Persistent Cough and Shortness of Breath with activity

[jemann73tu]

I have had a chronic, persistent cough since 3 Mar 06.  I have gone to my primary care MD, a pulmonologist, and now an allergist.  I have had PT tests (which I failed), CT scans that revealed lung scarring, a bronchoscopy which was negative.  I can't seem to get any relief and the doctors thus far have not been very effective.  I am currently taking Benzonatate 100 mg, Nexium 40 mg, Combivent Inhaler, Atrovent Inhaler, Albuterol Inhaler, and the Advair 500 inhaler is no longer being used.  I have been on several different steroid type meds and antibiotics, and recently finished prescriptions of Azithromycin 250 mg, and Prednisone 20 mg.  My cough produces phlem (clear), and as a result of the constant coughing, I am always hoarse.  I do not cough at night when I am asleep.  However the coughing is worsening now and is making me throw up, and I often get a headache.  I had pneumonia in Mar 06, so not sure if that is where the scarring came from, but since Mar I have been unable to do much activity, i.e., walking, exercising, even normal activity at home without having shortness of breath.  I get very winded and the coughing kicks in immediately.  I can walk only very short distances and I will be out of breath and will begin coughing.  I have talked to all of my doctors about this, but so far to no avail and nothing they have offered has helped.  I was singing but can no longer do that due to the constant hoarseness and coughing.  None of the inhalers have helped me, the Benzonatate does not help the coughing, and I am just at a loss.  Can you please offer some advice?

[National Jewish]

This sounds like a very frustrating and difficult problem for you.  It appears from your description that you have decreased lung function which is probably playing a significant role in your difficulty in breathing.  It may or may not be related to the hoarseness you are describing. That may be from a sinus infection which also may cause some of the chest symptoms.  Getting a CT scan of the sinuses might help making the diagnosis of both problems.  It is possible that much of this began with the infection you experienced in March.  It might be worthwhile to see a Infectious Disease specialist who is also a Pulmonologist to work on this problem.  The key is to get to a diagnosis before getting to resolve the symptoms.