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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
Chronic Cough Workup, Part II
Chronic Cough Workup, Part III
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
Chronic Cough Workup, Part II
Chronic Cough Workup, Part III
Related Topics: Whooping Cough, COPD
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203 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.....
I was almost shocked to see so many people have the same symptoms/problems I'm having. It all began when I had a severe allergic reaction to Bactrim (an antibiotic) for a bladder infection. I had a lot of trouble eating since most foods texture in my throat turned my stomach. I lived on noodle soup and water for over 3 wks. I went from 137lbs. to 114lbs. I had severe leg and muscle cramps for over a month. Since this all happened in June 2006, I ended up with this chronic cough. I've had the barrium swallow done for acid reflux which was negative. I went to two ent's and now to an allergy specialist. To no avail, no medication helps. I "might" get a little relief from coughing when I drink Green Tea (iced tea). One ent suggested putying me on Protonix for acid reflux. Nothing and no dr. has any answer for me. The allergy specialist I'm still seeing, mentioned something about damage done to my throat and he put me on medication to help stop drainage from sinuses and nerve blocking med. to calm the tickle and sensativity. It's not helping. I did read on someone's comment about Dr. Yang's treatment for, LSN (Laryngeal Sensory Neuropathy)about him prescribing medication for the tickle, sensativity, hyperactiveness in your throat. I sometimes even cough when I chew gum and eat food. Try holding back rice when you cough. I go to my allergy specialist for more tests on 1/30/08 and I'm taking the literature from LSN to see if this medication for this problem is an option. I'll be a guinea pig for a little while. I just can't take this anymore. I want my life back.
i hate this dry state of az, the air makes your dry cough just last and last take more zinc people
My throat is dry and everytime I cough my throat feels like it is on fire and even sometimes ( like this morning on the way to school )
I cough so bad that I throw up, please email me if you have any ways I can stop the cough!
benson.cahsee@gmail.com
I have post nasal drip too with a lot of coughing and a sore throat at times.Has anyone felt queezy in the stomach from the sore throat and coughing.
To all you sufferers of coughing and post nasal drip, I to have tried everything in the book, I also moved from NJ to NC about 5 yrs ago, and developed sinus problems with a lingering cough and post nasal drip. I tried some black cherry concentrate made into a tea and I feel better today than I've felt in a long time. You can find the blk cherry tea from gnc, if they don't have the tea get the concentrate and mke your own tea, no sugar.
PS, I'm the one who mentioned the blk cherry tea, it makes you go to the bathroom, so beware. It's also supposed to be good for asthma. msylvia71@yahoo.com for comments
I guess i fractured/cracked my ribs snowboarding a few weeks ago, and now my ribs are killing me. Is there anything I can do for them, I was told i could possibly puncture my lungs... Ive had Lemierre's syndrome so i've had a collapsed lung i dont need any other problems. Is there anything i should be doing? I cant spend $300 for a doctor to tell me my ribs are cracked and to tough it out.. pls help...
I have all of the symptoms that everyone else on this site has mentioned. My doctor says that I have some water filled polyps on my vocal cords that need to be removed. He is not worried that cancer could be involved but that the polyps could contine to grow and block my airway. Has anyone had polyps removed from their vocal cords and were there any problems?
I have had my cough for about 7 weeks now, but I've gotten it every winter for the last three years (once it lasted for at least 6 months). Dry non productive with no other symptoms. A CT scan revealed some lung thickening and radiologist said pulmonary fibrosis (though as a 35 year old woman, I don't fit the usual patient profile), so I was scared to death. Now I'm being treated for asthma, allergy and GERD. I'm praying that's what it is and not pulmonary fibrosis. Has anyone else hear been told it may be something more serious than asthma or GERD?
My boyfriend has the same prob. And I feel sorry for him.. he had all the needed test … and he has nothing with his CT scan, MRI no GERD, asthma, no allergies no post nasal drip no heart burn… nothing.. had all the tests… but the doctors said that it might be the anxiety so he might take the medicine for that but first he had to try the humidifier because it might be the ambient air is not clean or is too dry … try to change the way u guys live if u have a central heating it makes the air so dry. Try to live in a clean air with no second hand-smoke.
I will let u know if anything happens, he has to use it for 4 weeks.
I was 26, athletic & healthy until a "cold" turned into bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, pneumonia & my left lung collapsed.
After battling all these chronic respiratory illnesses for 2 1/2 years, I was finally diagnosed with TOXIC MOLD SYNDROME!!
Doctors did not take me seriously for 2 1/2 years!! They drugged me up with everything that did not work & it made me sicker. They also tried to "shut me up" with anti-depressants. I refused to accept them, b/c I knew I was not depressed. I KNEW something was terribly wrong physically, not mentally!
MY SON TOO HAVE THIS COUGH FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS, THE DOCTOR SAID IT WAS ASTHMA BUT THE MEDICINE THEY GAVE HIM DON'T HELP ,HE COUGH ALMOST EVERY NIGHT,IT SO DIS HEARTING TO SEE MY BABY IN SUCH PAIN. I LIVE IN MARYLAND IF ANYONE KNOW ANY GOOD SPECIALIST PLEASE LEAVE HIS OR HER INFO FOR ME THANKS.
I had bacterial pneumonia in dec. 05'. Ended up in the hosp. for 4 days. 1st time ever I've been there. I've been coughing ever since. I keep my boyfriend up all night, I've cracked 2 ribs, I usally end up on the couch at night. I got laid off from my job, so I don't have insurance anymore. I do the whiskey thing too. It seems to work when you can't afford meds!!
My cough developed in October 2007 when I caught a "cold". I had flu like symptoms off and on for a couple of weeks, then just a cough. It has gotten much worse over the months with constant coughing, blowing nose, coughing up phlem (clear and colored), can't catch my breath. I take meds for GERD, insulin for Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, fibromyalgia, and migraines. For the cough I take Veramyst 2 puffs daily. No tests for allergies, asthma or any scans have been done yet. I'm disabled and have trouble getting around for medical tests but I am willing to try anything to get over this cough.
Growing up I had chronic sinus infections that would develop into serious respiratory infections (so bad that talking would trigger coughing so bad I would vomit).
After 30+ years I finally had an allergy test to see if that was triggering all the sinus problems...I'm allergic to nothing. I'm "sensitive" according to the doctor which means environmental pollution can cause inflammation and start the downward spiral.
The only way I have been able to "cure" my cough is by treating the sinus problems that are the cause of the cough.
I have not had a serious cough, or had my last sinus infection spread to the lungs, in about 3 years now.
