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Coughing, coughing, coughing!!
I am completely disgusted, frustrated and depressed. I have had a chronic cough for 10 months. I have seen 7 doctors including family GP, Pulmonologist, Allergist and ENT. Each one I have gone to has diagnosed me with whatever there specialty happens to be. I have had X-rays, CT scans, spirometry tests, methylcolene challenge test. I have been give 4 different antibiotics, the latest being Ciporil. Collectively the doctors have ruled out, asthma, allergies, lung problems. However, I have been diagnosed with everything from asthma to just a respiratory infection that will go away. I now scheduled for a 3rd CT scan. The only thing that has been discovered is an infected sinus in my left cheek. However, I can breath fine and have very little post nasal drip that I can detect. The cough comes out of nowhere and takes my breath away. I am hesitant to go out in public and have been sleeping in a separate bedroom to avoid disturbing my wife. I have been given antibiotics, inhalers, steroids, codein pills and liquids, antihistimes, an assorted over the counter medications. I am still coughing! I do not trust the doctors opinions any longer as they treat me like a guinea pig. The first thing the ENT wanted to do was surgery to clean out my sinus, eventhough there would only be an 85% chance of it curing the cough and possible complications from the surgery. Oh yeah, I going to jump at that option!! I have read that a doctor at a clinic in Illinois has successfully treated chronic cough with an antidepressent (amiltropilene - not sure of the spelling). Does any medical professional know of this option? Is there any clinic or specialist in the Boston area that has been successful in curing chronic cough, without surgery? My quality of life has seriously diminished. I have always been a healthy person and physically active. What the heck is going on?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It appears from your note that there are several clear things:
1. This is a frustrating problem
2. The frustration is aggravated by the differing medical opinions you have heard
3. You are willing to reach for an unproven method to control the cough
What you have described is a positive maxillary sinus infection on the left side, which is a very common cause of chronic cough. There are two ways to approach this problem that are sometimes used alone or together. The first is medical where antibiotics are used for a significant period of time and sometimes oral or inhaled steroids are added to not only clear the infection but open the sinus. If you do not open the sinus, the fluid will continue to cause a problem even after the infection is initially treated. The second therapy is sinus surgery to open the sinus and sometimes to clear out the area and lining. No one will ever give you a 100% chance of a "cure" because none of these procedures works in 100% of people. It appears that an 85% chance of success is not enough of a ratio of a positive outcome for you to try this approach.
Therefore, you are left with unconventional therapies, such as anti-depressants. There probably is less side effect potential from this therapy than surgery, but also far less than an 85% chance of success.
Our suggestion is to discuss medical and surgical options again with a new ENT and then for you to make up your mind as how to proceed.
1. This is a frustrating problem
2. The frustration is aggravated by the differing medical opinions you have heard
3. You are willing to reach for an unproven method to control the cough
What you have described is a positive maxillary sinus infection on the left side, which is a very common cause of chronic cough. There are two ways to approach this problem that are sometimes used alone or together. The first is medical where antibiotics are used for a significant period of time and sometimes oral or inhaled steroids are added to not only clear the infection but open the sinus. If you do not open the sinus, the fluid will continue to cause a problem even after the infection is initially treated. The second therapy is sinus surgery to open the sinus and sometimes to clear out the area and lining. No one will ever give you a 100% chance of a "cure" because none of these procedures works in 100% of people. It appears that an 85% chance of success is not enough of a ratio of a positive outcome for you to try this approach.
Therefore, you are left with unconventional therapies, such as anti-depressants. There probably is less side effect potential from this therapy than surgery, but also far less than an 85% chance of success.
Our suggestion is to discuss medical and surgical options again with a new ENT and then for you to make up your mind as how to proceed.
A related discussion, Can't Stop Coughing was started.
A related discussion, Cough help? was started.
Omg, i know the posts here are old, but its very helpful! Ive been so irritated, been coughing constantly, its so embarrassing. I just read your post and i am taking Lisinopril. I am definitely going back to my doctor, show him your comment and get new prescriptions! Thanks for sharing!
A related discussion, Hacking Dry Cough was started.
A related discussion, Coughing every morning for years was started.
