What is up with my coughing?

Question

I never used to cough as much as I do now. Around this time last year I got a cold and had it for several weeks, maybe even a few months; I'm not sure how long it lasted. Eventually the cold went away, and the cough did too, a little. But then I started to notice something. Whenever I laughed, I coughed. When I went into little giggle-fits, they'd end in coughing fits. To this day, when I laugh more than a little, I always cough. It also happens when I cry, but not as much. Also, I have exercise-induced asthma, which means that I wheeze, cough, and have difficulty breathing whenever I exercise a little more than usual (usually resulting from running/sprinting in soccer/cross country/softball). After every time I exercise to a certain extent, I always end up coughing for about an hour after I finish. I told my doctor about the exercise part of it and she prescribed me with an inhaler to take before I exercise. I've only used it twice and it has worked for the wheezing and stuff, but not

for the coughing afterwards. Sometimes I feel short of breath, too. I'll just be sitting at my desk or walking around and I'll find myself gasping for air. I kind of think this is mental, but my friend thinks it links back to the asthma and the coughing. I haven't thought much of it lately--honestly, I've just gotten used to coughing while I laugh. I'm not really worried about it; It's not painful, just annoying. And drinking water doesn't help.

Anyway, if anybody has any idea of what it may be, that would be great if you could clue me in. Does anyone think it's mental? I don't know. I'm curious. Thanks. =]

Answer 1

I'm with your friend, this probably does link to your asthma. Asthma has 2 things to deal with- the small muscles in you airways tightening, and swelling. Your doctor probably gave you an Albuterol(Ventolin/Proventil) inhaler which takes care of the small muscles, but now you need to see about the swelling. It's like when you scratch you arm on a nail, it gets red and swells up, your lungs can do the same thing when they get irratated. You should ask about having a PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) which will give your doctor more information about if the inhaler you have is helping you, and maybe you should ask about trying a round of steroids which will help stop the swelling. Also use 2 puffs of your inhaler after you exercise to help with any shortness of breath.
Good luck!

Answer 2

oh yea...I have been coughing a lot all my adult life...well I finally found out it was asthma...I use an inhaler when I am short of breath or even when I get to coughing as you described. I also take claritin daily and singular daily to reduce mucus...It is a very safe regimen and has helped tremendously...But if I get sick with an upper resperitory infection I have to use the inhaler more...no it is not mental...asthma is real and can be managed...go ahead and use the inhaler...it will make it better.