Reflex Cough

Dear Doc,
I have had a reflex cough in my upper respiratory tract for over a year now. I  also used to suffer from acid reflux which is now gone. I have been using homeopathic treatments for the cough and it has helped, but not dissapeared. I sleep well with no cough and exercise makes it feel better. I feel ok most of the time but the cough has me worried that I might have hiv. Sometimes it moves into my throat and cause layringitis. It is a dry unproductive cough and if I exhale hard I can make it happen.Any ideas on what it might be? I have good wind and stamina never seem to get sick much either. Please help!!!!
The Breeze

[National Jewish]

It is very difficult to find the cause of a chronic cough without performing several tests and performing a good physical examination. This cough could be due to a problem in your upper airway, which is setting off a cough reflex or from the lower airways. Usually cough from the lower airways is worse with exercise. It is also possible that this is due to a reflex from your vocal cords. All these are possible. If this is a chronic problem and it is of concern, I would recommend speaking with your physician about evaluating possible causes of this.