Help!! The coughing is driving me Insane!!

[MyNameIsMelly]

Hi Thought I'd post my persistant coughing story here and see if anyone can come up with any ideas....

It started in January 2007, constant productive coughing most of the day and made worse by going to bed. I was also waking with the cough. I had no cold, no flu symptoms just a productive cough. As six weeks went by I realised this was no ordinary cough and my Doctor prescribed me cough medicine and a course of antibiotics because of it being suspected chest infection.

Then at 8 weeks I was back at my Doctors again who gave me heartburn medicine, as I was complaining of heartburn which I feel at the time was a 'product' of all the coughing not a symptom. I was also given a asthma reliever inhaler...which I tried and does not seem to help in the slightest. In the meantime my coughing steadily got worse. I found during these sudden attacks my nose would suddenly stream at the same time..and I had to rush to the toilet so as to not have a bladder accident. All this coughing has badly affected my bladder control. Sometimes I would cough so badly I would vomit at one point I was vomiting everyday!!

Anyway, I then got a cold and things began to get worse for me. My chest became extremely wheezy and I was having a terrible time sleeping. So back to the doctors I went and this was at the three month stage. He listened to my chest and heard the wheeze and prescribed me asthma steroid spray, along with a steroid nasal spray and antihistimines (for mild hayfever which I suffer with) . He gave me a peak flow diary and tester. (Which I have been using ever since..although my peak flow is below the norm it never really goes bad its lowest has been around the 300 mark)
So I went home and tried the steroid inhaler. Within a few days to a week I noticed about a 50% improvement over my symptoms.
I went back to the doctor a few weeks later who says he thinks I have asthma but I am somewhat scepticle. The reliever inhaler has no affect in my opinion. Also my peak flow is not in the normal range but sits just below it. Although I do believe the steroid inhaler has helped in some way.
My Doctor has made me an appoinment with an asthma clinic in my local hospital and I have the appointment in three weeks time. But I really do think it is not asthma. Surely the reliever medicine would be more helpful, also my peak flow would be worse I think?? Also the only time I was wheezy is when I had the bad cold. Surely I would feel chest tightness and wheeziness??

In summary I have found my cough can be set off by:
Crumbly or flakey foods
Hot, spicy or even pepper in food
Not drinking loads of water in the daytime.
A Hot environment...ie: sitting on a hot bus Or and windy days
Exercise
Not taking my steroid spray the day before

I have found my cough is helped by drinking tons of water. I permantely walk around with a drinking bottle (very annoying) It can also be eased somewhat by drinking water during an attack.
Also my cough begins to get worse towards the end of the evening at dusk. Then worsens went I lie down and sometimes I will wake cough for a while, drink water then go back to sleep. Then wake again an hour later, drink water and go back to sleep again.
However, some nights I will have a little cough when I lie down and then sleep all the way through the night
Also sometimes when my throat is really itchy and I have had a bad day of coughing, I find I cannot talk much without coughing inbetween sentences and talking to people becomes difficult to do.

Finally, other symptoms that occur at the time of a coughing fit which can occur several times a day..to all day. And last from one minute right up to 15 is :

Streaming nose, which I have to blow while coughing
Coughing up loads of watery phelgm
Occasionally retching and vomiting
Streaming eyes which go blood shot
Extremely itchy tickly throat
Gasping for air between coughs

I am now into the sixth month of this coughing. And although it is not as bad as it was a few months back it is still a major problem for me and makes me feel so down . Also I think my children need a break from rushing to grab me some water everytime I start to cough! lol ...Any feedback will be much appreciated....

