. Antihistamines have become like vitamins to me a daily recurrence Clarinase, Zyrtec etc. Codeine based cough syrup I must have drunk in liters, also regular expectorants too. All in all medically have tried a lot and have done numerous blood tests and changed at least 5 doctors, but nothing seems to have worked. There is a history of chronic asthma in my family, my mother, niece, all my uncles and grandfather had it, but apparently I don’t. I have never done a pulmonary test though. I live in Poland and do not have access to very good doctors, this is one problem. But if I can suggest to the doctors to recommend certain tests etc atleast the problem could be isolated. I would be grateful for a lifetime if someone’s advice and suggestion can get me out of this misery. How do I proceed ? Which tests should I do ?

[starion]

Dear Friend,
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs have helped many with lung conditions live better, more comfortable lives with their lung conditions.  There is an education component in the program which helps the patients learn more about their condition(s) and how to best manage it, as well as sharing with other patients and medical personnel.  They are also monitored to be sure they are exercising an appropriate levels of exertion for their condition(s).
You might also wish to call the local branch of the American Lung Association to see if there are any support groups in your area.
As it seems you may have learned by now, high doses of prednisone, especially for extended periods of time, have very serious side effects.  I'm glad that the current doctor(s) are working with you in tapering this medication.

With regard to where best to live, it has been suggested that a lengthy vacation to the proposed new location before making any dramatic plans is good.  In particular, it's important to try to be in the new location during the "adverse weather" (particlarly very hot &/or very cold and/or pollens, etc.) to see how that affects the individual.  It's also important to consider uprooting & leaving friends, family, medical resources, etc. & what will replace them in the new location.

I'm afraid I don't know anything about either of the other drugs you mention, but I do wish you & your family the very best.  I'm sure the LungLine nurse will have more and better information.
Aloha,
Starion--thriving in HI