I suffered the same for about three years. My chest consultant thought it was acid reflux ... he told me not to eat a meal after 7pm and only have a drink before bed. He prescribed Gaviscon Advance and a 5-10ml. dose of Codeine linctus before bed. It worked fine for me.
I'm, 77 by the way.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Mary, Edinburgh, by letter
Remedy: extra virgin olive oil - take about ten dessertspoonfuls a day for a week and then if your problem eases cut it down. Don't give up after a week or two. If you persevere for a long time I am sure it will work for you.
Mr.Williams, letter
I had a cough like yours for several years and tried everything. But for the past five years or so I've been taking morphine tablets, twice a day as prescribed by my doctor, and I don't cough any more. They're very small, low-dose tablets and have no other side effects. If I stop taking them the cough comes back. The cough seemed to start after I had chicken pox about 8 years ago.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
DaveL comment on M.Bristow
Having read all the comments on the site and finding all of them covering my symptoms in one form or another, this was the only one that has not been suggested before, ie a metal dental plate.
I started coughing in approx 1984 and tried all the recommended medication suggested by my GP, including nasal sprays, throat sprays etc, to no avail. It eventually got so bad the spasms were making me black out, this prompted my GP to send me to a consultant. The consultant put me on Omnaprozole 10mg twice a day, and eventually in 2003 sent me for a throat examination ( Gastroscopy I think). I didn’t have a general anaesthetic for the inspection. which I afterwards regretted as it took to burly female nurses to hold me down whilst he shoved the camera down my throat. It really hurt, but I survived and went home regretting not having a general anaesthetic. Guess what, my cough was cured. I survived an emergency Abdominal Aortic Aneurism in 2004, which I almost certainly wouldn’t have done if I still had my cough.
Six months ago it came back and I’m desperately trying to get my consultant (who I see every six months) to send me for another gastroscopy, but she is sceptical that this was the cure (or the relief). So I see her again soon and will push again. She has put me on a regime of 40mg omnaprozole daily and Ranitidine 150 & Metoclopramide 10mg twice daily.
In the meant-time I will take my Cobalt plate out.
PS I find a pint of Tanglefoot beer definitely helps
I started coughing in approx 1984 and tried all the recommended medication suggested by my GP, including nasal sprays, throat sprays etc, to no avail. It eventually got so bad the spasms were making me black out, this prompted my GP to send me to a consultant. The consultant put me on Omnaprozole 10mg twice a day, and eventually in 2003 sent me for a throat examination ( Gastroscopy I think). I didn’t have a general anaesthetic for the inspection. which I afterwards regretted as it took to burly female nurses to hold me down whilst he shoved the camera down my throat. It really hurt, but I survived and went home regretting not having a general anaesthetic. Guess what, my cough was cured. I survived an emergency Abdominal Aortic Aneurism in 2004, which I almost certainly wouldn’t have done if I still had my cough.
Six months ago it came back and I’m desperately trying to get my consultant (who I see every six months) to send me for another gastroscopy, but she is sceptical that this was the cure (or the relief). So I see her again soon and will push again. She has put me on a regime of 40mg omnaprozole daily and Ranitidine 150 & Metoclopramide 10mg twice daily.
In the meant-time I will take my Cobalt plate out.
PS I find a pint of Tanglefoot beer definitely helps
Monday, September 17, 2007
Jean, UK
I suffered for many years with exactly the same symptoms, however I was very lucky to be seen at my GP's surgery by a locum who had studied the problem. This was shortly after Heliobacter Pylori had been newly discovered by a New Zealand doctor some years ago.He said that Heliobacter nestles in the convolutions of the stomach and flourishes in the acid content used to digest food.
Continual debilitating coughing as described is a sypmtom. I was provided with two antibiotics plus one other bismuth based tablet and within two weeks the problem was eliminated.
Continual debilitating coughing as described is a sypmtom. I was provided with two antibiotics plus one other bismuth based tablet and within two weeks the problem was eliminated.