[FrankkieShap]

I am so glad I found this forum. Verakimou I think I related to your post best. The constant coughing, hacking and violent spasms that do not allow you to sleep for more than 8 to 10 minutes. I start to cry, hyperventilate and have a meltdown because of what was happening to me. Felt so dizzy with blinding headaches and even earaches. The internet provides no relief with their same old usual: honey, lemon, tea and ginger...all these soothe sensitive throats but none can compare to curing or helping violent, nonstop, horrendous coughing spasms. No one even understands the pain, anxiety and nightmare you are going through. One thing that might help is a strong antihistamine call Troferit. Directed to treat dry coughing spasms and at the same time causes drowsiness. You still won't sleep in the night however you will be able to get a bit of rest on the day. Which is more than you might be getting now. God speed. How he can watch us go through this hell baffles me.

[lessandra]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is latex sensitivity.  It was almost 35 years before I realized some of my allergies were really latex sensitivity, or a cross reaction of something that was in bloom, like olive tree pollen, or a stone fruit (peaches, olives, etc) and exposure to latex.  My symptoms would be uncontrollable sneezing with my nose pouring water and coughing, coughing.  I now use air purifiers (Holmes) in my living room and bedroom, and a DEhumidifier in the living room (since I live in Florida and there is lots of humidity!).  Visitors remark how fresh my apartment smells.  And I don't have nearly as much allergy as I used to.  But I have been coughing up a lot of thin watery mucus (that's why I came to this forum).  The cough and fluidy mucus coincides with something I have been smelling in the living room - it's like maybe the people upstairs have turned their heat on and I'm smelling something like burning dust or whatever is in the airduct.  Then it dawned on me to turn up my air purifier to high (I keep it on low always) and it eliminated the odor!!  Hope this helps someone with their coughs and allergies.

[verakimou]

I read your letter and it has echoed what is happening to me now,it's only a week,but no sleep at all as I can't lie down,and the hacking is so violent and frightening,I get blinding pains in the head and eyes,and bladder problems all at once,but the head and eye pains are so bad I am terrified,and tonight  I thought I wouldn't catch my breath,I am sitting up for the 6th night in a row,drs given me anti biotics,but no different? And wants to try a different type of antibiotic,I get so breathless can only walk a few yards with a water bottle.,desperate for suggestions and will try all that's mentioned here.
The thought of it long term is terrifying,how do people go without sleep?
I tried sitting up sleeping but within 10 minutes collapsed into fits of terrifying coughing,has any body had it so bad that they were hospitalized?
Can an oxygen cylinder help.i had never heard of this nightmare one week ago, all help gratefully recieved vera

[indiorasquache]

Reading your post, I think you are suspecting the wine.  I agree.
I used to make wine from wine kits and loved to drink my own concoctions.  I started with same symptoms as you describe.  I am allergic to the sulfites used as preservatives.  Worst yet, wineries use a greater amount of sulfites to ensure greater shelf life.  I still have allergy issues but no longer have the violent reactions when making or drinking wine.

[dianamh2]

I have read the years of comments describing a chronic cough caused by an overabundance of mucus. This is a problem I have had for many years. I used to get a few months of relief now and then. It is now with me 24/7. I have seen many specialists. Each one prescribes something different, which may help for a short while. I try anything that might help, Netti pot to every OC drug on the shelves. No one has found the cause. No one has found a solution. I seldom sleep well. The mucus drains on endlessly. It chokes me until I cannot catch my breath, often vomiting. I do my best to live with the symptoms, but I am very weary. There must be some common cause, some common solution.

[Donna720]

I believe I will try what you recommended!  I have used Claritin and Allerest (Costco brand) but continue to cough and have an over abundance of mucus drainage (thick) throughout the day and night.  I have had allergies for several years and went through 5 years of allergy shots with no improvement.  After having a lung biopsy last year, the lung specialist diagnosed me with a disease called Sarcoidosis.  It is an auto-immune disease which can attack any organ in your body whenever it wants to do so.  I have always been the child in our family of 6 who caught every childhood disease and also was very anemic at age 12 and had to have medication to treat it.  
Prednesone helped when the cough and post nasal drip was really bad last year but it is not something you want to use all the time!  The nedi-pot that I use works to help make the mucus less thick (I add 1/4 teasp salt and a pinch of soda to the purified water).  I place the container into the microwave for 25 seconds on High and it is very comfortable to use!  I hope this helps someone today.  May God give healing to each of us.

