Chronic Cough Workup, Part I
Classic asthma, cough-variant asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, sino-bronchial syndrome, rhino-sinusitis, atopic cough, multiple-chemical sensitivity, post-viral URI, and GERD can all cause a chronic cough in a non-smoker. The successful treatments differ, so how can a doctor distinguish between them?
An acute cough is defined as lasting less than 3 weeks. A chronic cough has lasted more than 8 weeks (two months). A chronic cough in a cigarette smoker is called chronic bronchitis, and usually disregarded by the smoker. The cure for a smokers' cough is simple, but rarely employed (smoking cessation). The most common causes of a chronic cough in a non-smoker are asthma, rhinitis with sinusitis and post-nasal drainage (PND), and GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease). Most people with a chronic cough just try OTC (over the counter, non-prescription) cough remedies, many of which suppress the brain's cough reflex (as do opiates like codeine and morphine), but no OTC medication treats the underlying cause of the cough.
A chronic cough can dramatically reduce the quality of life, so some people seek help from a doctor. The characteristics of the cough (dry or wet) and phlegm (thick, thin, or color) are rarely helpful in the diagnosis, but the factors which provoke the cough (if any have been recognized) may provide a clue. Instead of ordering tests to determine the exact cause of the cough, many primary care physicians will take an empiric approach: treat the most likely cause for a few weeks or months, and if that doesn't work, treat the second most likely cause, and so forth until something seems to work, the cough resolves by itself, or the patient gives up on the process.
When all else fails, patients with a chronic cough may be sent for evaluation by a specialist (pulmonary, allergy, or ENT) who is likely to order tests to determine the exact cause of the cough.
Next in the series: Possible causes for chronic cough
Related Topics: Whooping Cough, COPD
An acute cough is defined as lasting less than 3 weeks. A chronic cough has lasted more than 8 weeks (two months). A chronic cough in a cigarette smoker is called chronic bronchitis, and usually disregarded by the smoker. The cure for a smokers' cough is simple, but rarely employed (smoking cessation). The most common causes of a chronic cough in a non-smoker are asthma, rhinitis with sinusitis and post-nasal drainage (PND), and GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease). Most people with a chronic cough just try OTC (over the counter, non-prescription) cough remedies, many of which suppress the brain's cough reflex (as do opiates like codeine and morphine), but no OTC medication treats the underlying cause of the cough.
A chronic cough can dramatically reduce the quality of life, so some people seek help from a doctor. The characteristics of the cough (dry or wet) and phlegm (thick, thin, or color) are rarely helpful in the diagnosis, but the factors which provoke the cough (if any have been recognized) may provide a clue. Instead of ordering tests to determine the exact cause of the cough, many primary care physicians will take an empiric approach: treat the most likely cause for a few weeks or months, and if that doesn't work, treat the second most likely cause, and so forth until something seems to work, the cough resolves by itself, or the patient gives up on the process.
When all else fails, patients with a chronic cough may be sent for evaluation by a specialist (pulmonary, allergy, or ENT) who is likely to order tests to determine the exact cause of the cough.
Next in the series: Possible causes for chronic cough
Related Topics: Whooping Cough, COPD
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138 Comments:
You have hit the nail on the head with doctors' approaches to illness: Keep trying new drugs until you find one that works; or until it shuts the patient up.
i have asthma and my dr has not addressed the fact that i cough all the time, warm weather, humidity, cold weather you name it.
I have a chronic cough and have coughed so hard as to fracture 2 ribs... ripped cartilege and yet there is nothing to stop it. I just have to deal with not being 100% anymore! I get so discouraged sometimes!
I have had a chronic cough, often treated as bronchitit. Then I was diagnosed with Lupus.
Instead of only using drugs, why not reduce environmental triggers by using RCI Cell technology? Recent studies show reduction of microbials by 99.9% within 24 hours.
I also have a chronic cough. I have copd, asthma and chronic bronchitis the strongest components. I cough so hard I can't get my breath sometimes to use my inhaler right away.
faargi have chronic sinusitis i am an emt/firefighter but recently i delt with a sick patient and suddenly came down with sinusitis with a severe cough i was treated with antibiotics and codiclear cough syrup the sinus part is gone but i am still coughing really bad i keep everyone at firehouse awake i cant seem to get rid of this cough can anyone help me?
My 5 year old daughter has been coughing for 3-4 weeks now and my mother keeps saying that she has a lung infection or whooping cough. She's been immunized for whooping cough. I took her to the doctor and they say she has allergies, though...but it's not better even with the medication....
ok, Well I have had this cough since June 2006, and know one seems to know what it is. This past January I had hernia surgery and now this cough has gotten worst and has made my hernia come back now I cannot have it fixed again until the cough subsides this is very depressing and tiring. I cough all night and never get any sleep.
Following surgery 2 years ago I developed a chronic cough. Visits to 4 specialists have ruled out the following: Asthma, TB, acid reflux, ear/nose/throat problems.
I have never smoked. Could being incubated during surgery be the cause?
In October I was diagnosed with bronchitis, I was given antibiotics and cough syrup. I still had the cough in December, went to another doctor who gave me more antibiotics and an inhailer.