Josephine, UK
My husband, Derek, had a cough almost similar to the one that is described in your article. Like Nicholas Peake he had all the necessary tests to eliminate any underlining conditions causing this constant coughing.
We asked to be referred to a Consultant who examined my husband, found nothing and said it was something he would have to live with. Life became unbearable for him and for me living with him - I was concerned, sorry for him and I admit it was very wearing. At times you just wanted to put your hands over your ears.
After some time we went back to our doctor who said he would like to try some tablets Ranitidine 150 mg, twice a day. The tablets he prescribed were for Acid Reflux, even though my husband had never suffered with indigestion, heartburn or any other related ailments in his life. THE TABLETS WORKED, we were overjoyed. Yes, he coughs occasionally, but just like a normal person does.
Not ever having to take any tablets in his life, and was concerned that he would have to take these for the rest of his life, he went on to the web site of the www.coughclinic.org.uk, situated in Hull, which had been brought to our attention. He completed the questionnaire and an immediate reply was received recommending the same medication.
The Clinic also follow up your questionnaire at a later date.
We asked to be referred to a Consultant who examined my husband, found nothing and said it was something he would have to live with. Life became unbearable for him and for me living with him - I was concerned, sorry for him and I admit it was very wearing. At times you just wanted to put your hands over your ears.
After some time we went back to our doctor who said he would like to try some tablets Ranitidine 150 mg, twice a day. The tablets he prescribed were for Acid Reflux, even though my husband had never suffered with indigestion, heartburn or any other related ailments in his life. THE TABLETS WORKED, we were overjoyed. Yes, he coughs occasionally, but just like a normal person does.
Not ever having to take any tablets in his life, and was concerned that he would have to take these for the rest of his life, he went on to the web site of the www.coughclinic.org.uk, situated in Hull, which had been brought to our attention. He completed the questionnaire and an immediate reply was received recommending the same medication.
The Clinic also follow up your questionnaire at a later date.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Mrs.A.Davis
I read with great interest the article written in the daily mail about the man who has coughed for 13 yrs. I myself understand only too well how he feels having suffered the same symptoms for around 10 years. Like Nicholas i have run out of options to try . Having tried everything ever suggested to me, even resorted to 2 lots of surgery for sinus and nasal congestion thinking this might have been the problem, to no avail. At the moment i have registered with a private Herbalist as a last resort, if this does not work i don't know where to go from here.
I find this very embarrasing at work, as i work with E.N.T.consultants who are struggling to find a solution. Also i find it totally embarrasing when socialising having to leave the room mid conversation. So if there are any answers or suggestions out there i would be very interested indeed. At least now i know i am not the only one suffering this problem.
I find this very embarrasing at work, as i work with E.N.T.consultants who are struggling to find a solution. Also i find it totally embarrasing when socialising having to leave the room mid conversation. So if there are any answers or suggestions out there i would be very interested indeed. At least now i know i am not the only one suffering this problem.
M.Bristow
I have a relation that also coughed for many years and had
many tests which proved negative until she came across someone who
suggested it might be the steel band in partial dentures. when this was
replaced with a plastic piece she has now stopped coughing.
many tests which proved negative until she came across someone who
suggested it might be the steel band in partial dentures. when this was
replaced with a plastic piece she has now stopped coughing.
John, ntlworld
I have suffered from a similar problem for over 15 years. I have seen many specialists and even resorted to a number of sessions with a homeopath but it did not help. I have gone down the route of sucking mints, chewing gum and sipping water all of which help a little.
The most effective relief has been to take a small dose of Night Nurse (approx one third of the recommended dose) and I take this roughly every third or fourth night at bedtime when the problem is particularly annoying.
My wife has suffered my problem all these years which tends to be worse in the evening when watching TV.
Six months ago we decided to replace the carpet in our lounge and bedroom with wooden flooring and it has reduced my problem dramatically.