I take Flonase daily and this has helped me greatly. When sinus infections seem to be creeping on I take Astragalus and Siberian ginseng (aka eleuthero) at the suggestion of my RN who has been studying herbal therapy (I was looking to stop all the "try this prescription" stuff that was going on every year).
So for those of you suffering with a cough, check to see if there is another factor that is causing it that needs to be treated. You may be surprised.
My daughter coughs only at night. The ENT was so sure she needed surgery, we had a second opinion, they too said to have the surgery because they said her sinuses were infected. Well it's been 5 months. She is still coughing. Since then the doctors now say she has what is called nocternal asthma. This fits her to the "T". Now I wish there would be a medicine that would stop this cough so we could get some decent sleep.
I have just been diagnosed with LPR. symptoms include chronic dry cough while eating or talking. I don't know what LPR even is. Can someone tell me?
Anonymous:
LPR stands for laryngopharyngeal Reflux. You can learn more about reflux in our Heartburn/GERD center.
I've been struggling with chronic cough for some months.
OTC medications have been useless, and at least to try and get relief from the cough I finally found this home remedy, made it up, tried it, and by gosh, it worked for me. I can get relief for a day on just a couple of tablespoons.
http://www.pitt.edu/~cjm6/sp99cough.html
There is a product you can get in Canada called "Buckley's" I warn you it tastes nasty. think of the worst shooter you ever tasted. it's worse but i swear by it. two days of three spoons/day and no cough. I can not say if it's for everyone, IE: high blood pressure or asthma etc. read the label for taht info! good luck! http://www.buckleys.com/index.html
see - even THEY say it tastes terrible! :)
in 2003 my son inhaled some thing at school in the cafe.by the next morning , when we went to the med center he was code blue.i was told his lungs look like a 65 year old heavy smoker. he was put on antibiotics, inhlers, advair, and a steroid.later a med for acid reflux as this caused damage. now at age 12 he has arthritis in his legs and hips. did advair cause this? I CANNOT GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!
anonymous above,
I'm sorry to hear of your son's health problems. Dr. Enright can't tell you whether the Advair caused the problems or not. If it will help, you can read about Advair's side effects and print them out to discuss with your doctor.
This is my 2nd time leaving a comment. I STILL have congested nose and cough. Every NOV-APR. I use nasal strips, a nedi pot, benadryl,and saline nasal spray. I have been on levaquin numerous times and feel like I'm getting a little relief; only to have it return. My nasal passage sounds full and loose, but I could blow it til the cows come home and get very little out. It's irritating to my hubby, but not nearly as irritating as it is to me. Now I'm starting to wheeze and that would like to drive me crazy and only makes me cough more. I wish since I take metroprol tartrate for arrythmias there was something OTC I could buy that would give me some relief. This has been going on 6 long winters!
Just got this cough a wk ago and
started doing research on this site to see what others have done .These are the blurbs i highlighted. Havent tried anything yet except drowning myself in cough syrup!!!!!!!
Levocloperastine
http://homepage.mac.com/changcy/cough.htm
zyrtec
apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons per day.
tussionex
the "house" brand at Wal-Mart (Equate)
coffee-drinker (2 - 3 cups per day) also and that is known to help dilate the airways
OHMYGOD"I started coughing when I was eight years old and I am now 55. No one has ever been able to help me."
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
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 have asthma, and bronchitis, and of course i smoke. i have tried to quite with chantix but after i started the 1mg 2x's daily, it started messing with my eyes, made my vision blurry, and felt like when my body stopped my head wanted to keep going..but anyway, when i get a cold, it goes from my sinuses then down into my chest, and i cough and cough forever, when i go into stores, i get these coughing spells with a tickle in my throat that lasts for appr. 10 minutes or so, it is very embaressing, and at night its worse, with or without a cold, i wake up in the middle of the night coughing so hard that i am drenched in sweat, i have had to get up and change my sheets and pillow cases..i have found some relief taking a 10mg, singulair before bedtime and also during the i take hydrocodone for my back and knees and that seems to surpress my cough some...but as you know we cant live on hydrocodone forever, i am on albuterol all the time and advair but nothing really seems to help my cough for long. Any suggestions other than quitting smoking..i know i need to do that.
I have lung cancer, never a smoker,
have had radiation and chemo, nothing has helped my chronic cough that I have had for 1 year and 9 months. I have tried over the counter everything, prescription everything, nothing has help so far. My quality of life is diminishing so much I have a hard time keeping food down, due the the strenuous cough.
I am going through the same thing. I had bronchitis in Nov.2007. And I am still coughing in March 2008. I have had anti-biotics, prednisone, inhalers, cat scan, cough syrup and now they want another cat scan of my lungs and a acid reflux test to determine the cause of my cough. Process of elimination they say while my chest and upper back are hurting and sore. I am very disgusted and upset as the others........and paying out $100 per test as a co-payment just to hear NEGATIVE!!!..Someone please help us!!!!!
Okay, I have had a cough, in some varying degree of misery or another since june 2006. I am a young woman who has always had severe allegies, but the cough came out of nowhere. After a year or so of nothing helping I tried Mucenix DM, and so help me it works. You have to take it on time, but this is the first time in almost a year that I can sleep through the night, or even go all day at work without gagging. So for those of you who think that it won't work because your cough is a dry cough, it doesn't matter, the stuff still works!
Oh and I found that that generally any variation from the original didn't work as well for me.
Good Luck!
SW, Louisville, KY
I have a cough associated with an irritated vocal chord nerve that happened during a mediastinoscopy prior to lung cancer surgery. The surgery was a success, but the left vocal chord was paralized (it has since shown some signs of movement), and I'm told the cough has to do with the irritated nerve. The ENT has prescribed Nortriptyline and Ultram to quiet the nerve, and that had been working pretty well until recently when the cough beacame more violent,(not more frequent)similar to how it was before I started taking the medications. It is violent enough to pull muscles in the chest wall, which makes it really unbearable to cough. The cough presents itself as an irritation at the back of the throat. The breath passing over that spot is what instigates the cough. A cough drop or cold water helps a lot, but this goes on 24/7. I'm been going back and forth between the ENT and the pulmonary doctor, who know each other, and I get the feeling they just don't know what to do at this point. Does this resonate with any doctors (or anyone else) out there? You know, by the time we get to these Web MD blogs, we've come to a standstill with our doctors.
There is a wonder cough syrup in Canada called Buckley's. Roll your eyes, but it even helped my mom's smokers cough. Just to let you know their motto is it taste awful, but it works.