Wow, amazing I accidently came across this forum and we all seem to have similar symtoms. I can't remember when my coughing/choking started but it's been several years. Like many of you, I've seen a number of doctors. After an endioscopy several years ago which indicated I have mild reflux, I have tried all those types of medications. Currently on Prilosec, twice a day. Had an allergic reaction to Nexium, which caused my tongue to feel that it was twice it's size. Also have burning mouth syndrome, if any of you know about it. I conduct training sessions for a living. Fortunately, they are done via WebEx and phone as I can't recall one session where I didn't have a coughing spell. They range from minor to extreme. I haven't vomited yet but have come close. Most of my choking is when eating but I've had extreme sessions, just sitting at my desk. Anytime, anywhere. I'm not married and don't think I cough when sleeping but can't confirm; however it doesn't awaken me. I'm currently seeing a pulmonologist, who is supposed to be a "cough specialist". The first thing he did was put me on the new inhalant on the TV commercials for asthma. Then after my tests for asthma were negative, he's convinced it's post nasal drip. I gave the medicine to someone who does has asthma. I'm now using spiriva, a nasal steriod spray, twice a day and an antiobotic spray, twice a day in addition to the Prilosec. Who has time to take all this medicine? I've been on the current medications for about a month and am considering cancelling my doctor's appointment next week. I create an excessive amount of saliva and my best description is that I get choked on it. What iI cough up is not discolored and as someone mentioned I do have a salty, metallic taste in my mouth much of the time. I just want someone to figure out what causes this. I've spent alot of time on the Internet looking for a self diagnosis. I'm female, early 50s, never smoked, very petite. If anyone has tried anything that works, please pass on the info. As someone else said, I'm sick and tried of this plus it can be extremely embarassing. I have coughed several times while typing this and have become very hoarse in the last two days. I empathize with all of you and thanks for letting me vent.
I have had a cough now for 2 months. It comes out of nowhere. I might not cough all day, then it hits me. I do feel like I have some mucus I want to cough up after coughing. At times, a cold or warm drink seems to bring it on or just walking into air conditioning.
My right nostril seems clear, a little congestion in the left. Any thoughts?
My right nostril seems clear, a little congestion in the left. Any thoughts?
The dr's sure aren't doing it! For the most part they've done surgery on my wallet! Each year for the past 15 or so years cough has gotten worse. I've just had a barium swallow and an upper GI. Even after fundoplication surgery (which is still holding) I have some reflux. Will go next week for a "stealth" to be inserted through my nose and down into my stomach for 24 hours. Let me say, I'm really looking forward to this! It's suppose to tell us where the reflux is worse. Also have discovered some Barretts Esophagus as well. Most dr's say we may never find the cause. Well, It's certainly played havoc with my lifestyle.
That last sentence should read; "The doctors cerainly AREN'T doing it!
Trust me, it's not in your head. I have also been prescribed all of the drugs you are taking to no avail. I panic if I do not have my albuterol (I call it my 'crack pipe' - got to keep a sense of humor, you know.), cough drops, sudafed and robitussin close at hand for the unexpected hacking attack. At night I take Nyquil to sleep. I also have been prescribed codein tablets. I am sick of taking all of these things and worry that putting all of these chemicals into my system daily is bound to do something else negative to my body. But, it sure beats coughing your guts out, doesn't it? Hang in there Sue505. Let's all keep looking for something that will actually work. The doctors certainly are doing it. Billda
Well I have returned from coughing my way through Europe. Surprisingly, I felt best on the plane going over and coming back. Perhaps the cabin pressure played a role? I was disappointed because I thought that getting out of my home and work environment might have lessened the intentensity. But, no luck there. I have learned that cold things really bring it on. Ice cream, frozen daquiris, etc. It's immediate and I just start hacking violently. I am amazed at the responses to my original post and how everyone seems to be experiencing the same malady, apparently for no reason at all. I am determined to beat this as I am concerned of the overall, long-term damage to my body. FYI, I have never smoked and have always been healthy. I'm 65 and in fairly decent shape. I played ice hockey up until the age of 62 and I still play tennis as much as I can even though it seems to bring the cough on as well. Keep contributing to this forum. Perhaps some medical professional will see the misery and frustration we are all experiencing and come up with a cure. All of your comments make me feel that I am not in this agony alone. Keep it coming! Best to all of you. I'll post again if any changes occur. In the meantime I'll monitor your comments.
Thank goodness, I'm not going crazy. (yet) I've been coughing pretty consistantly for the last 3 months. It's getting worse, not better. Chest xrays are clear, sinuses feel stuffed. I'm taking advair, abuterol, nasacort, prilosec, prednesone...just got prescribed cough syrup with codeine in it. I'm going for a UGI next week. Is it possible that such a horrible hacking cough with all the mucus could really be "in my head?"