The most effective relief has been to take a small dose of Night Nurse (approx one third of the recommended dose) and I take this roughly every third or fourth night at bedtime when the problem is particularly annoying.
My wife has suffered my problem all these years which tends to be worse in the evening when watching TV.
Six months ago we decided to replace the carpet in our lounge and bedroom with wooden flooring and it has reduced my problem dramatically.
Alison, Cannock
I also have a persistent cough that started after the birth of my daughter in 1993 and I've never stopped since. I've visited 2 hospitals, seen 2 consultants, had lung function tests, allergy tests, had a broncoscopy, been given countless inhalers and had a camera up my nose into the back of my throat - and no one can tell me why I cough.
I cannot tell you how embarrassing this problem is at times. It really does affect your quality of life - if I'm in a bad phase I can't visit the cinema or theatre and a restaurant is out of the question. I would give much to not cough anymore. Not only is it embarrassing - it's painful as well as my throat and chest muscles become very sore at times.
I don't smoke and I never have but I often get stopped by complete strangers in the street who say to me "you should stop smoking".
If you have the time, I would be so grateful if you could put me in touch with someone who can help me.
I cannot tell you how embarrassing this problem is at times. It really does affect your quality of life - if I'm in a bad phase I can't visit the cinema or theatre and a restaurant is out of the question. I would give much to not cough anymore. Not only is it embarrassing - it's painful as well as my throat and chest muscles become very sore at times.
I don't smoke and I never have but I often get stopped by complete strangers in the street who say to me "you should stop smoking".
If you have the time, I would be so grateful if you could put me in touch with someone who can help me.
Gordon, UK
I read your article in the mail today and felt sorry for mr peake. I have had a cough for three years, had all the tests to no avail.
there was an article in the daily mail some months ago re coughs, with an email address to a cough clinic on line. I took the on line test and was diagnosed with rhinitic cough. they supplied me with a letter to my doctor, he gave me the recommended prescription, which has all but cured my cough (takes about 2 weeks) maybe you could help by passing on the following address to mr Peake. http://www.cough.co.uk
there was an article in the daily mail some months ago re coughs, with an email address to a cough clinic on line. I took the on line test and was diagnosed with rhinitic cough. they supplied me with a letter to my doctor, he gave me the recommended prescription, which has all but cured my cough (takes about 2 weeks) maybe you could help by passing on the following address to mr Peake. http://www.cough.co.uk
Kay, UK
I had a persistent cough in the throat which went on for several years. My doctor thought it was due to dry cough asthma and I was put on inhalers. However, the cough persisted and my sister suggested it might be due to stomach acid which could cause problems in the throat. I was not aware of a particular problem with acid but did bring back acid after eating certain spicy foods etc. For 3 days I ate a bland diet and the difference was remarkable. I mentioned this to my doctor and she put me on a course of Omeprazole and my cough almost disappeared. I had tests done at the hospital and this showed acid problems. I am now on a regular low dose of Omeprazole and I have no further problems with a persistent tickly cough. If you haven't tried this I would definitely recommend it.
Geraldine, UK
I read your article about the unfortunate man who has had a cough for 13 years with interest. I'm 60 and have had the same since March this year, which I thought bad enough! I too have had various tests which show nothing. It is very debilitating and can be dangerous, I have had to pull
on to the motorway hard shoulder because of an attack and until recently could not have contemplated going to the theatre or concert - until...
I took an old fashioned remedy called Collis Browns Mixture, usually sold for mild stomach upsets (which is why I took it) and found quite a small dose will quell my cough for several hours - it's wonderful! (though haven't discussed it with my doctor yet, afraid he will tell me it doesnt go with my blood pressure pills or something!). The stuff can be bought from the dispensing section of most chemists.
on to the motorway hard shoulder because of an attack and until recently could not have contemplated going to the theatre or concert - until...