I have had a dry cough off and on for several years. I cough so hard people ask me if I'm sure I am okay. My doctor, who is now unfortunately retired, would give me a cortisone shot in the buttocks that would get rid of the cough for awhile. He said it was due to allergies. It is the only thing that ever worked and what a relief it was!
I don't know if this has to do with anything, but I have a really horrible cough taht sounds almost like bronchitus. Today I was napping and I suddenley started coughing more violent then i usally do. so i went to the mirror and looked to see if my face was pale. instead what I saw was that my tounge was a dark pink. some of this stuff was in my ears to. i think i might have fluid in my lungs, but i'm not sure. does anybody know what is happening?
I too have the "cough". Have had it for three months now. Have GERD, high blood pressure. Am on new blood pressure meds since Jan. 2008. Here's something new-went to the dentist in Jan and doc told me that I have a tooth that needs to come out. Have to go to an oral surgeon because the root is in SINUS CAVITY. Could this be contributing to sinus problems, pnd,chronic cough? Any response is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for all y'alls suggestions! I had a cough for over a yr. about 20 yrs. ago when I lived next to an arsenic plant (I moved ASAP). I've always wondered about side effects of this. Most coughs now last 3-4 wks. I've now had a cough for 11 wks. Going to a lung Dr. next week. I've taken notes from this site to ask Dr. I'm so tired. For yrs. I've used Osha (root) purchased from a natural health food store for about $1 or less for a lot of relief, but no cure. I wet the bark and scrape it off and then suck on it for as long as I can handle the taste. Yrs. ago my co-workers would tell me to go suck on my stick when I couldn't quit coughing. Drinking hot tea also helps me. Pro-Air inhaler stops it almost immediately... for awhile.
i also have a chronic cough, i use pro air inhaler's but i go through them about one a week i can't sleep at all and i have no insurance. i'm going to the doctor in two days but i think i might have cracked one of my ribs because i can't hardly move and this cough i've had for years i cough so hard i see stars sometimes i have two small children and i have trouble walking up and down the stairs i sleep on the couch and i sit up and sleep. i am desperate i think this will be the death of me i don't want my children to grow up without me please we all need a cure god help us all i'm 32yrs old and i feel like i'm dying some days
Can totally relate. I've had every diagnosis from asthma, whooping cough, post whooping cough cough, post-nasal drip cough, gastric reflux cough, depression and hyperchondria. Had it for years and years, my Dad has it, my Mum has it, now my younger sister has it. All of us have adult onset paroxysmal cough triggered by eating or strong smells or wind or stress or nothing in particular. I googled cough and neuropathy as I have a few neuropathy symptoms. The results were interesting. Now I'm wondering if my family has Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy.
I had a cold, which went away, except for my cough. It has now been over a month and I still have the cough. I just caught another cold, and my cough is worse. I have tried allergy medicine, cough medicine, sinus medicine, and nothing is working. I've had allergies before, but not like this. Maybe allergens are worse this year.
My goodness, I am so amazed at seeing so many fellow sufferers. I have been coughing for years and nothing works. I 've had the prednisone, which is a temporary fix, and then you're right back where you started from. I coughed so hard at work one day I thought I was going to black out. I left the office and peed and coughed all the way to the bathroom. Soaking underwear and a room full of co-workers. Very, very bad experience. I have been to emergency and received the prednisone shots and the rest of the poison they put in your body. Now I am practically eating the albuterol inhalers because of the goo in my lungs. I can't clear my lungs without using the inhaler, which by the way the doctor said would cause heart palpatations due to the overuse. Now I have begun to cough and sneeze at the same time. Even had an attack of that while driving. Scary!! The air is worse, allergy symptoms are worse, no medicine really helps. I'm going to try a cleanse that is supposed to remove most of the mucous, which is a big problem for me. I can't breath with all that gunk in my lungs. Good luck fellow coughers. Go natural, maybe herbs and cleansing diets.
I looked up all the comments posted on the "chonic cough work up" because I was having some of the same symptoms as many other sufferers were. I had headaches, sore back and chest muscles, and couldn't keep food or other prescribed meds down. Especially embarrasing in restaraunts and public places. People would avoid me at work--everybody thinks you have something contagious. And it cut down on my social activities. One comment was posted by someone who had the dry cough for 12 years, finding out it was related to blood pressure meds, ending with "pril" Sure enough, that was my problem--a blood pressure medicine, lisinopril. I asked a friend in the medical profession who was taking this drug too if that could be, and ironically, that was the case.
I had "ace inhibitor cough". My dr confirmed this and took me off of it, changing the meds. Cough is gone. Thanks for the info--it pointed me in the right direction.
I have been taking an ACE INHIBITOR for the past three months. I did my own research an thought it was best that I stopped taking it so I asked my doctor to prescribe something else. She told me that she didn't think that that was causing the cough. It's only been two days since I changed meds, so I'll have to keep you all updated. I'm hoping to prove her wrong and finally have a good nights rest.
I have a chronic cough. I do not smoke, but hack as if I do! I am miserable. I cough so hard at time that it's hard to catch my breath, and now, for the past 2-1/2 months, I wet myself terribly each and every time that I cough! I am so embarrassed, and people stare at me with dirty looks when I cough (even tho' I cover my mouth)They seem to be afraid of me, but no one in my family has caught my cough. I practically want to die now, this is so awful and nothing helps.
I'm the one who has been taking a ACE INHIBITOR since Jan. Doctor gave me a new blood pressure med. Started new med 5 days ago. The cough has dramatically decreased. I'm assuming it may take a little while to be fully clear of coughing. Just an occasional little tickle and a little itching in the throat. I have also gotten a better nights sleep though my throat is still a little dry sometimes. All and all doing much better. Will keep you all posted.
Wow this is unbelievable. So many poeple like me. I have had my the chronic cough for two years and have never met anyone with the same thing. Where are you people! I have the cough so hard you throw up, phlegm which is always yellow or green, but they say its common staph, like whats on our skin I had to have bladder surgey and a hysterectomy because the coughing was pushing my uterus out. Yeah thats a nice little side effect. The headaches, obviously, and well, isn't this all sooo romantic.... Even my kids know, oh don't make Mom laugh too hard, she may die of a coughing fit. You are talking to poeple, 1 or 50 and start coughing, then gagging on the stuff stuck in your throat, if you could only cough up enough this time, you'll be all better... then the claering your throat sounds. UUggghh.