It is now March and I am still coughing, I can't sleep and my chest never stops hurting. I am getting really depressed and wonder if I have some lung disease.
I don't want anymore antibiotics, anyone have any answers?
I can definetly relate to every post here. I have had a chronic cough since November 2005. I've seen my family physician, GI, 2 different ENT's, Pulmonary, and even a Cough specialists at Cleveland Clinic. It has interfered with every aspect of my daily life. I have been on so many different meds with no significant improvement. The last doc said I have a Sensory Neuropathic problem and had me try an anti-depressant and an anti-seizure meds with no improvement. I have had upper GI. Endoscopy, Bronchoscopy, CT's, X-rays, gallbladder removed (discovered only working 8%), PH monitoring, and more. Every doc I went to said I had something that had to do with their specialty i.e. GI=acid reflux, ENT=post nasal drip/sinusitus, Pulmonary=air way trigger, and I have no common sypmtoms are typically associated with the diagnosis. The only one that comfirmed I did'nt have any of these problems was the doc at Cleveland clinic. I am very frustrated by this whole thing, but not ready to give up yet. Maybe 2007 will be my year.
I have a cough for over a year. Have had just about every other test mentioned on above comments. Tried many medicines not to avail. Don't sleep well can't even hold a conversation without coughing. Noticed that many other people have more or less the same thing. Is there something going around and we are not been informed? How can so many people have the same thing without a sound diagnosis? What's up with that? I saw a news report about a condition called non tuberculosis something or other which produces a chronic cough, fatigue, loss of weight and some other symtoms I can't recall. There is no cure for it. Apparently is caused by a bacteria that lives in the water pipes and is inhaled in the shower through the steam. They said that is more apparent in the south were the climate is humid and hot. I'ved looked it up in this web site but nothing comes up. I have ask my allergist and she does not know anything about it. She told me to call the CDC. Has anyone heard anything about this?
SSHHHH I am a firefighter EMT and in Feburary 07 I developed what I thought was a sinus infection. Doc treated and by mid March, no relief. Went back to the Doc and said that I had developed bronchitius. By the end of March both eyes were blood red from broken blood vessels from a severe cough. Now in April eyes some better but still have severe cough, to the point of breathlessness several times a day. Help !!!!!!! Why??????
my daughter has had a chronic productive cough for about 2 years. the cough started when she contracted histoplasmosis, the histo is gone, but the cough still lingers. her pulmonologist, and primary care doctor have not been able to come up with a solution, and the only thing that controls the cough is tylenol w/ codiene. is there anyone out there with any suggestions???????
I am on my 4th coughing spell in 3 years. This spell has been going on since December. I too went to the dr numerous times; spent hundreds on meds that helped very little. I finally took my self to an ENT; he diagnosed acid reflux. It was so bad that I had polyps on my vocal cords. They have now been removed and I go back to the dr on Monday. I started myself on acid reducers and sleep propped up more than down. I am some better but still have a throat full of phlem when I do cough.
I have swollen glands right under my ears, canker sores, post nasal drip, coughing that sometimes produces yellowish phelm. However, in the last few days my stomach (up the center)hurts (I have a hiatial hernia and acid reflux which was under control before this. Also,I feel like my bronchial tubes are raw-like inside and sometimes the phelm I cough up has a pink color or a small thin red streak. Is it blood, is it because I cough so hard trying to get the phelm up or is it something more serious? I also have asthma.My doctor gave me augmention that really messed up my stomach but I took all of it but I'm not better. I am concerned about my stomach pain, my swollen glands and the pink tinged phelm. Should I be concerned or just hope it finally goes away. I don't think antibiotics helped much. I do take Musilex daily. Please help if you know what could be wrong.
I've had a chronic, non-productive cough for over ten years. No doctor, not even top specialists, have been able to help me. Each one thought he/she had the answer. The one doctor who admitted to me that he doesn't have a clue how to help me is the one I respect the most. Doctors hate to say they don't know.
I've had a horrible cough for 6 years. Before that, I had it off and on for at least 14 years (I didn't realize it until my daughter gave me a little conure for my birthday, and within a few days he'd learned to "cough"!) I had pneumonia 6 years ago and the cough never went away.
I've had GERD surgery, been to every specialist in a 60-mile radius, been told I have post-nasal drip by a pulmonologist, but the ENT (both that I've seen) say it's not p-nd, it's a lung problem. My allergist says it's asthma, but no asthma drug has helped and inhalers cause me to cough uncontrollably when I use them. I've been on allergy shots for two years which have pretty much ended any problems with allergies, but still I cough.
My family doctor finally said "sensory neuropathic cough" and prescribed amitriptyline along with Tussionex. Finally I had some relief, but not enough. I'm already taking Effexor XR, so adding another antidepressant just ruined my brain. I finally went off that early this year and my cough is back like it was before I took it.