This is really affecting my ability to work. I have to talk to people, but limit it to avoid the embarrassment of explaining the whole situation so they won't think I'm contagious. I've wondered if Acupuncture might help? Has anyone tried that?
This is really affecting my ability to work. I have to talk to people, but limit it to avoid the embarrassment of explaining the whole situation so they won't think I'm contagious. I've wondered if Acupuncture might help? Has anyone tried that?
I've had similar coughing problems, off and on for ten years. This last episode has lasted 10 months. I've noticed that my cough is worst when I go to sleep, when my body is cold, my estremities or my head is cold. This occurs a lot when I am in a windy area, air conditioned room or car or near a fan. After going to many doctors and having countless scans and tests, I believe that the coughing is from an on again and off again sinus infection. But, what causes this chronic sinus infection?
It seems that this sinus infection starts or gets worst when my body cools down or when my circulation slows. I have tried to keep my head and body warm to the point that it causes me to perspire. After I wake up perspiring from being wrapped up in my blanket. I take a warm shower and dress warm. My cough subsides and I feel a lot better until I am subjected to the cold again. Of course, being kept warm to the point of perspiring is not the answer. But, this leads me to believe that the cause of the chronic sinus infections is a problem with my blood circulation.
Going to sleep and being in the wind and cold air slows my blood circulation which in turn may aggrevate the sinus infection problem which causes the coughing. I will be seeing my doctor again in a few days to see what he think about this possibility.
It seems that this sinus infection starts or gets worst when my body cools down or when my circulation slows. I have tried to keep my head and body warm to the point that it causes me to perspire. After I wake up perspiring from being wrapped up in my blanket. I take a warm shower and dress warm. My cough subsides and I feel a lot better until I am subjected to the cold again. Of course, being kept warm to the point of perspiring is not the answer. But, this leads me to believe that the cause of the chronic sinus infections is a problem with my blood circulation.
Going to sleep and being in the wind and cold air slows my blood circulation which in turn may aggrevate the sinus infection problem which causes the coughing. I will be seeing my doctor again in a few days to see what he think about this possibility.
Wow. Sure glad I found this site! I also have developed a coughing/mucous problem following a very bad head cold about 2 months ago. I have been taking Lisinpril for almost a year with no coughing problems so I don't think it's that. My doctor said I had bronchial asthma last week and gave me one week of antibiotics. I wasn't wheezing when I saw him. Of course, at night is when the wheezing, choking, and funny noises start! I am also willing to try the oregano oil or anything at this point! I've been vomiting from coughing and having incontinence as well. Somebody help us!!
I never knew this coughing problem was so prevalent. Mine started about two years ago when I started on a BP meds for the first time, also had same day surgery with anesthesia and I thought it was the anesthesia. However, after reading up on the med I found out it did cause my problem. My BP meds was changed and it took time but eventually went away. This past year my postnasal drip has worsened and now I dread that horrid tickle in my throat, the watering eyes, the sneezing . This is so embarrasing! have to walk with water to sip in church,. I can actually feel and taste the salty secretions draining down my throat then the tickling starts and i try not to cough but anyone with postnasal drip knows that is impossible. My ENT doctor prescribed a nasal spray which used to help somewhat, but I developed a pimple or something in my nostril which took a while to go away so I stopped using it for now. I also get the lightheadedness and feeling of fullness in my ear. I see some people have worse symtoms than me like pasding out, but I do need help. I am afraid this might turn into asthma.
I started having a chronic cough about 1993. I've been to every kind of doctor there is and had many tests. I did have reflux and had the fundoplication surgery for it. That was 10 years ago. I still have "mild" reflux. As long as I don't talk or eat dry food or scratchy food I don't cough as badly BUT, sometimes it just comes out of the blue. I've had all the different antihistamines, stomach medicines, antibiotics, steroids and so on that you can name. Sometimes when I get a coughing spasm at a meal it gets so bad that I pass out. It only lasts for a few seconds, but it's scary and embarassing. I am a businessman and often when I talk on the phone I get to coughing and have to hand the phone to someone else. Each year that passes, the cough gets worse. The tests show that the most normal thing about me is my lungs. It seems that sinus drainage or food or saliva sometimes goes down into my bronchial area when there is no logical reason for it. I keep decafinated drinks on hand most all the time to keep my throat washed out. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I too need help.