I started with the regular MD who at one point had me up to 80mg of Prednisone a day. Cough lessened, never left, but 25 extra pounds was the price I paid for being on such high doses of Prednisone. He called me the healiest sick person he knew. All my tests came back (and still do) normal, negative, clear lungs, etc... same as everyone elses posts. I was on several inhalers, saw the allergist. Five years worth of 3 shots each week, never even lessened my allergies, to which score in the 7-9 ranges on those tests.Then can=me the ENT, chronic sinusitis he said, had sinus surgery, breathed fantastic for 3 weeks. Still coughed though. Then came the Pulmonologist, Asthmatic bronchitis, which I already knew I had for 15 years, said I had Obstructive Sleep Apnea, went on CPAP, still coughing, CPAP never did a thing. Then the ENT again (who now says I have GERD) who put me on a nasal wash of Gentamycin, developed ear pain, eye pain, and headaches from extened use. So I went off that, to which the ENT replies, 'well if you can't handle the meds you won't see improvement'. So to another ENT/Allergist in one pratice who says if I take HIS formula of allergen shots it will make all the difference. Next stop, the Gastroenterologist to check the GERD, but he says, 'No I don't think it's GERD, it's your asthma.' Off to another Pulmonologist, who says I never should have been on a CPAP because my Sleep Apnea ratio is SO LOW as to be non exsistent. 5.1. They say it's skleep Apnea if you have a 5. He said the CPAP will never work, my condition is too mild for that. (Thank G-d, poeple thought I was nuts when I said the machine after 6 mionths did nothing) I've been tested (again) for TB and Valley Fever (I'm in Scottsdale AZ) gee, you'll be shocked to know it was normal/negative. So now the new Pulmonologist says, you've got nothing to lose (I like that - he, aside from my reg MD are the only ones who said that, unlike the others who shrugged their shoulders or blamed me for not following their dosing correctly - so I am back on a 'drug cocktail' all of which I've been on, but who can remember if I was on all these at the same time, of Singulair, Symbicort (for which a side affect in Asthmatics could be death....) Extenryl, anfd Omerprazole. I may be sent to Mayo Clinic if none of this works. The doctor wants to see six weeks on this combo...then re-evaluate. That is where I stand now, So I will let you know if it amounts to more than a huh? from the doctor around June 2008. Sorry this was sooo long but man does it feel good to let it all out to poeple who for the first time...GET IT!
I to have cronic cough at [82 years]eyes water ,nose drips,y cough, allergies,phlem at each cough
mdicatons adviar abutural, acid reflex nothing helps Iam at witts end Help
So happy to find out I am not alone. I had a paralyzed vocal chord and the surgery performed was a thyroplasty. We thought it was the gortex used that was collecting pflegm. I have been to my ENT so many times, the only thing that helps is Hydrocodone or Tylenol with Codeine. I bite off a very small piece and it helps. I am not an addict but almost get treated like one when I need more. We have now changed blood pressure medicine as I was on Avapro and all the doctors said it did not have coughing as a side effect. It took a nurse to find that it causes muscus, etc. and sinus infections. Also sugar and chocolate can cause inflamation. Now I have allergies and my doctor prescribed Singular which helps but have been coughing again and experience pflegm problems so back to the Musinex. I love to sing but before I go to choir I have to take a bite of codeine. I have gone through the spasms and throwing up. It is not brain cancer but the most nagging problem I have. My husband was reading that you have to train the brain not to respond to the urge to cough. He read that in a magezine. God help us.
Just a note to those of you with young children who have chronic coughing -- make sure it is not cystic fibrosis; a condition that a person is born with because of a defective gene given them by two carriers. It can pop up in a family without any history of it and although it usually first shows up as digestive problems; the real danger lies in the lung infections.
I've been coughing since 1994. I was a long distance runner and took a lot of aspirin as a daily routine. I feel as though I have to cough all of the time! It's a feeling of congestion just at the back of my throat! I do have quite a few sinus infections each year but they go away and this stupid cough stays! I have since stopped running about 5 years now and really don't feel like doing much of anything! It is a downer! Everyday to go through this! Is there anyone out there that can help?
In the past four weeks I have taken 10 days of 750 mg Levaquin, Doxycycline, Omnicef, and have had a shot of Rocephin. I am taking Xopenix, Advair, and Xyzol along with 60 mg of Prednisone a day! I have a productive cough and you can hear wheezing and rattling when I breathe, yet my chest xrays are clear. My speutum was a dirty-yellow/green but has turned into more of a white cotton type substance. I live in a high allergy area and usually get a bronchitis once in the fall and once in the spring that clears with Zithromax. I've never had sever allergies or suffered from any kind of asthma. My doctor is stumped, and I've about had it. I'm short of breath and have absolutely no energy and feel all around cruddy. Perhaps the weirdest part of all, and it may be coincidence, is that I have a friend who is also ill with the same thing. We do not work together or anything. She is in the medical administration field and I am a school teacher. Does anyone have any ideas or comments on what I can try next? I originally thought I was just pushing myself to get better too quickly by returning to school or the gym before my body was fully ready. Now, I have given myself a week, and basically feel no better than I did a week ago. HELP!
I am the school teacher who I posted a minute ago about the cough. I've had it for over a month and didn't mean for it to sound as if I'd only been sick for one week. I just meant that's how long I've given myself this time before trying to return to work. I'm sick of being sick and ready to get back to life! Any suggestions on what my next course of action should be?
Clean out your system with fiber and add natural fiber foods everyday. If I do not take fiber supplements every day my allergies return. I had been ill at least 7 times with in a period of 12 months for years. Stuffy nose, severe head aches, hacking cough. I was taking 6-8 advils per day along with sudafed. I now have gerd. Fiberzon works well for me, but I have not tried other fiber supplements.
Well I can relate to almost every post on this site. My question is;If so many of us suffer with this coughing thing WHY THE HELL can't someone HELP US!!!!!
anonymous above,
As we've mentioned elsewhere in the comments here, it's impossible to offer you a diagnosis or treatment plan online. Only a qualified health care professional seeing you in person can do that.
To ask general questions about chronic cough and asthma, please visit Dr. Enright's message board.
Thank you.
i have had a cough for almost two weeks. it is a coughing spell that leads to dry heaves. i also spit up thick clear phlem. does anybody have any idea what i could have?
My husband got the real flu in January. He was on meds and the flu went--but he developed the cough. He has (controlled) asthma and GERD.....but this cough is so bad he is gagging. Tussinex ER (cough syrup with Codeine) is the only thing that shuts him up....every 12 hours it starts up again.....he gets that tickle and it has to go through its process until he can settle down. This has taken on a life of its own. It clearly started with the flu cough, then the after flu cough...now it's just a cough and it's horrible. People back away from him.I still am going to try an allergist and see if it's asthma related.