I took an old fashioned remedy called Collis Browns Mixture, usually sold for mild stomach upsets (which is why I took it) and found quite a small dose will quell my cough for several hours - it's wonderful! (though haven't discussed it with my doctor yet, afraid he will tell me it doesnt go with my blood pressure pills or something!). The stuff can be bought from the dispensing section of most chemists.
Annie, UK
I have worked fairly extensively with homeopathy and herbalism over the past 20 years and use many of the plants which grow naturally here, as well as ordering from a good herbal suppliers when necessary. I have treated family (I have 5 children, now in their teens and twenties) and friends and my horses (I have 10 here at present), cats and dogs.
Whilst there many reasons for persistent coughing, and assuming that a full medical check has been carried out,there a several simple herbal remedies that Mr Peake could try. A tea made of plantain (the weed which grows on lawns and wild all over the countryside) and thyme is especially beneficial. I usually add honey and lemon or lime to taste. I am sure that Mr Peake has kept a record of when the cough is at it's worst - and if he finds that it is especially irritating from spring to late autumn, he could do worse than take 'Pollena', a homeopathic remedy available in pharmacies and some supermarkets. People are often unaware that hay-fever can occur from the appearance of the first leaf in spring , to the disappearance of the last in the autumn.
The mixture I have described can be dried and used throughout the winter months. In addition taking echinacea daily, or better still a herbal 'antibiotic' should ultimately bring total relief.
Whilst there many reasons for persistent coughing, and assuming that a full medical check has been carried out,there a several simple herbal remedies that Mr Peake could try. A tea made of plantain (the weed which grows on lawns and wild all over the countryside) and thyme is especially beneficial. I usually add honey and lemon or lime to taste. I am sure that Mr Peake has kept a record of when the cough is at it's worst - and if he finds that it is especially irritating from spring to late autumn, he could do worse than take 'Pollena', a homeopathic remedy available in pharmacies and some supermarkets. People are often unaware that hay-fever can occur from the appearance of the first leaf in spring , to the disappearance of the last in the autumn.
The mixture I have described can be dried and used throughout the winter months. In addition taking echinacea daily, or better still a herbal 'antibiotic' should ultimately bring total relief.
Tony, UK
I went through the same hassle as Mr Peake for years, hospital xrays etc.
Then I went to a new doctor and he said it was germs in my nassle passage.
I then bought a nasal spray Otrivine and it cleared it up.
About every 2 years after a cold it comes back but I get Otrivine and it
clears it.
Then I went to a new doctor and he said it was germs in my nassle passage.
I then bought a nasal spray Otrivine and it cleared it up.
About every 2 years after a cold it comes back but I get Otrivine and it
clears it.
Brian, E.Sussex
I had a similar problem living in Australia 30 years ago. I then came in contact with a natural healer - they call them naturalpaths. He gave me a supply of marshmallow capsules - it reduces the production of mucus, or thins it quite a lot. My condition was cleared up in less than four weeks. I've not been without some of these capsules since (I'm now 74).
The naturalpath also advised me to eat a dessert spoon of wheat germ each day with a meal.
The naturalpath also advised me to eat a dessert spoon of wheat germ each day with a meal.
Joyce, Northumberland
I was distraught, worn-out and couldn't go to the cinema, theatre etc. because of my cough.
My brother gave me some co-drydomol tablets for my arthritis and within two days my cough stopped.
I went to see my GP who put me on codeine tablets three times a day and they worked. Apparently they subdue the coughing centre in the brain.
My brother gave me some co-drydomol tablets for my arthritis and within two days my cough stopped.
I went to see my GP who put me on codeine tablets three times a day and they worked. Apparently they subdue the coughing centre in the brain.
Mr.N.Parker, Leicester
This is an old folk remedy to make garlic syrup: take one teaspoonful up to 3 times a day.
