6month cough?

Question

I've had a cough now for about 6 months. I feel fine with it. I exercise with it, but it wont go away. My Doctor has said he thinks it's reflux, but the pills (pariet) don't seem to be doing much. When he tells me that I've got it and asks do I smoke (no), drink (no) do I eat fatty foods? (no) he doesn't seem concerned that I'm not a prime candidate for this. I exercise a lot and can exercise fine, no problems. After the session if it's been long or hard I will cough a bit for the next 10-60mins. It's just starting to annoy me and I'm not convinced the doctor is on the right path??

Answer 1

Common causes of chronic cough include,

1. Acid reflux - the acid gets up to the larynx and irritates it leading the chronic cough
2. Asthma - sometimes presents as dry cough rather than frank wheezing
3. Allergies - post nasal drip at night drips on the larynx and irritates it
4. Medication - especially ACE inhibitors (a type of blood pressure medicine).
5. Smoking - of course, not an issue with you.

Some say that acid reflux medicines need to be taken for 8 weeks straight before deciding that acid reflux isn't the cause of the cough.

Some say that chronic cough that lasts 6 months deserves a referral to an ENT or a pulmonologist for a second opinion. It's something you may want to broach with your doctor.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Could be exercise induced asthma. Ask the doctor to give you a sample inhaler for asthma to use when you cough like that & see if it helps. Good luck!

Answer 3

could be asthma, could be nothing. i cough a lot too. but i think mine is acid reflux. but also somethings i eat make me cough too..like cold stuff..or cold drinks.

Answer 4

If that doctor is not helping you, go get a second opinion.

Answer 5

Check out http://www.ailments.in/cough.html for a lot of info.