Oh my gosh. I have had my cough for at least 5 years and it has progressivly gotten worse. It has complete control of my life. It start unexpectedly and can go to choking within the first couple coughs. When I gasp to catch my breath a tickle in my throat starts. My eye water, I gasp for air, sometimes gag, wet my pants and strain my body so bad I get weak from my waist down which makes it hard to walk. I have a 5k deductable on my health insurance and hate to think I'm going to incur the first 5k debt only to learn the same outcome I've been reading. Nothing anybody can do. I do have severe asthma and recently woke up from a sleep throwing up. Not only is this condition inconvenient, it's embarassing. The people at work always mock me and asked when my lungs are coming up? Is their any hope? Has anybody had any sucess in getting a diagnosis?
hello fellow coughers, i am the former ace inhibitor user. its been almost two months and i am free from coughing after being removed from the blood pressure medicine that was an ACE INHIBITOR. thank you all for letting me voice my complaint and i hope we all can find our cure from this chronic coughing
help is all i can say it looks like we are all suffering from the same thing i completely lost my voice i am in the medical field and i am trying to learn about this nothing help doctor says it was just a cold like symptons and then went back said it was allergies it is very irritating please help
My mother has been coughing for a few weeks now, after she was exposed to someone with bronchitis/pneumonia.
Around 5 pm about every day it gets worse, she gets sweats and she throws up. I don't know if being exposed to someone with an illness caused this or not. My Dad had similar symptoms, but he recovered from it(he was too exposed to the same person with bronchitis/pneumonia at the same time as my mother was). Does anyone know anything about it, and why do her symptoms get worse in the afternoon at the same time?
I have had asthma all my life and i developed a chronic cough about a year ago.... It turned out that i had Hodgkins Lymphoma.. When i take chemo and radiation my cough goes away somewhat... But I find that if i carry around a bottle of water and some peppermints that my cough doesn't bother me as much.
I have a chronic cough as well as laryngitis for 4 months and 5 days. I have been to all sorts of doctors for this. I do have Acid reflux (without any pain) I do feel like the doctors are trying to treat the systoms and not trying to find out the cause. The person I am getting the most relief from is an acupuncturist. I am tired of not being able to really talk and I want to find a doctor who can cure me.
I have had my left thyroid removed 2 months ago, I can not talk above a whisper, I am very concerned that my vocal cords are damaged, I pray everyday for my voice to come back. Any suggestions? Thanks
I was diagnosed with idiopathic cough after almost two years of coughing. The doctor who finally helped me prescribed nebulized lidocaine. I used it two or three times daily for nearly a month, but it finally broke the "cough cycle." Don't give up. You're not crazy.
After reading all your comments, I thought I would leave this comment. About two years ago, I developed a chronic cough after coming down with a cold. The cold went away, but not the cough. Like many of you, the doctor prescribed meds for bronchitis, later just put me on cough medicine with codeine.
Turns out I finally visited an oncologist. 9 years ago I had breast cancer and they thought after 9 years it would not recur. Well... guess what. The mysterious cough was metastasized breast cancer to the lungs. This only showed up on a PET scan.
I encourage all of you to insist on PET scans. If there is any cancer involvement, it will show up. This may not be your problem, but it was mine, and I was about two months from death before they finally diagnosed it.
Good luck!
I have had a chronic cough for going on 15 years. I have been to ents, specialists and have had so many tests I can't remember them all. I finally gave up and accepted that I will always have this condition. One specialist actually admitted to me that no one may be able to find out exactly what is wrong with me. I do get comments too from family asking why I can't get this resolved ... they just don't understand. Reading so many of your comments on this site has made me feel that I am not a freak. Thank you!
I have had a sinus infection for almost 5 weeks and now I think I have cracked a rib by coughing. Mine is not really a "chronic" cough, but the rib thing is what made me start looking at the posts. My reason for writing is a few years ago, my cousin had a sinus infection and a persistent cough. The sinus infection got better but the cough lasted at least 6 months. She was having a test done (maybe upper GI) to see what could be causing the cough and the x-ray accidentally got the top of her liver. It showed liver damage that was caused by her taking birth control pills. The cough was due to the liver damage. Once she stopped taking the birth control pills, the cough went away. Not sure if this will help anyone but I hope it does.
Please people..... use the old Remedy. I'm a 64 year old female & have smoked since I was 12 or so. I smoke, my Mother will be 84 in April, still smokes. My Brother, 3 years younger than me smoked when serving in Viet Nam, but quit smoking & now dips, And my sister ( now deceased, but not from smoking), 2 years older than me smoked too. She passed away, on the 27th. of Sept. of last year, of a massive heart attack. ( NOT
FROM SMOKING). When we were youngsters, our Grandmother, raised us and the OLD remedy I said, at the beginning of my comment, is VICKS. I take the regular dosage of VICKS formuls 44, most people only take at bedtime,
I take it during the day too. Those of you that are Diabetics, can take the sugar free, because most pharmacies have it. It contains 10% alcohol, but you can buy it with or without. Those of you with asthma, can get relief from it too. Don't forget to put it on the bottoms of your feet & sleep in thin cotton socks.My Grandmother also put a cotton t-towel around our necks at night, which she warmed over a stove, & safty pinned it , but Vickxed our necks first. As kids, we hardly ever had colds. You can feel the warm feeling from Vicks, & it has never failed me.It helps with the cough a lot. So, before you go to all the Doctor's that give you prescriptions ( many of them) try the VICK'S for one night & you'll thank me for it. Be sure to wash the Vick's off your neck the next morning, especially if it's cold weather, because it opens the pores & will only make your cough worse). Good luck. Jane J. Pleasant from Tulsa, Okla.
My husband started to cough, too. After 3 month he finally went to the Family Dr. Then to the Pulmonologist, then to an Infectious desease Dr. Between the 3 of them they figured out, he had eosiniphilic pneumonia. A simple bloodcount test (CBC) shows the amount of eosiniphils in your blood. His went haywire from something, multiplied in his lungs and started to fill them up. He was treated with prednisone, longterm, or it will come back.
Where to start...I have copd with cronic bronchitis, gerd, a hyanial hernia, arthritis, and my joints swell to the point my shoes don't fit. Oh yeah and that cough. I am only 33. The last couple of weeks I have been coughing up blood, the stuff that I cough up is bright red and sometimes foamy and pink. I worry that since I already have copd (cronic obstructive pulmonary disease) that I may have something worse, I have had sooo many test and a few surgeries too, and frankly I am scared of what is going to come next.