Pour 570ml. (20 fl.oz) of boiling water over 50g (2oz.) of finely chopped garlic. Allow to stand in a sealed bottle for 24 hours. Strain off liquid into a clean bottle, add enough honey until a syrupy consistency is formed.
Pour 570ml. (20 fl.oz) of boiling water over 50g (2oz.) of finely chopped garlic. Allow to stand in a sealed bottle for 24 hours. Strain off liquid into a clean bottle, add enough honey until a syrupy consistency is formed.
Anne, Liversedge
I suffered for over a year with constant coughing, throat filling with mucus, voice disappearing and on several occasions having to strop my car because there was just too much going on with coughing, choking and streaming nose and eyes, all of which was very debilitating and anti-social.
... within minutes of describing my systems to the consultant I was diagnosed as having "silent reflux" caused by the muscle at the top of the stomach letting in food & drink but then not closing properly, allowing gases to escape, thus irritating the throat. It is now controlled by stomach medication.
... within minutes of describing my systems to the consultant I was diagnosed as having "silent reflux" caused by the muscle at the top of the stomach letting in food & drink but then not closing properly, allowing gases to escape, thus irritating the throat. It is now controlled by stomach medication.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Jill, UK
I too have a persistent cough but was diagnosed after 2 years, having had all the lung x-rays, ENT camera, allergy test, asthma and breathing tests etc.
Have you had a gastric- endoscopy to check for a Hiatus Hernia? You don't need to have heartburn or acid reflux to have a hernia. The problem of the cough is when the diaphragm pushes against the stomach when you are lecturing or sitting especially if leaning over, exercising etc.
This will push the acid out of the stomach, which tries to seep into the lungs, mucus is formed as a protection and then you have the cough.
My cough will start when I am singing, giving presentations, sitting down in a slumped position, bending over to pick something up. I am also unable to sleep on my right side or flat in bed.
Hope this helps.
Have you had a gastric- endoscopy to check for a Hiatus Hernia? You don't need to have heartburn or acid reflux to have a hernia. The problem of the cough is when the diaphragm pushes against the stomach when you are lecturing or sitting especially if leaning over, exercising etc.
This will push the acid out of the stomach, which tries to seep into the lungs, mucus is formed as a protection and then you have the cough.
My cough will start when I am singing, giving presentations, sitting down in a slumped position, bending over to pick something up. I am also unable to sleep on my right side or flat in bed.
Hope this helps.
Anne, Norfolk
I read with great interest an article in the newspaper the other day about you and your persistant cough which has been going on for 13 years; I have a cough albeit only for 7 months and I was beginning to think it was all in my head, but this article made me realise that it couldn't be, then it hit me how long you had had yours - well if I knew how to do it I would go into deep depression! but then I thought I would write you a letter to say thank you. So far I have had the antihistamines, 2 different asthma sprays, a chest x-ray and am now on the antacids and next week I am about to have a C.T. scan which will also be totally clear but if they wish to spend money on me I'm not one to complain, my only worry is how on earth am I going to keep perfectly still for however long it takes to do the scan when I have to cough.
What I am actually writing all this screed for is that I understand that you are going to Wythenshaw to partake in a research programme and I was wondering if they came up with an answer if it was possible that you could tell me what it is so that I can get back to a normal life.
My theory on this cough is that a nerve has got irritated and if they could give me something to deaden the nerve it would be cured.
What I am actually writing all this screed for is that I understand that you are going to Wythenshaw to partake in a research programme and I was wondering if they came up with an answer if it was possible that you could tell me what it is so that I can get back to a normal life.
My theory on this cough is that a nerve has got irritated and if they could give me something to deaden the nerve it would be cured.
Pamie, UK
sorry if you've already been told this a million times but I'm 99.9999999% sure your cough it being caused by something irritating your inner ear. That's why chewing gum relieves your cough, because the jaw motion relieves the irritation.
