This section is a place to share stories about Living with Chronic Cough.
Below are entries of those who have already shared their stories. We hope that you find their experiences helpful to your own situation.
I suffered from chronic - recurring & severe cough
about 5 years ago - for a period of three long years. Tested negative for auto-immune
diseases. Have post nasal drip & GERD.
Went to ENT because of fluid in
my ear - lost 30% hearing in right ear & 10% in the
left. Never recovered. Was very, very ill. Had
MRI - all ok. Both my husband & I begged to have
an antibiotic hoping it might just clear the cough…
which we understood was NOT a bacterial infection.
Steroids had not worked. As I was rarely ever
on antibiotics the ENT agreed to try it with a caution not to get our hopes up. There was no
medical reason to think this would work.
It did. I felt better relatively quickly. Other things
I started on my own - multi-vitamins & minerals
(Dr. Weil’s site). I was exhausted and weak & my
immune system was compromised. Now I keep my nasal passages clear
by nightly regime of saline solution. I take
prescription ‘Guaifenex PSE only when needed
(with lots of water) & it clears my sinus. I am now
more aware of onset of problems - use the meds
sparingly. I changed my eating & sleeping habits.
Because of the long-term severe cough I developed a very sore throat (raspy voice). A
friend helped me with a pure form of Melaleuca oil that I put on a cue tip & swabbed the back of my
throat with. VERY STRONG BEWARE. Within days my
throat (which was strep condition at times) was
soothed. In past 2 years I have slowly reduced my
GERD meds to ‘as needed basis’ (which is rarely)
due to change in diet and elevation of head when
sleeping. Prevacid 30mg. These meds block the
absorption of vital nutrients - not helpful when
trying to improve ones overall health. I consume
probiotic foods and helpful yogurt to keep my
stomach acid under control along with avoiding
foods that can trigger an attack. GERD & sinus
condtions are known causes of chronic cough.
I began a work-out program (could hardly walk
up & down stairs) and now lift weighs and can
run for a short way without any coughing spells.
Still on the mend & trying to be vigilant about
boosting the immune system to avoid potential
colds & coughs. I am 60 - looking forward to a
healthier decade than the 50’s!