Even better, my doctor lost his license due to a stupid little sexual misconduct charge and I've been out of Tussionex for a month. I'm back to coughing for 5-10 minutes at a time, which causes me to pee and my nose to run, blowing my nose makes me cough more, and everyone at work thinks I'm highly contagious (although sometimes that works to my advantage!). It interferes with my work, which involves answering phones and making calls much of the day, not to mention running to the bathroom whenever I have a coughing fit. I start coughing when I go to bed. I inhale and cough. It rules my life and I'm sick of it.
Has anyone heard of a drug called Levocloperastine? I found it yesterday while googling sensory neuropathic cough. I asked both my allergist and my pharmacist about it and neither has heard of it. From the few articles available about it, it works better and faster than narcotic cough syrups and has fewer side effects.
I want this stuff!!! Every doctor I've seen has said that I'll have to live with this cough for the rest of my life. That's just not acceptable.
In June of 2000 I was hospitalized for chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. Then when I was 3 months pregnant for my daughter in 2001, my lungs collapsed not once, but twice. (My daughter is fine.) They told me I had lung cancer and then retracted their diagnosis and told me I had histoplasmosis. I've had serious trouble breathing and I cough up blood every morning. I quit smoking and still I don't feel any better. I am 26 years old and they have yet to find something that works for me. Does anyone have any advice??? Please help! Thanks.
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I have this cough not sure where I have gotten it, it started off during the day and worse at nite, i take cough medicine at nite so I can sleep, my coughing has gotten more viloent at nite over the past couple of days and makes it hard to sleep.. Anyone have any suggestions.?
I have been told that I have chronic bronchitis which contributes to my cough. I was also told that if I would quit smoking that it would go away so I did. I kept getting this tickle that would start the coughing fit. It doesn't matter what time of day. It just doesn't stop. I get headaches, sore throat, loss of voice and chest pain due to the severe coughing. I have yet to find anything to work. It there anything out there that would stop it????
For those who suspect they may be sufferers of cough variant asthma, be persistant and forceful with your physician about this possibility. This form of asthma is commonly misdiagnosed. I myself went without proper treatment for many years as a child before seeing a specialist at a children's hosptial. As a result I missed out on childhood from being up all night expelling phlem and coughing until I was in pain. My condition is treated sucessfully with two forms of inhalers, so there is hope.
I stumbled upon this site while trying to find out some information about my chronic cough with gagging/nausea. I have had a cough for 6 years. Nothing helps! I have been 'fortunate' enough to try all kinds of useless drugs! At my expense noless....asthma, GERD, allergies, sinus problems - I did have whopping cough when a baby I'm told. I believe that some of the coughing comes after I find out how much the drugs cost! People do think that I have a disease that needs to be quaranteed - like the plague or something; some are very kind and sympathetic and offer me water "can I get you some water?" that's kind of them but at that particular time in the coughing phase taking water would like cause me to drown! and some even throw cough drops at me! especially in church. I get the "what's really wrong with you??" questions all the time. My stomach feels 'full' all the time like I just ate - probably because of all the sinus drainage Yuck! Telephone conversations are limited because at any moment the coughing begins. So I find myself timing my calls to start just after I have had a bout of gut wretching coughing, nose blowing and trying to grab some air out of the air, then I can talk a good while. I am a preschool teacher and story time is challenging, I also teach Bible classes and the children, bless their little hearts, just stare at me until I can breathe again. They are so loving. "You okay?", they say looking like a puppy does when he turns his head to the side when you talk to him. I wave me hand in the affirmative as I gasp for air and continue the story when the spasm leaves. Obviously doctors don't have all the answers. Can't blame them for trying. You are not alone out there. Attitude is everything!
I have had a very dry cough for about five months. My throat begins to tickle and then I cough and can't stop for several minutes. Also, this happens when I'm sleeping which, of course, wakens me up. Very annoying.
im tired of coughing......i have had a cough for about 2 months and cant nothing to get rid of it....aaaaahhhh i hate it.........
Has anyone gone for asbestos testing? I was teaching in a portable and got bronchitis, then the never ending cough. (Going on 6 years.) No gunk - just dry cough. I keep bottled water and hard candies with me at all times. I've also figured out that if I keep good posture, the coughing doesn't happen as often - slouching and bending down can cause a bout.
I Can sum up the cause to anyone who has an unexplained cough. I live in Oregon have lived here for 20 years. I too started have an extreme coughing ordeal. To the point of coughing up blood every time I do cough it is very productive. I even took an OTC called mucinex. I would cough so much that I had passed out, later on so hard I coughed/vomited on the inside of my vehicle covering the inside windshield. I am started to back step as to when my symtoms started to oocur. I am finding out the culprit is simply MOLD. the carpets in the bathing room, the attic, under house crawl space, between the walls of my exwifes delapidated apartment. I also found mold on the shower curtains of the exwifes house on her bathroom cieling,caulking,under sink. I went to her land lord to get it remedied. my symptom had ceased. as it turns out when I would get my kids for the weekend they would bring the spores and the symtoms with them. I hope this helps...
