Coughing, coughing, coughing!!

[billda]

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?

[Ann728]

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.                      

[bobalee]

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?

[poolshark]

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.

[billda]

That last sentence should read; "The doctors cerainly AREN'T doing it!

[billda]

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

[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.