I have acute rhinitis and post nasal drip because of this I have had a chronic cough for at least six years now. After years of research and prayer I've found some relief. Due to the high cost of allergy meds I was forced to go online and search for a cheaper alternative. One I found is the nasal salt rinse. Use it in the morning and evening before bed and it really does help with the cough. I also take one benidriyl at night to stop the flow of mucus and drink lots of water throughout the day. Also, I noticed that if I get extremely hot or cold my nose runs down my throat which can bring on a really bad coughing spell, so try to control your environment. It is no cure, but it is some relief.
OMG! I am shocked to see so many people with the same symptoms I have. I go tomorrow for anohter broncoscopy. Thsi is crazy. Tehre ahs to be something causing this. It is goin on 2 years now. No meds are helping. This is affecting every aspect of my life. It is horrible.
Ok I haven't really found many people here with this problem. About 3 months ago I started to have this feeling in my throat that something was stuck! No matter what I did it wouldn't move. I went to my doc and sence we already know I have GERD a endoscopy was ordered. Well then after like 3 wks of this is started to get better. So not wanting to try to come up with $400 (thats with great insurance) I canceled it and went on with life. Well the week after I cancelled it started again. My voice feels different coming out. I was a great singer now I'm going flat where I never had a problem. I'm constanlly clearing my throat and the coughing due to this feeling that something has to go down, is just to much to take at times. I've even had blood come up when I swallowed!
Am I alone or does anyone understand this? It gets so bad that I feel like I'm having muscle spasms in my throat and its going to close up.
I don't think this has anything to do with my GERD. I'm taking nexum for that and its a dream!
Does anyone know what a vocal cord injury would feel like?
i been in the hostpail for 2 weeks docs meds everything more test did not find nothingbut dusty mites i been having this chonic chouging now for 3 months today cant go no were with out people looking at me i cough all the time i cant sleep . i am despearded all the time... going for more test soon i cant take it....... going on 4 months oct... take so much meds nothing seems to work,,,
i cant take it no more been having this chonic coughing for 3 months today and going on 4 soon no one knows wat is it going for all them test everything fine going for more this week i am on meds they dont work and i cant sleep or have a normal life people look at me all the time when i go out ..... been in hosptail for 2 weeks .. just been so sad and down......... been bad..
hycodan cough syrup... get a script, works every time for me, good luck,
Anonymous said,,,I suffered from Histoplasmosis in 1980.Doctor said no symptons show I suffered from that, but my lungs show mastiicize nodules.(dormant at this time) I realyy believe that is reason I suffer from chronic cough and asthma. I have my daughter rub my back with olive oil, every nite,,really helps..but like everyone else..I am looking for at least 90% cure..Will start having Reflexology, Deep tissue massage, drinking teas that will help my cough and lungs
I had a chronic cough some 5 years ago or so. This had been going on for months or longer. My primary care Dr sent me to a gastronologist. They ran every test known to man. My last resort was surgery on my Esophagus (to make the hole smaller) with a 50/50 chance of success. I took that chance (of course) and to my surprise it worked. I don't know if that was the cause or what. I now am coughing again. It has been ongoing for two months or so. It had started back a few years ago after I had an auto accident and my chest slammed against the steering wheel. I coughed for a few days and stopped. This has happened on and off since then. Also, I work in a really filthy building. Meaning moldy, dirty vents, etc. I really believe that this is the cause to my problem. But, that is a guess and I am, at this point just grasping for straws. I am very shocked to see how many others are suffering as I am, and more surprised that there is no known reason. I am praying for all of us "coughers" that someone will find a fix for our annoying problem.
I have COPD AND WHEN I GET SICK WITH ANY ILLNESS THAT IS GOING AROUND ( CAUSE I GET THEM ALL) I COUGH SO HARD AND SO LONG THAT I DO THE THROW UP THING. MY BACK KILLS ME AND RIBS GET SO SORE AND THAT TICLKE IN MY THOART WAS DRING ME NUTS. I HAVE BEEN ON LISINOPRIL FOR YEARS AND THE NURSE AT THE VA ( LUNG DR. NURSE) SEEN I WAS ON IT. THE DR. TOOK ME OFF IT AND I QUIT THE COUGH RIGHT AWAY.ALSO I SLEEP AT A 45% ANGLE. HOPE IT HELPS ANYONE HERE.
My father had a chronic cough which made him susceptible to the cold and flu. Because he had many health issues, one of his newer doctors who is a nephrologist treated him for something called dysphagia. It had to do with the saliva and sometimes food would slip into his windpipe and the muscle to prevent anything getting into the windpipe had weakened. This would cause him to cough. So she had him do some exercises that would "strengthen" the muscle that covered the windpipe when he swallowed. Lo and behold my dad now only coughs when he does get sick and the chronic cough has pretty much went away.
to finding this page via Google.
One thing I noticed that alleviated it some, is to chew gum.
I have (I think) post nasal issues causing mine as I feel the junk running down the back of my throat.
Anyways, try to chew some gum and see if it at least provides a little extra relief.
Consider that you might have a formaldehyde allergy. After three months of coughing, burning throat,and losing my voice, this was my diagnosis. I've already seen an improvement with just a few changes. Particulary getting rid of a new set of bed sheets that I purchased just 3 months ago. Formaldehyde has other names so you might not recognize it on a label, but it is in so many items (wrinkle-resistant fabrics, some hand soaps, cosmetics, shampoos,etc.) Hopes this helps someone.
A friend of mine just told me a way to subside a cough while you sleep. It sounds crazy, but it works 100% of the time. It's an old home remedy. Put Vicks Vapor Rub on the souls of your feet, put on socks and go to sleep! My friend tried this on her 14 year old son and it worked! By the way, he has asthma. If you type in Vicks Vapor Rub on Google, you'll get hits that actually explain that tests have been done on this theory, and doctors are still baffled as to why this works. Good luck!
I use a cpap unit; however I have trouble using it when I have a cold virus. Using the cpap seem to make my breathing condition worse with a cold virus. Should I continue to use the cpap during my having a cold virus?
Lorraine
I have an 18 month old that coughs all of the time. I have taken her to several doctors and they just tell me it's just allergies. She then got a really high fever and we rushed her to the hospital and it was RSV. So I'm tired of doctors just telling me it's a chronic cough and just allergies when it has been RSV once and Pnemonia once. Get it together
This isn't really along the same line as coughing but both my older boys 26, 22 have had a gagging problem for years. They gag for no reason, doesn't matter what they eat or drink. Not just in the morning & night but during the day also. What can stop this
I always get this tickle in my throat that makes me feel sick to my stomach and I always feel like I need an inhailer or water so I bring it everywhere I go. I really think the problem is in my head, is there anything I can do about it?