I understand what you all are talking about. I've had this chronic cough for the last 9 months. It drives my husband crazy while he watches tv or sleeps or talks, but I tell him I can't help it. I've had double pneumonia twice, meningitis, strep in the blood, but this has been over 2 yrs ago. This cough also developed after I went off anti-depressants. I have acid reflux, prestages of diabetes and leg aches all the time. I don't know, maybe some of the meds cause the chronic cough also. You all have mentioned so many different ideas, it could almost be anything. My brother said he had the cough before for like a year, he found out his was allergies. So who knows, maybe I should see what my dr. thinks about it. This cough is very frustrating for me and others around me. I hope we can all find a cure, cause I sympathize with everyone who has it too!
My son who just turned 2 has been coughing continuously for about 4 or 5 months. The doctors keep saying it is allergies but he coughs so much he throws up everything. He has a nebulizer and takes allergy medicine but nothing is working. He had been diagnosed with RSV right before he turned 1. Could this still be an ongoing issue. I really would like some guidance. He is still to little to tell me what is wrong and I feel like a bad parent because I can't fix it.
Kira,
Try posting this question on Dr. Enright's Asthma message board.
I hope your son feels better soon!
My chronic cough started in November 06. It has gotten so bad that I thought I broke my ribs twice. I was as the ER twice in two weeks. They weren't broken just very inflamed and pulled. My doc said I had severe bronchitis and I had two rounds of antibiotics without any relief. Eventually I went to a pulmonologist and had a pulmonary function test which showed I didn't has asthma. So he told me that I may have nerve damage in my esophogus due to my GERD and it is making me cough even though I don't feel any GERD symptoms. I am going to an ENT in 3 weeks to see if I have any sinus polyps that could be causing the problem because I continue to have phlemg in the back of my throat and it's hard to swallow. I hope they find something out soon. It's been a long time and I can't really do anything strenous.
WELL-LAST SUMMER ON VACATION A HOMLESS MAN ASKED ME FOR MONEY AND COUGHED ON ME.
ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER I HAD A HARD TIME BREATHING-TOLD MY DOC ABOUT IT SHE DID A PPD TEST-TESTED POSITIVE. I AM 25 AND THIS ORDEAL HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER. A YEAR LATER I HAVE DEVELOPED A COUGH AND MAY BE PUT ON ANTIBOTICS FOR TB. I AM TERRIFIED ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS. CAN YOU BELIEVE MY LIFE CHANGED IN ONE INSTANT BECAUSE SOMEONE COUPHED ON ME!!!!!!
My 20 mo old daughter has been having chronic congestion and cough for 12 months now off and on...we've done the tubes, tonsils/adenoids, allergy tests/meds, reflux meds, antibiotics, elevated one side of her bed, humidifiers, swallow studies, everything...and no help!! It gets to the point where she throws up because she's coughing so hard... Anyone have suggestions??
I can relate to everything I've read here. I have had ever increasing sinus problems for most of my life. We had unbelievable rainfall in the spring/summer of 2004 and had 2" of water in our carpeted basement. My husband & I removed the carpeting and had to have some of the paneling/drywall removed because of mold. We had to have tiling put around the inside of our basement floor which resulted in cement dust throughout the house. In the fall of 2004, I developed another sinus infection. This time I also developed a chronic cough. It was so mad that at times I couldn't even talk because of all the drainage. This was not good as I could not do my job effectively, not being able to speak. In 2005, I had a major sinus surgery - correction of a deviated septum, removal of bone polyps, and a roto rooter cleaning of the front sinuses. The ENT said the stuff he took out grossed out the nurses and looked somewhat like peanut butter. Following the surgery, I was still having infections and developed bronchitis and pneumonia. I also had a staph infection. The ENT just kept putting me on antibiotics. I was also on asthma inhalers, allergy medications, and a nebulizer. Some of these things just made me feel worse. Went to a different ENT. My sinuses weren't draining normally and he surgically put in an opening in each sinus.He has worked with me the past 2 years to where I am finally not all plugged up, but am still having the cough with drainage and thick phlegm. I too am frustrated and embarrased by this cough. When I get a bad spell I almost throw up. I feel bad for the people I work with to have to listen to me coughing all day long. Social situations are also upsetting because of this cough - I feel like I have slime running down my throat most of the time. Someone HELP!!!!!
I appreciate EVERYONES complaints. I also just recently got over a bout with sinuses congested so bad and coughing constantly, I thought I would go crazy. I took antibiotics and within a week felt better. Now, I have it again! I am getting very sleep due to the constant coughing (nor is my husband getting any sleep), also I had a complete hysterectomy years ago; so women who have dealt with this know what I am talking about. I am coughing so much and so hard this time that my ribs hurt. Is it allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis or what? I suffer all winter into spring with my sinuses being so congested I can't breathe to sleep.It's very frustrating!
wow, I can't believe so many people have the same problem. I too have been coughing for years, but June 2007 I started coughing and seemed to have sinus involvement too. Took a wk of Cipro, it pulled it out of my lower lungs but that was it. It worsened again, ENT said in was laranpharageal reflux. My internist thought COPD, I did smoke for years. Did CT of chest, no lung issue. But I have thyroid issues, supposed to get biopsy. I have trouble swallowing pills and I wheeze but it seems to come from throat. I can breath thru nose and don't hear the wheeze. Coughing plegm of all shades. It goes into my chest, but doesn't originate there. I'm going for endoscopy this week, that should end the debate on LPRD. I'm taking reflux med, internist put me on singulair, I've had 3 rounds of antibiotics. I've tried spiriva handihaler, advair, and albuterol inhaler, none of which help. I'm trying flonase and sometimes Afrin helps relieve sinus pressure. Everyone is mystified. I'm sick of coughing and wheezing and spitting. My husband calls it my crack hack(which I've never done anything of the kind). Having a chronic cough makes you feel like a leper! I'll let you know if I find anything out.