Hi All - I have had the same problem quite a few times and it usually follows a cold or flu and can be a dry persistent cough that serves no purpose. I too have tried everything from water, tea, nasal sprays, cough medicine, lozenges etc.
I have spent many a night on the lounge this winter because I have been coughing for hours!
The only thing I have had any luck with is to suck on a piece of dark chocolate. I don't know why but it pulls the tickle from my throat. If I have congestion dripping down my throat, the piece of chocolate seems to pull it together into a ball (ew!) so it stops causing the cough. Sometimes it takes two or three pieces sucked slowly but it has worked for me.
So, if ever you needed an excuse for chocolate - this is possibly the best one! (Pity it is the last thing you feel like after coughing till your eyeballs wants to fall out!)
Hope that tip helps.
I have spent many a night on the lounge this winter because I have been coughing for hours!
The only thing I have had any luck with is to suck on a piece of dark chocolate. I don't know why but it pulls the tickle from my throat. If I have congestion dripping down my throat, the piece of chocolate seems to pull it together into a ball (ew!) so it stops causing the cough. Sometimes it takes two or three pieces sucked slowly but it has worked for me.
So, if ever you needed an excuse for chocolate - this is possibly the best one! (Pity it is the last thing you feel like after coughing till your eyeballs wants to fall out!)
Hope that tip helps.
Instead of repeating my post here, I wrote a response on a possible potential concerning the symptomology of problems with the Sternocleidomastoid muscles in another thread.
Everyone please come back we have to gang up or else they wont hear us.
Try searching throat clearing and swallowing problems I think there millions of us unknowns.
I caught what I call "The Throat Clearing Disease" (i.e. constant feeling the need to clear my throat, feels like a pill/string stuck in throat, swallowing trying to get this thing to go down, frequent mis-swallowing so fluids or food goes the wrong way, feeling of something stuck in broncia)19 years ago I remember because I quit smoking Labor Day 1988 and I think I got this from kissing a person at a bar around that time, Oh that was worth it. I did'nt realize I was contagous at first. I have had immune problems all of my life and believe this has caused me to be a carrier. I have over the years given this to all of my family. I to have had fear of relationships due to this and have only seen two others and have sadly given it to both of them. I dont think they are particularly contagious but am unsure. Thankfully I spent my life in a factory so not to many others were near me. Though after eating at my neibors house only twice she has started with the throat clearing, It seems as though if I speak with an "S" or "T" and my saliva gets on something and someone ingests it they will get the throat clearing problem. We all just showed up with this very irritating thing after a cold or something seemingly innocent I think we have all been exposed to someone in an infectious state. I have been treated with anti-biotics and steriods and IVIG and biological DMARDS and prevacid since being diagnosed with R.A. in 2000 and am planning more visits with a 5th ENT. I havent had tonsills for 49yrs. I have told every doc I've seen and tryed everything over the whole time with no results. I still have a peak flow of 750. I wish the docs would figure this out.
Good to know I am not alone. As the rest, I have had every test and drug known with nothing eliminating this PND. I did find that taking benedryl at night helps some (even better with a glass of wine). When I asked my Dr now what, he says, try it all, with or without wine, together or separate. That is not what I would expect my conservative t-totalling Dr to say, but I think he is a frustrated as I am with similar patients. It seems like every 4th person I run into has the same symtoms, so why isn't anyone finding a cure? Thanks for the thoughts on Oil of Oregano. That will be my next try. I've never smoked, and drink no more than 2 glasses of wine at a time, am very fit with yoga, weights, walking and golfing. Have no stress, and have nothing in my past that might cause all this. One interesting bit, 10 years ago a Dr said I had allergies to grass and trees and gave me allergy shots which worked for about 2 years and 2 years after I stopped taking them. Retested this year, including the blood test, and said I wasn't allergic to anything. I can feel the depression in all of your comments and I am there too.
Here's an update but nothing earthshaking. The complexion of my condition has changed somewhat. It seems now that I start coughing with lots of mucous around 4 in the afternoon for a few hours, then, it goes away. Also, when I am playing tennis and get warmed up, it comes on strong to the point that I have to quit. As soon as I calm down, it calms down. I am still using the sinus bath, albuterol when I can't stand it anymore and occassionally a small sip of Robitussin, usually just before bed. So, I guess I am "managing" it. We're heading for Europe in a week or so and I am very curious how I will feel in a completely different environment over a couple of weeks. I'll report back after the trip.
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