How can I stop my cough I've had for almost 20 years????

[Esther212]

I have a hacking cough which I have had for almost 15-20 years!  It starts off as a tickle in my throat and lasts for about a good 2minutes.  I cough almost every 20-30mins a day.  It is extremely debilitating.  I have had x-rays, CT scans and even had a tumour removed from my chest about 10 ten years ago, but nothing has worked.  I cough at night in bed, at home, at work (I work in an office), working up the street, talking on the phone, - everywhere!  I am now 50years old and the cough seems to be getting worse.  It is getting longer, more intense and the intervals are getting shorter - right now I am coughing just typing this message.  Please help!!!!!!!

[MarieChristy]

Hi Esther

You have my sympathy, dont know if that is any help or not,  My husband coughs all the time, he has had all the tests you have had (apart from the tumour).  He is 59 yrs old.   He was diagnosed with COPD a couple of years ago then they decided it was a heart problem so he had a pacemaker fitted about 6 weeks ago.  Now they have decided that the pacemaker is working but he still has a breathing problem.  He is on inhalers, nebulisers, etc etc.  It is extremely frustrating and debilitating.  I feel so sorry for him and helpless.  He has to go back to a cardiologist and a respiratory specialist and is frustrated that he feels he is getting nowhere.  He is very frustrated.  We live in Ireland.  What part of the world are you?  Marie

[Esther212]

Hi Marie
Your sympathy is deeply appreciated - I think everyone around me has given up on me in despair.  

I immigrated from NZ to Australia 27 years ago.  What is COPD?  

Does your husband still cough as much now that he has a pacemaker?  

Doctors have put me on inhalers and nebulisers to no avail.  I have never smoked or drunk alcohol so I am extremely frustrated.  

Thank you, Esther.

[Vickeydp]

Hi Esther,

I've been coughing since June 08 and have spend thousands on trying to get a diagnosis, with no result.  Blood pressure medication changed, anxiety medication, RT scans of lungs and sinusses revealed no problems.  Although I had pneumonia twice during this time, it is not the cause of the pesistent cough. I believe that this is an allergy, as I cough when food is prepared, when I inhale traffic fumes and even when I put nail polish on.  I have a swollen larinx and my voice has changed.  My throat/larinx feels sore and swollen all the time. Do you experience any of the above symptoms and have you used any medication that gave you relief?

Vickey