Short of breath for 30-40 seconds, sometimes

[saglik]

I have been coughing for about a month now.  Initially, I thought it was just a regular transitional cough.  However, it turned into falling short of breathing. And for the past week, in two occasions, after coughing I have been unable to breathe back for 30-40 seconds (breathless)which is quite scary.  I dont smoke or drink.  Has anyone experienced  similar symptoms, and what the doctors have diagnosed.  

Thanks most kindly

[National Jewish]

Certainly coughing for about a month to the point of being short of breath and breathless for 30 to 40 seconds is quite scary.  Many people experience shortness of breath, both during and after harsh coughing, some even faint.  This is called cough syncope.

Coughing could be due to a lung or a heart problem.  Other possible causes are allergy, infection, irritation or all of these.  Many viral infections, most notably the flu, can cause irritation of the airways of the lungs.  This irritation can cause a cough that lasts for 3 to 6 months.  Coughing can be a side effect of a group of medicines used to treat high blood pressure called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.  In a person who has a normal chest x-ray and who doesn

[AAAHUbbard]

About 2 years ago I started with a similar cough that I associated with our indoor hot tub.  Today it has turned into pulmonary fibrosis called Non Specific Interstitial Pneumonia.  I may have waited a couple months too long to get the proper treatment and as a result the disease has spread now requiring me us inhalers, Prednisone, Imuran, and oxygen 24/7.  Please consult a doctor immediately to rule out any lung infections or diseases.  The sooner the better in your case.

[Concerned lady]

There can be many causes of coughing. I urge you to see a good lung doc (Pulmonologist), to find out what's causing your coughing, and shortness of breath.

Some possibilities include:

--asthma
--gastric reflux (GERD/Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease)
--VCD (Vocal Cord Dysfunction), also called laryngospasm
--infections
--allergies (allergic reactions)
--air pollution
--other conditions (some can be dangerous) that need to be diagnosed by good doctors, as soon as possible

Once you know what's happening & why, you will have treatment choices. See some good doctors as soon as possible. Good luck to you.

For any breathing problems, it's good to call for an ambulance, or, go to a good Emergency Room.

Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com