Has anyone checked out this guy here?
http://homepage.mac.com/changcy/cough.htm
Interesting commentary on something called laryngeal sensory neuropathy...
....well, I might as well let my voice be heard. It appears I continually have a build up of phlegm/mucous, so I took myself off of all dairy products -still I cough. The cough I have causes me to not keep any food down. It's like a coughing attack -then here comes all food. My cough began in 2005 - the doctors (I've seen 2 different doctors within the same clinic who both have access to my medical file regarding this) placed me on several different antibiotics and inhalers -to no avail. They do not have the answer. Suggests maybe I should go to Johns Hopkins Hosp in Baltimore? What would you all say? I have seen every specialiast possible - all tests come back ok. We coughers need help NOW! Any answers?
I've got the cough too. For almost a yr now. The doctor said I have a hyperactive broncial system. He also thinks I have post nasal drip. I don't agree. He gave me a generic for Flonaze. It hasn't helped yet at all. It's a gagging cough leaving me with a very tight chest, watery eyes and exhausted. I had chronic bronchitis as a child and get it every 4 or 5 yrs now. I know a bronchitis cough and this is it without all the congestion. It is disruptive wherever I am, work, home, out in public. People treat me like I have something dangerous. I see a lot of questions here but no answers.
I have been coughin for 10 years long , begining is snezeng every morning for 3 hour ,I when to dr take alot of test and allergie, from snezeing to cough ,untill now .I elso been told by dr specialist i has fungus in my lung , on 3-20-2007 i going to surgery ,ihave my lung cut of 1/3 of it, still yet , i still cough every moning some time 2 hour is short, mostly 3 hour ,morning and afternoon , when ever i laying down take a nap or overnight sleep
how did you get the fungus in your lungs
I been coughing for 3 months I feel like something tickles in my throat and it`s just dry cough, I dont know what it is, my dr is not doing anything, what should I do?
my 4 year old son has had a bad cough for 2years it keeps him a wake allnight he is on a blue and brown inhaler it dont work plz help
It's nice to know that I am not alone. I too have a persistent cough that will not go away. However, this site is useless. There are only people whining and complaining and no doctors to give any general advice whatsoever. So far the best thing I have found to relieve my coughing is shots of whiskey. It might not cure all but it sure makes you feel better.
I too have had a chronic cough for most of my life, I am now 42. Docs over the years put me through many testing all to conclude that nothing was wrong with me. I was tested to everything even every allergy known to man. One day I was coughing so hard I went into the walk in clinic and the doc on call that day gave me a zyrtec to try, I have been on it for 4 yrs and have not coughed since that day. I take one every night. Don't know what it was, but I'll be keeping the zyrtec. Hope it helps.
how i got fungus ,i don know ,i when to nail salon for 3 moth ,to learn how to do artiphicial nail ,from smell to dirt of fungus nail , dirty nail salon ,so stay away to nail salon if you can ,danger for people cough chonic
i got fungus from doing nail to, i when surgeon for 6month now ,more itake medicine more i cough worst i desire no more pill, ihave to deal with cough ,every morning but I less coughin , i foundout my self need to stay calm and relax and eat some of food any food , then the cough starding less and less,i happy with it i don like take medication all the time ,i will try every thing to stop and live longer with out medicine
i have had a tickle in my throat for the past few months going in public and getting a coughing spill i`d go hide and cough it out lasts about 10min.at night it seemed like the cough lasted allnite.i finly tried to gargle with saltwater then peroxide lost my voice for 2 days BUT I ALSO LOST THE TICKLEfor the past week hope it lasts good luck
My cough began when I was about 26, now 39, I have tried so many meds to NO avail. My cough is as bad as ever. First it was Asthma, ok the meds got rif of my wheezing and water faucet nasal drainage......Then it's allergies...great, Singular, rhinocort, zyrtec.....NOTHING helping, now, according to an ENT who looked at my vocal cords with this fun little instrument that went down my throat while he held onto my tongue said "your vocal cords are chery red, you have LPR"
ok, now I am on a 4 week regime of Prilosec OTC/2 pills a day for a whopping $60...ok, I'll do the 4 weeks to see what will happen, BUT wouldn't my vocal cords be naturally cherry red from all the irritation from my horrible, violent cough?? This is crazy....I have no serious lung problems. They tell me it's asthma, allergies, post nasal drip, sinusitis, now GERD. Ok, I am taking meds for all and I am coughing like a mad woman. It angers me and depresses me. I give presentations on a regular basis for my job and I fear they are gonna tell me to go away because of this cough that always creeps up during presentations.
