Persistant cough

[Wessex]

I have had a cough for the last 35 years.  It has gradually got worse until today I can't cope any longer.  My father has died and he had Asthma and hyreditary emphysemia (alpha one anti tripsen deficiency) At one point about 10 years ago I attended The Hammersmith Hospital and underwent a whole day of tests.  They diagnosed Reflux. Since then I have only been under my GP and been given various inhalers and tablets for Reflux.  I have read on the internet it may well be a problem in my nose !!! I cough at smells, I cough when I eat, I cough for nothing.  Sometimes (especially after eating sweets) I cough and am actually sick with it.  Now is that just because I am coughing so much?  There is no blood.  My chest is sore as is the back of my throat.  I have had an endoscopy into my lungs and nothing was found.  I now have a chronic back problem which can't be operated on because I have Angina and Emphysema.  I have not smoked since I was 25 - I am 45 now.  Coughing makes my nose run.  I also suffer from blood pressure.  Not sure what else I can add.

[rorokay]

I have a cough that has gotten worse also, but I also have Acid Reflux which has gotten worse,  I am told they are connected??? Anyway I cough seems like for no reason.  I have a hard cough and sometimes gives me a headache.  I am going to have the surgery for Acid Reflux.  I am hoping my cough will go away if the 2 are connected. Will let you know after my surgery.  Surgery should be within 2 weeks.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What medications are you taking for your blood pressure? Some blood pressure medications are known to cause cough as a side effect.

Has a chest xray and CT scan of your sinuses been done? Do you have any fever or sputum production?

Has a lung function test been done?

Have you had allergic reactions in the past? Are you allergic to any specific substances?

Do you have any other symptoms like breathlessness, reflux symptoms or heartburn or nasal symptoms like nasal discharge etc.

Chronic cough is usually seen in cases of asthma, GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease and sinusitis due to the post nasal drip. You should also talk to your doctor about whether this could be a bacterial infection, viral infection or tuberculosis.

You should try steam inhalation, warm saline gargles, saline nasal drops and oral antihistamine medications and see if it helps with your symptoms. If you have symptoms of reflux, you should try some antireflux, antinausea medications.

If the cough still persists, it would be best to consult your doctor and also get a chest xray done to rule out a chest infection.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you need any other information.

Regards.

[H2Ogal]

I was also told the same thing as you are being told by the Dr. about.  I've been coughing for years and have been told that 3 things cause chronic choughing, Acid Reflux; GERD etc., Allergies, or COPD; chronic bronchitis, Emphazema,COPD.  I have acid reflux and take Nexium 2 times a day.  I was tested with 42 needles and don't have any allergies.  I went to a Pulmonary Dr. he said I have asmtha, he put me on asmtha meds. no change.  My breathing test came back 97%.  I went to an EMT results acid reflux and he could tell I have post nasel drip.  I went to an Allergie/Asmtha Condultant he said I don't have asmtha and tested neg. for 42 allergie test.  He game me Sprivia inhaler it worked a little but not for long.  The only thing that works is Tussinex Pennikenitics which works on the coughing center of your brain.  I'm so frustrated.  Chest x-rays are clear, CT sinus OK, I do feel post nasel drip but I also cough when I stressed.  Help!!!!  I'm so sore in my throat and ribs.  I go into coughing spell and bring up wads of clear mucus.  I would appreciate some feedback.

[78298]

My wife has suffered similar symptoms to those you describe for eight years or so.  Medication is ineffective, stress makes it worse but it does come and go - we just can't identify the cycle or the cause(s).
We have been seeing a hospital consultant for a number of years but they havwe told us today that they can do no more for us so we are embarking on a self help / research mission.

[mourningglory]

I have a cough that the great doctors can't seem to figure out.
I have had it for the past five years and I really feel for those that have had it even longer. I to am tired of the meds they keep pumping into me and the x-rays, MRI's and the, "Well let's try this and see how this works." I do not have allergies, bronchitis, asthma, GERD..... they just can not figure it out. I am tired of some doctors looking at me as if it is in my mind. I do not and have never smoked nor, do I allow smoking within my home. I have been place on inhalers, antibiotics, cough syrup, allergy meds and even antacids. The thing I really hate about this condition is people look at you as if you are a disease when you have a really bad coughing spell. I try to tell everyone that I do not have HIV, TB or any other contagious disease    .Reading all of the posting and able to say, hey I have the same symptoms.....  lets me know it is not all in my mind it is in my throat. Has anyone been help by a form of treatment out there?

[Debbie975]

I have had a chronic cough for six years.  Like others, it comes and goes but never totally clears up.  I tried medications for GERD, inhalers, etc.  Nothing worked.  The cough was affecting every facet of my life.  I saw a new ENT earlier this year.  He said that my uvula was long and was touching the back of my tongue causing mechnical iiriation. He did surgery to shorten my uvula seven days ago.  So far, my cough has been much better.  I still cough if I get stressed or let my throat get too dry, but it is markedly improved.  

Apparently, this is an unusual cause of chronic cough, but I thought I would mention it.

[Hootch12]

I have been diagnosed as with the same thing, how is your cough?  Hope it is much better, for your sakes and mine.

[Weezer_noWiser]

I too have the same symptoms and I have been coughing for over 20 years. Over that time I have seen the entire suite of specialists (pulmonary, allergists, ENTs, GERD, xrays, CAT scans, etc) and recently went to the Mayo Clinic to try to get help. So far, nothing has worked. The Nissen fundoplication for GERD helped a little but did not stop the coughing. As many of you, my cough has no season or situation but does seem to happen when I am stressed or on the phone pretty consistently, this interferes with my work and social life. Using nebulized lidocain helped to control the cough but didn't really help with the diagnosis and it is not something that I want to do for the rest of my life.

Although the doctors are well meaning, but I am tired of hearing "Gee, I wish there was something I could do to help you." I am totally frustrated by this and it is hard not to give up hope.

[Steve_NJ]

For Chronic Cough people on MedHelp.org.  
It sounds like you have developed a hypersensitivity of the upper airway which can be CURED by gargling with antacid liquid.  Cost is almost zero... you might have some in you medicine cabinet already.  Thin it 50/50 with water.  To read the details for free, go to the US Patent Office web site: http://appft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html and search for application  20060210649  .  The title of the application:  Method and kit to cure chronic cough.  It’s only a few pages long.  Please print a copy for your doctor.  Read it and be cured FOR EVER... you won’t be the first.  

[Weezer_noWiser]

I have been using the treatment that you suggested (gargling with a diluted antacid) for about a month. It has not cured me but is sometimes helpful in supressing the cough. Any relief is appreciated, so thank you for pointing out this treatment.