I was diagnosed with allergic asthma and taking singular, claritin, a steroid inhaler and a bronchiodialater for a year and a half. I finally went to another Dr. to find out exactly what the allergies I had were. And sure enough, I was allergic to rodents,and dogs, among other things but I hadn't had any symptoms of asthma until we introduced pets into the home. I had to part w/ my guini pig but ever since then I have not had to use my inhalers once and I taken myself off the antihistamines and I feel great. So I feel the best thing to do is to eliminate the things that bring about symptoms if at all possible, I wanted my girls to still be able to c the guini pig so we asked a friend to take him for us and he did. So at least we can c hima nd inquire about him from time to time. It was worth it.
Oct.'07 my son age 4 began coughing non-stop (about 20x a minute). we first blamed home renovations but by Dec. we went to doctor. tried medicines-no help. In Jan. we went to allergist. tried more med.-no help. went back to allergist in Feb. A ct scan showed his entire head was clogged. So,we went to ENT. On his 5th birthday we did surgery-tonsils, adenoids, and sinus. Cough continued. Saw ped. pulmonologist-tried meds. no help. cough quit for 4 months. Cough began again this oct. went to pediatrician, did head x-ray-sinus clogged again. went back to ent then to a different allergist. within 2 days-we have relief!!!! he is on CLEOCIN combined with meds we had tried alone before-4 days of ORAPRED,and continued use of singulair, and veramist. this has been the hardest thing for me as a mother to deal with but Praise the Lord, we have finally gotten some help. Basically and allergin(s) clogged his sinuses and the antibiotics we tried along the way either killed the good germs or were too weak to open the sinuses. Worth looking into if you suffer with this.
I cough so hard some times, I pass out! I drive a truck for a living. Haven't had an attack on the road yet. Don't know the cause.
I too have the cough. It starts with a tickle then an uncontrolable cough. sometimes I get a sinus drainage that feels like someone opened the flood gates. I take a Benadryl and lots of water. I wake in the middle of the night and have to get up for about an hour til it subsides. The only time I sleep all night is when I take a sleeping pill.
I have had a chronic cough for almost a year now. I have tried the lozenges, mucinex, flonase, inhalers, antihistamines and decongestants to no avail. The only thing that has tempered my cough is hydrocodone. Otherwise known as Vicoden. It works by stifling the cough reflex in you brain. But good luck getting a doctor to prescribe that to you. They treat you like your some kind of drug addict!!
I have had a chronic cough on and off my whole life. The thing that helps the most is doing an allergy elimination diet - no gluten, wheat, oats, flour products, processed foods, sugar, dairy, eggs or corn. It sounds impossible but after a couple of weeks you will find relief! Also Oregamax products
I am convinced from reading these many comments that my doctor is no longer a fluke of her profession for never even so much as diagnosing me with a flu bug. She had me in her office last fall and administered a breathing treatment because my lungs were severely congested from what seemed like an achy, feverish bought with the flu, yet she never articulated any diagnosis whatsoever and her staff even asked me if I wanted to come back for a flu shot! I now understand from reading these posts that I am not alone. I believe that what we have in common are a multitude of environmental triggers for as-of-yet unidentified autoimmune illnesses. Medical professionals won't even put a name to this because lawsuits would follow and you can't have in excess of 1/3 of the population collecting damages from chemical companies! The closest we can come to an admission of guilt are studies that have confirmed that living next to major roadways increases risk of lung and heart disease as well as an early death.
All of us in the modern era are living in a toxic pea soup compared to anything the human body has been subjected to for most of history! To put it bluntly but accurately, each of us are living lab rats and wondering why there are increasing numbers of people who claim to suffer from all manner of chronic affliction. They can't ALL be in need of an antidepressant. Just as we acknowledge that genetics play a role in illness, some of this HAS to be environmentally linked! All of the many chemicals from decaying rubber tread to the cleaners we use in our homes are creating, at least in some, what would appear to be a chaotic immune response with many manifestations ranging from the cancer epidemic to a chronic cough. Add to this the antibiotic resistance factory farming has contributed, the world travel that has introduced non-native pathogens to human and animal alike, factor in the abuse of antibiotics and you have an unprecedented threat to public health! These manmade substances may be understood in isolation from a laboratory perspective, but when combined in innumerable ways in the "real world" the results are unstudied and unpredictable. Doctors won't have answers for these types of problems because the ramifications of admitting that "progress" comes with costs to human health are too great. As long as we don't have an epidemic of three-headed babies or mass birth defects that even the dullest of onlookers can attribute to an environmental cause, no one will fund studies to confirm or deny these possibilities. Consequently, physicians have no choice but to label anything they didn't encounter in medical school as psychological or "idiopathic" in origin.
I have a chronic cough as does my daughter (she also sounds stuffy all of the time.) Ours however does not congest our lungs (they always show clear when examined.) I am convinced it is a sinus problem, however there is little help for this. I have been researching for over three years now and also been a "lab rat." The person that has helped me the most without getting surgery has been Dr Mirkin. I listened to him on the radio and read his medical web site and decided to try his treatment. I took Clarithromycin for a year. I also tried a Capsasian nose spray along with this. I was so much better that for the following year I was sick maybe one time and it only lasted a week. The next year after, though, I began to develop a cough again, so I decided to try Zirtec and Benedryl pills. They work very well but I also alternate the Zirtec with Claratin. I also like Flonase nose spray and allergy eye drops. I wish I didn't have to take something every day, but I have resigned myself that I'll probably have to do this the rest of my life to stay for the majority of the time cough free.
I have had a cough for about a year. I was diagnosed with Lupus back in 2000. I have had 10 surgeries and I can't count the procedures. I've had several bouts of broncitis. I have allergies and I have severe acid reflux.
I have been sick more than usual the last several months and had to be hospitalized for a week. They ran all kinds of test. My blood pressure was running way low and I was running fever. They treated me with antibiotics and ran every test they could think of but could not find anything. One of the test they took from me was a sputum test. I had been out of the hospital for 4 weeks when I got a call from my Doctor telling me I needed to go to my pulmanary doctor. I was worried. I went and he ran a catscan with and without contrast and took more blood.
I have a fungus in my lungs called MAC disease or Mycobacteriun Avium Cellulare. It can cause lesions or puss pockets on your lungs and also affect other organs in your body. People with compromised immune systems are more supseptible to this than people with strong immune systems. I am on Biaxin, a strong antibiotic that is hard on the liver. I have experienced a lot of the side effects that the medicine warned about. The upside is my cough is some better. Anyway. I hope this information helps someone.
Malissia:
I believe this to be Mycobacterium Avium Complex.
Within 2 or 3 days of giving up dairy products (my favorite foods!), my tickling, gagging cough went away. It's worth a try.