I've been looking up natural remedies...I just started using apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons per day. We'll see what happens. Drugs sure aren't working! (Except tussionex, which I can only take at night because it just knocks me out cold!) I don't want a bandaid on my cough, I want a cure!
You get fungus in your lungs from 3 years of 30to100 mg of predinsone to stop lupus. predinsone breaks down your imuninity to fight off fungus or mold
i've had a chronic cough for years, tried 9 different allergy and asthma medications, but none worked, so i stopped using the prescriptions to save myself some $$. recently, i eliminated wheat from my diet, and believe it or not, the coughing has been reduced by 90%.
Anonymous said:
I too had...important word...had...a cough for over ten years. I used inhalers, meds. and hundreds of therapies. Finally my primary physician referred me to a specialist and I discovered that I had reflux. I had no symptoms I would relate to reflux. I have raised the head of my bed 4+ inches with blocks under my headboard...won't work to raise the pillows...watching diet ( I dont drink carbonated beverages) ..don't eat 2 hours before bedtime.Taking reflux meds and tesalone perls on occassion. It has worked for me. I had a diagnosis of COPD...but have discovered it to be reflux. Feeling great and so excited about cough reduction and cure!
Two things that work for me, with the congestion and attending cough of allergies, sinus infections, and asthma, are: saline nose spray used liberally to clear nasal passages and thin the mucuous, and drinking water. Well-known physicians like Dr. Julian Whitaker recommend approx. 3 qts. per day. Even two qts can be helpful. I am just recovering from another bout of nocturnal asthma and the cough with it, and those two things and increased antioxidant dosages are all I have done. I am a coffee-drinker (2 - 3 cups per day) also and that is known to help dilate the airways. I always try natural means first to help alleviate symptoms, and then see my PCP for meds. The best saline spray I have found is one that is the "house" brand at Wal-Mart (Equate), and it is very inexpensive and works well. I hope others will try this because when you are sitting up at night and unable to sleep because of the cough and tightness in your chest, it does give welcome relief. Saline is safe and you can use it numerous times if necessary, to get the relief you need.
I had a dry cough,non produced every time I would seat down to eat,I would start coughing,drove my husband crazy,I ended up having triple by pass ,doc said it was a heart cough.Been nine years and i have started coughing again.It is one of the sytem of conchested heart failure,look it up
I have a coworker tha coughs constantly and she says the doctor says it is because of drainage. She hacks and does not cover her mouth or anything else. Recently she was offered a cough drop and the coughing seemed to stop for about an hour, but she doesn't see a problem with coughing all over everyone in our little office. Even if she isn't coughing because she is sick, it is still spreading germs and no one is doing anything about it. The bosses need to approach her I think. She has worked her for a year, and it has never stopped. She coughs and hacks every day all day. What can I do!!!!????
I have been coughing for 39 years. It is worse in the fall and the spring.Mine is a postnasal drip that tickles my throat. I had to have a partial hysterectomy due to coughing making everything drop. Antibiotics help sometimes but I can't live on them. It drives my family crazy and I seldom get a nights sleep.
I started coughing when I was eight years old and I am now 55. No one has ever been able to help me.
Everything I read is exactly what I'm going through. There has got to be a cure for whatever this is. I'm don't want to keep taking all these medications especially with narcotics in it, that's not fixing the underlying problem, and I thought I was the only one going through this. Not that it's a relief but now I don't feel like I'm losing my mind.
I know this sounds crazy, and it might or might not help, but here goes..my daughter has had an awful cough and post nasal drip for months. She was given allergy meds which helped some, but not enough. When you go to sleep, try putting vicks vapor rub (not the cream, the old fashioned kind) liberally on the bottoms of your feet. Put on a pair of snug fitting socks and go to bed. It has helped her very much. My mother in law who is a nurse gave me this info. I know it sounds like a old fashioned remedy, but it really did help her. Hope someone finds this useful. Good luck!
I am sorry to hear so many people have this problem and glad to hear it also. I have been fighting a cough going on about 12 years now.
I too have gone to various doctors but still do not know the cause.
I quit smoking 7 years ago and my cough only got worse. I take allergy meds and asthma meds but still have the cough.
I wish someone could find out what is going on with all os us that suffer from this problem.
My three year old daughter has been coughing for two months straight with no relief. She has no other symptoms, just a wretched cough that keeps her up every night. She's been to the Dr. numerous times. She's been put on antibiotics, cortico-steroids (which were a nightmare!), cough suppressants, and asthma inhalers. I've also tried giving her children's tylenol and mucinex. But nothing helps! I'm not sure what the next step is. Should I take her to a specialist?
supI got asthma 4 years ago. Am 77 years of age. Did lot of coughing and nasal dripping. Tried Advair which was somewhat helpful. My doctor put me on Xopenex medication used with a nebulizer in the AM and PM before going to bed. This works fine. Stopped the AM treatment in about 1 month. Only take the PM treatment before retiring for a good night's sleep. NO coughing! The only thing it makes my voice hard to understand at times. Ask your doctor about this treatment. Also I have an Xopenex inhaler to carry in my pocket incase I need a shot during the day. Have not had to use this. Ask your doctor about this treatment. It may be helpful for you.