[Donna720]

I believe I will try what you recommended!  I have used Claritin and Allerest (Costco brand) but continue to cough and have an over abundance of mucus drainage (thick) throughout the day and night.  I have had allergies for several years and went through 5 years of allergy shots with no improvement.  After having a lung biopsy last year, the lung specialist diagnosed me with a disease called Sarcoidosis.  It is an auto-immune disease which can attack any organ in your body whenever it wants to do so.  I have always been the child in our family of 6 who caught every childhood disease and also was very anemic at age 12 and had to have medication to treat it.  
Prednesone helped when the cough and post nasal drip was really bad last year but it is not something you want to use all the time!  The nedi-pot that I use works to help make the mucus less thick (I add 1/4 teasp salt and a pinch of soda to the purified water).  I place the container into the microwave for 25 seconds on High and it is very comfortable to use!  I hope this helps someone today.  May God give healing to each of us.

[Candi37]

Thank you for the info and unanswered questions that I have had,
Noticed that you posted this years ago, How are you feeling now.

[niki_8_k]

my mom sick for 15 mth aldy and we went singapore, russia, but doctors said that everythings is clear, they cannot find anything, im really dont know wnat to do(( my mom ve lost her hope that she will stop coughing, its make me very upsad(( Her symptoms: non stop: cough till no strength,throat itchy,clear sticky phlegm. PLS IF ANYBODY know anything abt this symptoms and know how we can reduce her cough ill be very thankful!
sorry my english not good enough.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!!

[niki_8_k]

my mom sick for 15 mth aldy and we went singapore, russia, but doctors said that everythings is clear, they cannot find anything, im really dont know wnat to do(( my mom ve lost her hope that she will stop coughing, its make me very upsad(( Her symptoms: non stop: cough till no strength,throat itchy,clear sticky phlegm. PLS IF ANYBODY know anything abt this symptoms and know how we can reduce her cough ill be very thankful!
sorry my english not good enough.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!!

[Kaligirl373]

Wow I am so glad to hear I am not the only person with the same symptoms. I have had such a bad cough for almost 6 months now and it is driving not only me crazy but my family and my co workers. I have been to the doctor more times than I can count and have had 3 different inhalers and he cannot give me a diagnosis. There are times where I vomit, wheeze and cough so hard my side hurts. I cry because I do not know what to do or who to talk to. Volleyball is not an option unless I have my inhaler @ least 30 minus prior.  Sometimes I cough at night but not always but always in the morning. I would like to add I have never smoked a cigarette in my life so it seems unfair as some people have commented that I sound like I have a smoker's cough  :-(

Kaligirl

[HelpinLA]

Its hard to tell what you have.  It could be in the air that's causing discomfort in the lungs.  We don't know how and why we get the cough that last for years and years.  We don't know if it would last longer then the typical cold or flu.

If you think it's the air get an air filter.  Best to find one you can wash (filter) so you can clean the filter often.  Unless you can afford to buy new filters often.

If it goes on and on and it gets worse when you are laying down you might want to check for GERD and Acid Reflux.  More testing is getting the 48-hour Bravo Esophageal pH Test that will let you know if GERD or Acid Reflux is the problem.  One person said she had her stool check and they found hookworms and took some meds and now her cough of years are now gone.

[andy878]

On November 2 2012 (just days after Hurricane Sandy) I came home from work with a scratchy throat that became a sore throat the next morning, with coughing. Also any attempt to blow my nose devolved into a hacking cough and I almost threw up. I've also attempted lozenges and chloraseptic for the throat. Is it possible that I could be having similar symptoms?

[andy878]

On November 2 2012 (just days after Hurricane Sandy) I came home from work with a scratchy throat that became a sore throat the next morning, with coughing. Also any attempt to blow my nose devolved into a hacking cough and I almost threw up. I've also attempted lozenges and chloraseptic for the throat. Is it possible that I could be having similar symptoms?

