diagnise the problem

[datpra]

I am 60 years old.
Since last 3 years I am suffering from cough associated with phlegm for most of the time in day with intermittent relief intervals. Most of the time the phlegm comes out without much strain. But the frequency is so high  I had to stay near wash basin for sometime. When I lie down it triggers cough and during night this process is frequent. And it is there throughout the year.phlegm is present in my throat most of the time. Ialso experience burning sensation and pungent burping after eating food.
I get immediate temporary relief when I take warm water.
This problem accentuates during night time,during digestion time( two to three  hrs after meals ) also  triggers when exposed to smoke/dust/paint smells/incense sticks.
I got CT SCAN done for chest/nose and found no adverse observations.Also blood test done for eisnophelia and found ok.Chest x rays done 3 -4 times and no abnormality observed.
I USED seretide acuhaler  and asthaline nebulizer throught the year with no significant relief.
Finally I USED steroids (medron)for 3 months as per doctors prescription.and the problem disappeared after 2months usage. But after the course is completed the problem  started reappearing .
Now Iam at a loss to know where is the problem ?is it
Sinus related or GERD or chest infection or allergy or combination of these
Or totally something else.
Can you suggest what else is necessary to get right diagnosis  and treatment

regrds
dathu

[datpra]

It is nice of you to take time out and give suggestion.I will attempt to follow your recommendations and report the results

regards
dathu

[bsmsl]

It sounds very much like GERD or asthma.  You could try some OTC acid reflux meds to start with.  I would suggest something with ranitidine or omeprazole.  You can take both of them.  omeprazole should be taken early in the day to mid afternoon and the ranitidine works best at night.  

If these don't work, ask your doctor for spirometry or methocholine chalenge.  If they do work, you should ask your dr for an endoscope to check for lessions in the esopagus because of the long time you have had the symptoms.

Feel better.