coughing

[Chachi52]

I am constantly coughing.  People know when I am around just by hearing my cough.  I do it so often, I have become used to it and carry on as if it is normal but I know that it isn't.  I am fine for a while and suddenly I have to cough.  Sometimes the cough turns into a fit and makes me feel like throwing up.  Sometimes my eyes water, throat itches and it simply wears me out.
I am convinced that I am suffering from allergies but my doctor wants to be sure that my lungs are ok.  So I have had x-rays taken that reveal perfect lungs.  I had a breathing test and results were negative for any problems.
In your opinion, what is wrong with me?  I recall that even as a child I woud have similar episodes but not it is more frequent.

[National Jewish Health]

There are many causes of chronic cough.  Tops among those are asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and nasal/sinus disease with chronic postnasal drip.  With all of these, the x-ray would be normal and, with all 3 including asthma, the breathing test could be normal, too.  I trust you are not a smoker of cigarettes or marijuana as that is also a common cause of cough.  Note:  cough can sometimes be the main symptom of asthma, with no wheezing.

If your doctor determines that none of these 3 are causing your cough and is at a loss as to what to do, suggest that he visit the following website:  http://www.aafp.org/afp/981200ap/lawler.html.

If that doesn't help, you should seek out the nearest cough clinic.  These clinics are usually found at medical school university hospitals.

Good luck.

[Chachi52]

Thank you for your comments. No, I have never smoked.  There was no reference to allergies.  Am I to conclude that in your opinion allergies have nothing to do with this annoying cough?
I will try to find a cough clinic.
I was just talking over the phone to a old acquaintance that I had not heard from in 8 yrs and the first thing she said was, " Do you still have that cough?"  I was blown away that this cough has become such a part of my identity.