[Hacking_phlegm_45times_aday]

Test. Using FB to log in..don't want to broadcast

[boxers04]

I have had a chronic cough since 1994  after a respiratory infection. I didn't smoke, no medications and good health. Went to the ENT, Gastroenterologist, Allergist and finally Pulmonologist and was diagnosed with cough variant asthma. Treatment is your usual asthma meds (taken everything over the years) now: albuterol, advair, neb treatments. I use prednisone and occasional hydrocodone when the cough escalates.  A year ago I had to take some interferon treatments  for a different condition (crappy side effects) and my cough was virtually gone, stopped treatments and cough eventually came back. Unfortunately there is no interferon available now for this condition but there is a study going on....The Dr. doing the research is Dr. Farr.  Sorry about this long post but I know your frustration and the hopelessness of this condition. You may want to be checked out for cough variant asthma and ask your doc about interferon.

[tngrits]

I too am sick and tired of the hacking and the spitting up of flem.  My bladder goes into overtime and I sound and look like I am having an asthma attack.  My eyes fill up with tears, I cough constantly for a minute or two and it often fills like my throat is narrowing (like I can't get enough air).  And when this happens, I pray that I am close to a restroom!
Over the past several years I have been on inhalers, asthma medications, cough medications, cortizone shots and so on and so on...............nothing and I mean nothing has helped.  I am having a bout with it now and I am sick of it.  The doctors (good as they maybe) don't really seem to know what it is.
I have been to an allgergy testing center at Vanderbilt University.  I am alergic to two things....pet dander and mold.  I do not have inside animals (never had) so that leaves the mold.
I am beginning to think that certain kinds of mold set me "off", especially black mold.  Black mold and other types of mold become airborne when they become dry, and I really believe that most allergy medicines are not very effective on mold spores.
Maybe the doctors in your community have more knowledge of how to treat illness that maybe brought on by mold or maybe some of the readers have some answers.  I have exhausted my brain trying to find a solution.

[Kandiscough]

I have had the same thing for longer then I can remember. As best as I can pinpoint it started in 2003, that is 8 years ago.  I thought it was from smoking, so I quit 3 years ago. Still coughing. Went to the Dr for another problem, and while I was waiting for the Dr the nurse heard me clearing my throat. She asked if I did that often and I said yes. Told her about my cough, and after consulting with the Dr., said I had GERD. Gave me a perscription for some acid reflux medication, which my insurance would not cover, so I was told to take Prevacid.  I did, for several months, and it seemed to help a little. However I was still having terrible coughing fits, red watery eyes, bladder accidents and vomit from coughing so hard. Managable if I was at home, but usually I was out, and everyone asking if you are ok, while you are trying to hold back, just didn't work.

My boyfriend went on a weight loss diet with medication from a Dr and I took his pills while he was gone to Italy, and followed the deit. This was the only time I felt relief! The diet was 15 oz of lean meat for 2 weeks, and some free foods like lettuce. Then add some veges and fruit into the plan. A gallon of water a day also. I am going back on it, I can't afford the pills, so hopefully the deit will work.

I seem to notice my cough gets aggrevated by hot temps (I live in Florida!) , dairy, nuts, grains, salt, and carbonated drinks.

I think water could be a key to easing the cough, unfortunately I do not like water, but if I get relief I will learn to love it!!!!

Praying for a Dr to find a magical cure for all of us suffering~

Kandi

[lightning777]

I've had the same thing for close to ten yrs. exaclty as you describe it . You are the first person to explain the same symptoms. And I've gone through the same tests . They have ruled out asma , acid reflux , bacteral infection . I have a had pulmonary tests without any answers . I totally understand your frustration . Its miserary .
                          Wayne Fraser

[Amonn]

I have been suffering for about two weeks with this irritating cough. I literarly choke while i am coughing. I battle to breath and end up with teary eyes gulping for air. I always had upper respiratory probles like hay fever, asthma and sinus. But this is much more intense. Twice or three times, i thought i will die. And it is worst in the morning. I don't know what to do. I can't associate it with anything. HELP! Can somebody come up with an answear? Thanks!

