Thanks for your response. I will certainly ask the doctor to treat the possibility of gerd or pnd. My concern is more the rattle though, which continues to eminate from the left lung and in the area the pneumonia was originally diagnosed.
Hi,
If you are 29, otherwise healthy, don't smoke, and have no symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, significant shortness of breath, it is very unlikely that your problem is being caused by anything serious, such as cancer.
The fact that your chest sounds clear, a normal chest xray since the episode of pneumonia, and normal spirometry, are all things that make something significant in your lungs unlikely.
Chronic cough as you describe is more likely caused by either post nasal drip (caused by allergies or chronic sinus problems), or esophageal reflux, since your lungs look and sound good. Both of these can be worse when lying down. I would talk to your doctor about these as possibilities if they haven't already been ruled out, as both can be often be easily treated.
Hope you're feeling better.
JMK MD