I have alot of the same symptoms, but listen to this I think my gall bladder is bad but no tests come back to prove it. I've had hida scan and ultra sounds, Tubes down the stomach the whole thing comes back good. I have suffered with shortness of breath,dry cough, nausea, weight loss, vomiting, and severe upper body pain. All my symptoms mock congestive heart failure and all the heart test come back good. I was very active and healthy until Nov. of 2008 can anyone help me?
I have had a cough for about a yr now. I have been to the doctor several times but she says its a sinus infection. I have no drainage of any kind going on,just a dry irritating cough. It has gotten to the point where Im having severe headaches and nausea from the coughing fits. I have tried every over the counter med I can think of.. Just dont know what else to do.. Just wish it would go away!
I can't get over how many of us are having the same thing happening i've had a cough for months and been on meds.but nothing has helped,a friend of mine just past away from a lung infection that her doctors didn't treat right,i really hope we can get some help soon i can't stand feeling the way i do any more,also hope you all feel better soon,if anyone get an answer please let us know
As I mentioned previously, my cough turned out to be a milk allergy. For about 3 years, starting when I was about age 60, I had the frequent (several times a day) feeling that a feather duster was being shoved down my throat & I would cough till I gagged. Since it seemed to be getting worse, I did some internet research & found that several people found relief from this type of cough when they gave up dairy products. I consumed a lot of dairy products at that time, & honestly didn't believe they could be the culprit, but I thought it was worth a try. Anyway, within 2 or 3 days, my cough was gone. Now the cough only returns when I have anything containing milk, anything with cheese, etc. It takes about 2 days for the offending protein to get into the circulation & cause the cough, making it very hard to track down. Some people are allergic to wheat or corn or other types of food. It's worth a try to eliminate these things from your diet for awhile just to see if it helps.
Wow! Its amazing to hear all of your stories, as much as I am sad to hear that people are so miserable due to their cough, etc. in a small way it is good to know I am not alone.
If anyone has any advice about where I should go or who I should see next please, please let me know!
Before I tell my story I want to recommend to all of you to try an accupuncturist. It was recently recommended to me by a Dr. and a friend. I have only gone once and am still in pain, but I have heard of people who they have truely worked wonders on. Its not cheap but I figure after all of the money spent on Dr. bills its worth the try.
I was out to dinner and was incredibly anxious I was at the tasting for my wedding and had alot going on. I got horrible horrible heart burn, worse then I have ever had. I now Know I have gastritis. Went to bed woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't breath it felt like there was two brick on the very top of my chest. I also had nausea, diaherra, chills and fever. I was like that for two days. Flew home to a whole other state in a totally different climate and was better and suddenly after getting back I had a horrible dry cough. Went to many dr's and specialsts who said pnemonia, wasn't pneumonia, bronchitis, wasn't bronchitis, then I got these horrible pains, all around my rib cage, and in my back. Throbbing burning pains. After many tests I was diagnosed with gastritis. Have been on meds for it. Since then the pains have gotten way worse. The dry cough finally went away 3 and a half months later. THANK GOD! What was weird about the cough is I would only cough when I talked or wasn't laying or sitting down. And heat would make it worse, I couldn't have the heat on in my house or get in the car with anyone who had their heater on. And now its been five months and I am in pain every day almost all day. It is horrible it effects my work and my life I am so sick of waking up in pain. I have had test after test after test after test. I have been to my Dr numerous times, GI, ENT, chest xrays, back xrays,ct scan of entire abdomen,ultra sound of abdomen, and now am going to a pulmonologist eventhough all of the tests show nothing, but I feel like I have to do something I can't take the pain. The Dr. recently prescribed pills for anxiety and said she knows I am in pain and doesn't know how to help me. Gee thanks! I know I have anxiety and it is only getting worse because of the constant pain and not knowing what is wrong. Any ideas of what to take where to turn???
PS I can't take NSAIDS (ibprofen,etc.) that's what caused the gastritis I was on aleve for 2 months because of the pains but was also still coughing during that time.
why do I cough and my heart area hurts like Im having a heart attack, or something but! does it mean im getting to old or something Im 32 years old and I have like this cough is it common to have a cough and have a sharp pain in my heart area......
how do I know if I have lung cancer or should I get myself checked out , or get my family physician to see if I got lung cancer becuase I feel Im sleep to much during the day and Im affraid I mite be dying . I dont know! any suggestions to treat or check if I do got lung cancer........?
I am so sad to hear about all the Chronic Coughing thats going on out there. I got a really bad Sinus infection, went to the Doctor and he gave me Antibotics. THey cleared the Sinus Infection but then I started Coughing and have not been able to Stop. I went back to the Doc about a week ago and he gave me Codine in some Cough Syrup. It does VERY little to help me.I get a really odd sensation in my nose and my eye starts watering and I cough so much I gag and try to vomit. My nose starts running when this happens. I also have been coughing up small green phlem. The Doc said it was not in my lungs a week ago and it was the last bit of my Sinus Infection coming to an end.. Yeah Right. I have been out of my mind with this! I get dizzy,hot,and angry! Nothing seems to work. There is a Woman at Work that her daughter was exposed to Whooping Cough.. She coughs all the time and there is another girl in Our Office that coughs all the time as well... Wonder what this is!!!
I found that my blood pressure medication was making me hae a cronic cough. Some meds will do this, if you are taking any medication check the side effects
my husband coughs a lot, i make him take dayquil which has a cough suppressant in it. it works for him...
I need some help! i am 15 and have had a cough for 5 weeks a terrable one with a yellow mucus spitting up.
I like everyone else has this cronic cough. The post are not ansewered I do not understand this page !!! I read the workup but not really any ansewered
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My daughter has been coughing for the past 3 months, have taken her to the drs. about 4 times. tried numerous meds. Called again and he said he didn't know what to do we had an appt scheduled for the ENT but not for 3 weeks.Dr. told us to go to urgent care. they ran blood test and gave her a breathing treatment her bronchi were inflamed. They gave her Prednosone. Worked instantly.
WOW! I am not alone. I have had this cough on and off for 20 years. It appears to come on around the fall. It gets so bad that I have bladder control loss, as well as rib pain, food comes up with mucusand loss of voice. I keep trying different meds, over the counter and MD ordered. This offers little relief. One thing that has helped with the endless night time coughing is liquid condine. My MD has RX it for me, upon my request. I learned about it when it was first ordered for my son at age 3 or 4. He had some night time coughing and wheezing and his MD ordered it for us. It worked. At least we can all sleep at night. Note that it only works in the liquid form not the tab form!
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