Anthony, North of England
For the past 3 years I have been clearing my throat/coughing all day. Sometimes every few seconds, especially in the AM. Sometimes I felt as if I was choking. I have been to see quite a few consultants. They had several different theories, but nothing really cured it. I even had my uvula (gaggle at back of throat) removed at their suggestion. They said it was longer than normal. But once healed I was back continuously clearing/coughing. I have had xrays, scans. I am tired of having that nano camera going up my nose. I am extremely healthy. I am 63 years of age. I go fell-running in the Lake District and the Howgills.Mountain biking in the same areas. Love road biking. I can run up a flight of stairs two at a time, without being being out of breath. I am going into overkill on activities, because if I had just put age=63 yrs. you might have thought it is his age.
The consultants have given me allergy tests. No allergies. I have given up dairy produce, just in case. Not a big problem as I have been a vegetarian for 40 years, but not the answer. They have suggested now that it is myself who has created ' a habit ' of coughing/ clearing my throat. I know it is not me, but something about my throat. I have tried meditation. No help.
About 10 months ago I found that chewing gum at best stopped the clearing/coughing. It certainly stopped me having such a sore throat. I now wake up and pop chewing gum in my mouth. Every day and all days. My jaws get tired, but on the positive side my jaw line has got firmer. It is the only thing that controls my problem. Sometimes if I got really bad I have tried my wife's asthma 'puffer' and it possibly helps a little. I have also had tests for asthma and I don't have any symptoms.
Only one other thing can subdue the problem for me. I like watching DVD movies in bed on my laptop. And my wife has noticed that as I get more into the film, I start to stop clearing /coughing.
I have this mental picture of this sad little creature chewing gum and watching films 24 hours a day.
My conclusions are the chewing gum keeps my throat moist, and possibly relaxes it ( Not too sure on the latter) and the 'puffer' opens up my airways ( as they are intended to), and the film watching ? Relaxes me? Lets me displace?
I hope you do not mind me writing to you, but you are the only other person I have seen who suffers from the same problem and coincidentally has found chewing gum helps.
I have come to the conclusion that I am stuck with this for the rest of my life.
The consultants have now suggested I go for Sleep Apnoea test,(Please Google it for a definition) because of my throat problems. They have almost admitted that they are running out of ideas.
The consultants have given me allergy tests. No allergies. I have given up dairy produce, just in case. Not a big problem as I have been a vegetarian for 40 years, but not the answer. They have suggested now that it is myself who has created ' a habit ' of coughing/ clearing my throat. I know it is not me, but something about my throat. I have tried meditation. No help.
About 10 months ago I found that chewing gum at best stopped the clearing/coughing. It certainly stopped me having such a sore throat. I now wake up and pop chewing gum in my mouth. Every day and all days. My jaws get tired, but on the positive side my jaw line has got firmer. It is the only thing that controls my problem. Sometimes if I got really bad I have tried my wife's asthma 'puffer' and it possibly helps a little. I have also had tests for asthma and I don't have any symptoms.
Only one other thing can subdue the problem for me. I like watching DVD movies in bed on my laptop. And my wife has noticed that as I get more into the film, I start to stop clearing /coughing.
I have this mental picture of this sad little creature chewing gum and watching films 24 hours a day.
My conclusions are the chewing gum keeps my throat moist, and possibly relaxes it ( Not too sure on the latter) and the 'puffer' opens up my airways ( as they are intended to), and the film watching ? Relaxes me? Lets me displace?
I hope you do not mind me writing to you, but you are the only other person I have seen who suffers from the same problem and coincidentally has found chewing gum helps.
I have come to the conclusion that I am stuck with this for the rest of my life.
The consultants have now suggested I go for Sleep Apnoea test,(Please Google it for a definition) because of my throat problems. They have almost admitted that they are running out of ideas.
