Constant throat clearing and cough

[sanibel]

I have a respiratory issue that is extremely irritating. I became sick about a month ago. I had an upper respiratory infection that was treated with cortisone and antibiotics.

I am now left with a scratchy throat and a constant dry cough.  My vocal cords seem to be very irritated.  I get worse if I talk a lot.  Additionally, I can't eat certain types of food anymore, such as anything with a sweet icing such as a glazed donut or anything spicy. I don't normally eat sweet stuff, but I occasionally have dessert after a great meal. Those types of food will send me into a coughing fit.  I never go anywhere without a bottle of water because I never know when the couughing or irritation will happen.

When I was sick with bronchitis, I had a real problem with the breathing, but my pulse oxygen was normal.  My Dr. treats me for asthma, but the meds don't help this problem. I am beginning to wonder if I really have asthma. I never have wheezing when I cough.  When I get into a coughing fit, it is more like sucking air through a straw.

I have an appt. next week with an ENT, because the throat clearing, and horseness is extremely irrating and not very pleasant for those around me.

Has anyone else experienced this constant horseness, dry cough and inability to talk for a normal length of time.

Please tell me this is going to go away.  I hsve to be in meetings daily and  my voice is shot after about an hour.  

I appreciate your thoughts.

[lestrada01]

Sounds exactly like what is occuring to me...

I've had this "problem" for a year now and the frequency varies, but the symptoms are consistent; coughing, sometimes leading to coughing fits and sudden closing of the throat.  Sometimes the slightest irritation sets me off and sometimes when I'm asleep I'll suddenly wake up with a violent cough leading to or in the middle of a total choking sensation.

I also have gotten to recognize possible triggers such as spicy food, food with lots of "texture", also many times something really sweet will set me off.

I'm very careful about stearing clear of colds and/or any upper respiratory infection because it leads me to the dreaded coughing and choking; unfortunately, I'm highly susceptable and cannot always avoid it.  I'm in the middle of one right now.

Last night I was in the emergency room until 1:00 a.m. because of this "thing"; the doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis, stemming from a cold, and has prescribed azythromicin (antibiotic) and Prednisone (steroid)to treat the bronchitis and swelling of the throat.  I explained in detail about the closing off of the airways, triggered by the couging fits, but they just gave me this "yes...anyway" look, like I'm a crazy-woman in the ER in the middle of the night and they have bigger problems to deal with than my fear of choking in the middle of the night.

By the way, that is my biggest fear; sometimes I swear I feel like one of these days, under the right conditions, I'm going to choke to death.

I have asthma and I'm not sure if this is a contributor or direct cause.

So to recap, I live in mortal fear of too spicy/too sweet/too textured foods, colds & upper-respiratory infections, and I'm also startng to fear sleeping. I can't go anywhere without a bottle of water and coughdrops.  I'm sick of this and I need to figure out what this is or find a doctor that doesn't think I'm crazy, and finds a diagnosis and treatment for this condition.

I'm sorry that this is happening to you because I understand how frightening this can be not just to you as the "victim" but to those around you who have to watch you have these episodes. I hope you find answers and will post and share with us.  I wish you luck and good health.

[DigDug144]

One more addendum.  My cough/throat clearing is NEVER productive.  No mucous.  Nothing.  Just the constant feeling that my throat needs to be cleared.  Some of the drugs prescribed made my throat dry as a whistle, which, I think aggrevated the situation.

[DigDug144]

Reading these posts has really hit home with me.  I've been suffering with this "affliction" for the past few years.  It started when I was living in Nashville.  I constantly had a "tickle" in the back of my throat.  Many trips to the doctors, all with the same diagnosis of upper respiratory infection and Z-Pacs.  After a few times, the doctor prescribed Mucinex.  I took that for a few weeks and finally stopped after waking up on successive nights gasping for air.  Fast forward a year and a move to Baton Rouge.  Now, the throat clearing and dry cough are near constant.  It is absolutely miserable.  One doctor diagnosed GIRD (prescribed Aciphex).  Didn't work.  Symptoms persisted.  He sent me to an ENT doctor.  More tests with new prescriptions for Nasinex, Aciphex, & Zyrtec.  Symptoms are persisting.  Symptoms start in the morning and usually get better when I'm home.  My job involves talking all day so I'm sure that doesn't help much.  I've gone from thinking it was GIRD to allergies to possibly even Tourrette's Syndrome.  Even thought it might be from mold exposure as one of my old apartments in Nashville had some black mold growing on the bathroom wall that they couldn't get rid of.  My mom has a similar "throat" clearing sensation and has had it for years.  Hers is usually worst right after eating.  Mine happens if I eat, drink, don't eat, or don't drink.  It truly is miserable.  Miserable for me and miserable for those that have to be around me.  I'm just about at wit's end.

[nadezalli]

Has anyone here, with the chronic resp. symptoms, been tested for HPV?

I read recently where Johns Hopkins has located about 80 strains of HPV; some cause oral warts (which used to be considered impossible in people without HIV or other immune compromising conditions).

Just wondering if HPV can cause the symptoms in throat and larnyx that some here are talking about?

[Karmy]

I have been in a constant cycle of throat clearing and coughing for seven years now and it's getting worse.  I do have GERD which is supposed to be helped by the little purple pill. However, I'm taking the maximum dose twice daily and it's not working.  I just had gall bladder surgery and thank goodness my surgeon is taking my throat clearing seriously. Up to this time, I've felt like a ping pong ball being batted between my ENT and gastroentologist.  The ENT said it was caused by GERD and the gastro said it wasn't. My surgeon is now working with the gastro and is setting up some motility tests for me.  I am a teacher - imagine what I've had to go through for seven years with my throat going totally hoarse during lectures.  I lay in bed at night and clear my throat for 1-2 hours before I can sleep.  I've absolutely had it with this condition.  If anyone finds any cure for this dispicable ailment, please let me know.  I can't even share a room at conferences because my roommate would end up hating me.

[SleepyheadSue]

A year ago I was diagnosed with Whooping Cough. Since then I have had a terrible cough w/ yellow mucus. I have been to ENT, Chest Specialist and now onto a Pulmonologist. I have been tested for GERD(negative), Lung Function(Very Good),Hi Def.head, neck & Chest CT Scans (all okay). I take Prevacid (just in case of GERD that is not seen) and I do take a number of pain meds. due to a back surgery that didn't work. I wheeze at night and cough out of control after eating or drinking (yes,even water)NO ONE knows what the problem is. Also, I have damaged my vocal cords from the cough (ENT verified by scope), so now I am always very hoarse. Sometimes only able to make noise while forcing air out! Doctors aren't sure if I will ever get my normal voice back. I missed my grandson's first Christmas last year and have avoided all family get togethers due to my cough. It is very depressing, not to say expensive. I take Mucinex (over the counter expectorant) it works by thinning the mucus. I also clear my throat constantly, day & night. I have basically been living in my bedroom because my cough is so loud my husband and son can't stand it! HELP