Omg this is all so sad. I just got back from urgent care because my cough has caused so much pain in my side/back that hurts so much i was in tears. Tonight i was told it was a sinus infection, vasomotor rhinitis and non-allergy rhinitis. And two other things I can't read. I hope some of us find the answers, and maybe those people will share with the rest of the coughers.
BTW I've had my cough for over a year and this is the second time I've gotten bad pain like this. It
s affected every area of my life. And I am 25.
I had suffered with a chronic cough for about 3.5 years. It started when I was a senior in high school and lasted off and on through college. Many trips to the doctor did not solve the problem but sometimes taking prednisone relieved the cough for awhile, however doctors do not like prescribing it because of the side effects. I have also always suffered with heartburn and when i began taking prilosec not only did it cure my heartburn but also my cough did not recur. I don't get sick as often as i used to either. i would get between 4 and 6 colds a year. now i get maybe 1 and no more than 2. The only difference has been the treatment of the heartburn.
i had a chronic cough for 9 months, until my heart dr. changed my blood pressure medication. ask your dr. about any medication you may be taking.
i had a chronic cough for 9 months, until my heart doctor changed my blood pressure medication. ask your doctor about coughing as a side effect of any medication you may be taking.
here are a few things to try that have worked 1 coffe cup put warm water and 1Tbs of honey and 1Tbs of lemon juice (2) 1 Tbs of honey on spoon and swallow or (3) buy some robatussin DM and finally take you could look online for natural cures a good site to start at would be www.webmd.com to find articles or can search for whatever aills you
one thing I have learned from being in the medical profession is this people with edema or congestive heart failure do have chronic coughing when their body retains fluid if you are swollen around the ankles or in the shin area of your legs press with your finger moderatley on the shin if your finger sinks or there is an indent in the skin of even half an inch you mabey retaining water and to get rid of it you need your doctor to give you a prescription of lasix and potassium sometimes these problems are overlooked by doctors
to all the people that have chronic coughs also read your side effects of any medication you are taking read the print out from the pharmacy that comes with your meds if your pharmacy doesn't give printouts with your meds you can ask for them or call your pharmacist and ask what the side effects are these professionals are highly trained about meds and thier side effects some meds have a side effect of coughing one med i take for high blood pressure has a side effect of coughing
use honey and vinegar--equal parts, one tblspoon every 4 hrs....the honey soothes the cough and irradicates the sinusitis...the vinegar kills the bacteria...should be gone in two-three days...hope it helps...honey is a natural antihistamine!
I've had this cough off and on for a two months. It's not a heavy cough its more like a itch in the back of my throught that can only be scratched by coughing. Any suggestions?
Throat. Sorry! lol
It would be nice to get a good laugh without coughing...
I have had a cough for about 3 years now. It's never severe (no blood or pain, not a very deep cough, never keeps me up at night) - just more of an annoyance. It's worse in the evening and morning, with the occasional cough during the day. It is definitely mucous related - I can feel the post-nasal drip. The cough comes from my lungs and I can feel a burning sensation in my chest, like it's inflamed. During the day time it goes away to the point that I almost forget about it. I have also been experiencing increased nasal blockage - not runny, just blocked. I also feel tired almost all the time, even though I get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. I don't know if this is related to the cough, though.
I COUGHED FOR 12 YEARS. IT WAS A DRY TICKLE-IN-MY THROAT THAT NEVER WENT AWAY. FINALLY I HAD A FRIEND TELL ME IT WAS CAUSED BY MY BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE. I CHANGED TO A DIFFERENT TYPE AND THE COUGH WENT AWAY. IF YOU TAKE A BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE THAT ENDS IN "PRIL", THAT IS PROBABLY THE CAUSE OF YOUR COUGH. IT IS AN "ACE INHIBITER" AND THE NAME FOR THE COUGH IS AN "ACE COUGH". YOU KNOW THE SIDE EFFECT IS COMMON IF THEY HAVE A NAME FOR IT. I HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE BECOME COUGH FREE.
For me the cough started about 8 years ago. Usually it begins with a cold or allergin. Sometimes it lasts for months. After seeing the round of doctors, I finally found an allergist/asthma dr that gets it. I have vasomotor rhinitus. Environmental things like smoke and strong perfumes as well as big temperature swings cause me problems. Eventhough my primary correctly diagnosed this she perscribed things like Flonase which completly congest me. The allergist said that it was the scent in the Flonase that was my problem. In my case I've never figured out if I actually have reflux or if the cough causes it. I just got over this. The cold turned into bronchitus which causes me to have asthma like symptoms. I was given Flovent 110 in my nose (using a baby bottle nipple) and 250 in my lungs. I had an Atrovent inhaler which worked well in controlling the cough. Always the Protonix is there for the reflux. When the cough was at its worst I was using the Protonix twice a day. This same regimin helped me when they replaced the carpeting in the building where I work last year. That was the worst attack ever. It took a good 2-3 months to get past, but the allergins were still disipating in the building.
