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Posted 9/25/2006 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
 Good morning everyone.I am fairly new to the sight. I read everyones posts and learn a lot. No one can seem to help me with this awfull cough, it sounds like whooping cough. lots of mucous that I constantly spit up. I have to take paper towels to bed with me. last night I got maybe 3 hours sleep. I am exhausted and getting depressed, this has been going on for 7 months. I take Prilosec, My GI syas he thinks its sinus draining, I went to an ENT he found no problem. I am afraid of this mucous getting into my lungs since I also have a mild case of C O P D.This week I will get a chest Xray. It seems I am always going to doctors. Does anyone have any idea how I can stop this cough. I do cough in the daytime too but not nearly as much.This is ruining my life. Please offer any adivice you might have. Thanks to all. Jackie
Posted 9/25/2006 4:01 PM (GMT 0)

Jackie,  Do you have asthma or allergies?  It sounds like it to me.  Keep yourself elevated at night in bed.   Make sure you get checked by an allergist.  Wishing you good health soon.

Posted 9/26/2006 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, Benadryl (an antihistamine) can help you.

Antihistamines: Understanding Your OTC Options -- familydoctor.org

Here's a simplistic explanation, believe me I learned this when my son was little and he developed asthma.  I ignored his doctor, who prescribed horrible drugs that were making him sicker, and treated his allergies instead.   Try to find the best antihistamine for you by experimenting.

Think of it as an interior drip (definitely from allergies, especially animal dander from pets in the home) that goes down you throat into your bronchial tubes, especially at night.  That causes the coughing.  If you dry it up with an antihistamine you won't have all the cough.

Good luck and hope this helps you. 

Posted 9/26/2006 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with what DANIE wrote, it could be allergies. Try the Benadryl if it works then it's probably allergies. However if it does not work it could still be Asthma or some other lung ailment. you should see an Allergy/Asthma specialist like DANIE mentioned. Just be careful with what you try and really hope you'll feel better soon because it's aweful being sick.
Good Luck yeah
Posted 9/26/2006 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
not easy always telling people to go to the doc. My doc or old doc charges 200 just to see him
Posted 9/26/2006 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
you have reflux and mild copd? has your doctor checked your ANA levels to see if the two are somehow related?

sinus irritation and post nasal drips can be caused by reflux. the acid fumes irritate the sinus passage lining...

you might also try a different ppi. i am in the process of trying different ones because prilosec otc stopped working and after four years of reflux i have a croup cough that happens and a weird feeling in my throat when i breathe like i want to clean my throat. i have a horrible pnd and am starting shots again.
Posted 10/2/2006 6:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

You have my sympathy.

I have exactly the same symptoms as you describe.

They began 12 months ago after surgery for gallbladder removal. At first I was told it was a cough from the anaesthetic. 

Chest xray, CT scan and  blood, allergey & sputum tests all negative. A bronchoscopy showed mucus in my lungs but biopsy was normal. Ive had steroid & antibiotic & various asthma medication treatment but nothing stops the terrible productive cough. Its worse at night and first thing in the morning but with me all day.

I also have developed chronic sinus trouble & am waiting for the  results of a CT scan on my sinuses.

I have recently been in hospital for treatment with inhaled lignocaine again no improvement- worse if anything. My respiratory consultant has declared defeat and passed me to an ENT specialist.

Now I am told that its more than likely GERD.

I am being treated with Omeprazole 40mg  daily by my G P  which he hopes might be the answer if  given along with treatment for post nasal drip and a sinus wash out!!

I cant take benadryl or similar decongestants/cough medicines as they react with my Parkinson's medication so Ive not triedthe 'magic mouthwash '

I shall  be interested to hear how you progress and if you find any relief from the cough.

meanwhile we  must keep positive - someone somewhere must have the answer to our problem. If you find them before me please let me know :-)

Posted 10/2/2006 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I concur with the suggestion of going to an allergist. Allergy tests are simple to take although they can be expensive if you don't have insurance. It's very possible you are allergic to something in your house, such as animals, dust, or ragweed. Good allergists have a lot of suggestions, from changing the drapes in your bedroom, putting special covers on your mattresses and pillows to stop dust, to HEPA air filters. I went to one recently when I was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis. It resulted in strictures in my esophagus. It turned out he knew more about the treatments than my GI! I suffer from some coughing from acid reflux, asthma and allergies. I have done everything but get the mattress covers and I notice a difference. I also take Benadryl on occassion and Mucinex. Mucinex is a heavy duty cough exporant in tablet form. It isn't cheap but does a good job of loosening up the phlegm so it's easier to cough up. I use it rather than a cough exporant syrup because it lasts longer and I've had a suspicion that the syrump irritated my esophagus.

I've had allergies since I was young. My wife developed them a few years ago and has had the night time drip and cough. It seems that more and more adults are developing allergies. It doesn't hurt to find out.

Good luck.
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