[coughalotta]

I'm approaching 1 year with the phlegm producing cough.  Daily.  Morning and late evening.  Diagnosed as having possible allergies.  Maybe asthma.  Maybe post nasal drip.  Started when I had a cold and noticed something was wrong.  This shift happened in my chest.  A deep settling.  I feel sometimes in the middle of the night or early morning, I take a deep breath and feel like the bottom of my lung(s) were sticking together and the  deep inhale is pulling the sides apart.  Think of a balloon with a small amount of water in it.  CT scan.  X-ray.  Is that a spot in your lung?  Nope.  Hey, your left valve of your heart may be enlarged.  Come in for a stress test and ultrasound.  In the end, my lungs were forgotten and they've found I have high cholesterol.  I'm almost 35.  I'm very tired of this and the generic diagnoses.  We've paid a ton of money to get me no further than square one.  So here's my guess.  I drink wine every night and I don't exercise much at all.  Very tall and thin, but that doesn't mean much for this coughing/phlegm/whatever.  Anyone else follow this simple daily plan?  I'm talking one point five to two 'bigger' glasses of wine. Red.  Walk enough during the day, but no real cardio doings.  Let me know, please.

[coughalotta]

I'm approaching 1 year with the phlegm producing cough.  Daily.  Morning and late evening.  Diagnosed as having possible allergies.  Maybe asthma.  Maybe post nasal drip.  Started when I had a cold and noticed something was wrong.  This shift happened in my chest.  A deep settling.  I feel sometimes in the middle of the night or early morning, I take a deep breath and feel like the bottom of my lung(s) were sticking together and the  deep inhale is pulling the sides apart.  Think of a balloon with a small amount of water in it.  CT scan.  X-ray.  Is that a spot in your lung?  Nope.  Hey, your left valve of your heart may be enlarged.  Come in for a stress test and ultrasound.  In the end, my lungs were forgotten and they've found I have high cholesterol.  I'm almost 35.  I'm very tired of this and the generic diagnoses.  We've paid a ton of money to get me no further than square one.  So here's my guess.  I drink wine every night and I don't exercise much at all.  Very tall and thin, but that doesn't mean much for this coughing/phlegm/whatever.  Anyone else follow this simple daily plan?  I'm talking one point five to two 'bigger' glasses of wine. Red.  Walk enough during the day, but no real cardio doings.  Let me know, please.

[karen6566]

Hi all,  Have any of you been tested for stomach bug Helicobacter. This is a bacterial bug that lives in the stomach, and can be very difficult to treat.  I was diagnosed of having Helicobacter, and treated with a course of antibiotics, twice. I to have a persistent cough and it worse whilst sleeping at night. Also having chest pains which can be caused by this bug. I was given Omeprazole for the heartburn. I still have a night time cough and same symptoms as before. As I said it may take up to 3 courses of antibiotics to rid Helicobacter. I am now waiting to have an endoscope as I still have the same symptoms. A simple blood test can diagnose Helicobacter. I hope this might give you some answers. No harm in finding out if its possible that Helicobacter may be causing some of your symptoms.

[littlebubbly]

Melly- I have had the same symptoms for 4 months. Lump in the thraot feeling, coughing spasms, previously unproductive- now with clear mucus.Feeling I need to make little burps. Aggravated by certain foods. My doctor is treating me for acid reflux.I avoid chocolate, caffeine, spicy foods anf fatty foods. I take Omeperazole very day which is to reduce acid production. It was improving, but then I got a cold and guess what? A cough too! So now i'm unsure whether I am coughing due to cold or reflux- also the coughing is further irritating my throat. I would suggest you query Gastro Eosophical Reflux.Good luck! Vanessa