For three years my son suffered with a chronic cough triggered by chronic sinusitis. When the doctors took a sample directly from his sinuses we discovered that he had step pneumonia growing in his sinuses. He will be put on iv rocephin for 2 weeks - We have been told that the only way to cure his cough is to cure his chronic sinus infections. He is only 3 years old and the coughing is wearing him out. Since we have tried every breathing treatment and inhaler possible - our fingers are crossed that the iv works.
I have RA and was taking Remicade which lowered my immune system -started coughing -went to my Dr. who did testing found out it put a lesion on my lung and got a fungus which now keeps reacurring. Any suggestions as to how to keep the immune system from lowering???
your immunisystem fine,just don take presnision ,those drugs it help you stop cough quit, but also distroy your lung fast, trust me i been take presnision for 6year ac cording to my DR ,i has fungus in my lung from taking presnision, well his the one give me that , now i have surgery cut of my lung half, still cough ,same dr his want me cut off orther side too, with not sure stop cough, i very disappoit at DR , SO let you no don be in those drugs,try avoi milk,sugar,chinise food,cream, you will see a diffrend ,food can cure the proplem,hop it help
I sware by Musinex Chest Congestion formula. It cost about $12 a bottle but worth every penny and more. I was very sick with tight throat and chest congestion, would spit up gross yellow and brown stuff.. (yuk)... I started this on a Friday feeling bad I was in bed Sat., Sunday and then I started on the Musinex on Sunday late afternoon by Monday,,,, I started coughing up tons of junk and felt 100% better... I'm actually feeling better.. It works!
Also, I applied topical vicks to my chest and neck each night. Working from the outside in...
About 4 months ago I had a severe sinus infection with cough and all. I lost my voice and thought for sure I had cracked my ribs from coughing so hard. The dr put me on 3 straight weeks of amoxicillin before I finally started to feel better. It took another week before I started feeling better. Now for the past three weeks, I'm doing it again! This time the dr won't prescribe nothing but allegra and nasal sprays. My voice is almost completely gone and I'm having severe pains in my left side and back. I've been vomitting & diaharea. From coughing so hard, I had to buy those stupid depends. What else is there for me to do? I need answers, PLEASE.
To anonymous above:
Your question goes beyond the scope of what can be answered on the Internet. You might try going to an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist to see if they can help diagnose the source of your cough and ease the symptoms.
I hope you feel better soon!
I to had a chronic cough for several years that was not able to be treated, after seeing several doctors finally a Gastro-enterologist suggested a week on Prednisone and the cough stopped. It was like a miracle!
I came this site to see if there was any kind of cure for this...cough? I have gone through everything that everyone here has basiclly gone through, with no change. I was told no wheat, rye, oats or barley, i was told no advil or ibprofen, i was told to i had reflux, was taking two a day and pepcid ac through out the day, i was told to loose weight, i was told i had polyps due to the coughing, i had speech therapy, what a joke! I was told put your bed up thirteen inches, i am on two different types of asthma and allergy medicine....and nothing has worked. When the spasms start i take a nitro and it immediately stops the coughing, and that is the only way i can eat in public, and the public not thinking i am a leeper. I quit dating, i quit my job, and wonder what kind of employment i can do, thinking of working nights, due to less public, I was hoping someone had a cure that would work on here but the only one i havent used is the amitriptyline and the tussionex...hmmm...I guess one more trip to the doc wont hurt! Geez if anyone had said...i would end up with something like this!!!!! I wish you all the best, because no doubt we all need it!
think i will take up the guys suggestion of the whiskey! Sounds good to me!
After many test, my husband was told he had Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma Capsulation)which they said was a fungus in his right lung. Their treating that with medication called Itraconazole 20 MLS twice daily for 30 days. He still has a chronic cough that at times he coughs so hard he almost throws up and can hardley catch his breath. The Dr.'s said to try OTC cough med. which we have and nothing seems to be working for him and the cough is not getting any better. It takes everything out of him after he has a coughing spell. He is a police officer but has had to take off from work because of this and he feels he is losing strength because of this, if there is anyone with any suggestions we would be thankful.
oh my gosh, everyone's symtoms sound like mine, but, I quit smoking in July 2007 and went downhill fast, my dr treated me for asthma, I changed drs cuz i ended up in the hospital and they said congestive heart failure but my heart checked out fine, stress test, and all....my new dr said in needed an antibiotic and steroids, did this for 1 1/2 weeks went back to dr, needed another round of both and finished them Christmas nite, woke up at 2am throwing up uncontrollable and loss of bladder control too, then started coughing up blood, went by ambulance to hospital, dx was pneumonia, 5 days there, came home on steroids and antibiotics just like in hospital which is 4 weeks now on same routine, with all the same symptoms still, feel better 2 weeks later but tired, now started coughing again, going to allergist, internal med dr, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, ent.....seems all redondit.....will let you ALL know if anything comes up, out or better, peace and more sleep to you! ps dr said dump the advair and i did and take symbicort 1 puff am and 1 puff pm works soooo good, and Xopenex only had to use couple times.....these 2 meds help with the wheezing and breating, just need the stomach to be fixed....and the throat gurgling.....