coughing helped by benadryl?

Welcome blowe 46!
Benedryl will act on the cough because it helps to dry the mucous; the mucous can be caused by sinus drainage, throat irritation, some sort of virus, etc., so that does make sense. I can't explain the sharp pain though and, in my mind, pain is God's way of saying somethings wrong here!. I think you should get that checked out.

Do you have an ENT or a good family Dr? That would seem like a good place to start? Do you have a history of reflux?, if so, you may want to see your Gastroenterologist. Make sure you let whichever doctor you see know that you're having heartburn symptoms as well.

Good luck!
Janice

Thank you for your kind words. I read some journal articles on LPR and I am increasing my PPI intake. I will make an appointment to see a specialist sometime. I Hope it's not too far off. I also made an appointment to see my GI. Let's hope either an ENT or a GI knows what's going on.