Nothing I use help my cough

I have developed a chronic cough and my physicians do not seem able to help.  I was treated for a respiratory infection in November 2001.  Since then, I have suffered from an extremely stressful cough.  I cough until I throw up.  Sometimes it feels like my lungs fold up while I'm coughing.

My primary physician diagnosed recurring pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma and prescribed antibiotics three additional times (Augmenten, Z-Pac <2X>), plus inhalation therapy and an Albuterol inhaler (2 sprays, 4 times per day).  I was seen by a pulmonary specialist on January 25, 2002.  He diagnosed post nasal drip, acid reflux, and sleep apnea.  In addition to the daily Albuterol, I now use a nasal inhaler (Rhinocort) and take 1 Protonix tablet, 25mg of Benadryl at bedtime, and non prescription cough medicine (Clear Cough-cough suppressant 30mg Dextromethorphan , expectorant 200mg Guiafenesin, every 3-6 hours).  I've also developed high blood pressure since the start of my respiratory ailments and so take 2 Lotrel and 1 Diahazyd (sp?) tablet per day.

I've never been a "highly medicated" person and I am rarely sick.  My only regular medication was  Welbutrin to treat depression.  I am a smoker and I've begun quitting smoking since the start of my illnesses.  I moved from north Florida to eastern North Carolina in May of 2001 and my problems started here in NC.

I don't know what it is exactly I should ask for.  Perhaps you can refer me to sources of information or treatment.  I am 44 years old and the divorced mother of 2.  My youngest child is 11 years old.  I don't want to die.

[National Jewish]

Chronic cough is a very frustrating problem for both patients and physicians. The possible causes for the cough can be many. They also can be related to each other. Some common reasons for this from both upper and lower airways are: sinusitis, allergy, bronchitis, and asthma. The fact that you have been a smoker probably is confusing the situation, as well. Since you have just started treatment with a pulmonary specialist, I would advise seeing how you do for a while and then continue a process of defining the cause for the cough if you are not better.