Jill, Bradford
I read the article about your constant coughing in the Daily Express and it certainly rang a bell with me. Ironically I also stopped smoking 16 years ago and prior to that I didn't cough. When I stopped smoking I started coughing all the time as I felt that I had phlegm in my through and just had to keep coughing, and a minute later it was just as bad. This was excessive for about 5 years, and very embarrassing. I went to my doctor who explained that it was the effects of stopping smoking, and that it was the body's way of cleansing the lungs, and that there was really nothing I could do about it. It got a little better as time went on, but 16 years after stopping smoking I still get days when I cough a lot.
Just thought that I would write to you in sympathy. Hope that it gets
better as time goes on.
Just thought that I would write to you in sympathy. Hope that it gets
better as time goes on.
Ace, Manchester
I have a lung problem called "COPD." I find that slow relaxed breathing helps - get yourself a book from the library or a dvd ,and do some of the exercises. will help you.
Anne, UK
I have just read about your coughing problem. I am of similar age and have had a similar (if less intense) problem over a number of years - a tickly cough where I just can't clear my throat. Like you, my cough appeared to be at its worst about an hour and a half after getting up. I even suggested to my GP that the road where I would be at that time is probably the most polluted in the city as I thought it may be pollution that was causing the cough.
I, too, have tried lots of measures, some with my GP, others without (drugs for congestion, acid reflux and asthma, a chest X-ray, homeopathic treatments - quercetin and ivy-thyme complex, and Hopi ear candle treatment). None has worked.
However, I have just had a food intolerance test and the results showed an intolerance to milk and yeast. As proposed, I have cut milk and yeast and all their products (cheese, butter, margarine, yoghurt, cream, chocolate, ice cream wine! beer, bread etc) out of my diet and within a matter of days things changed drastically. My old type of cough appears to have gone and has been replaced with a significant 'productiive' cough. I believe this is clearing out my system of all the clogged up mucus that has built up and was causing the niggling cough.
If you haven't already done so, it may be worthwhile having a food intolerance test. I used Yorktest (www.yorktest.com) or try cutting out all milk and milk products as I have recently read that milk thickens mucus, which seems to be my problem. I assure you that I have no connection with Yorktest other than as a customer.
Good luck.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Jenny, UK
As somebody who has very similar problems, but found a partial solution, I thought I would briefly tell you just in case it is helpful
Like you I gave up smoking after quite a number of years and like you I
don't cough when I'm asleep: conclusion : there is nothing wrong with my
lungs: the whole thing is to do with my throat, (which I have possibly
sensitised/damaged as a result of the smoking which is an added trigger).
But why?
When my doctor didn't come up with anything, being an academic I sat down and thought about it logically.
What is different between asleep and awake?
My eyes are open/closed.
I then experimented, and low and behold, if I close my eyes for say 15
minutes during the day, away from strong light, I don't cough either.
The whole thing is to do with the amount of 'tearing' of my eyes.
So that is what needs dealing with.
The second thing is that I discovered that some people do what they call "cry through their nose".
It is a psychosomatic phenomenon due to suppressed sadness. Some people have a constantly blocked nose, others, like me have the constant teary trickle which causes the cough. One person I met had to use nose-drops several times a day until her father who had abused her died, and from that day on never had to use the drops again.
So I declined all lung tests or treatments and concentrated on my eyes instead, sunglasses in the morning, and I make sure I never get cold, even indoors. etc. The only time I now cough significantly is when I yawn a few times and my eyes fill with tears.
I blow my nose a lot, as soon as there is any hint that something could be trickling down. That helped a lot as well.
Have a think and see what happens !! Good luck!
Like you I gave up smoking after quite a number of years and like you I
don't cough when I'm asleep: conclusion : there is nothing wrong with my
lungs: the whole thing is to do with my throat, (which I have possibly
sensitised/damaged as a result of the smoking which is an added trigger).
But why?
When my doctor didn't come up with anything, being an academic I sat down and thought about it logically.
What is different between asleep and awake?
My eyes are open/closed.
I then experimented, and low and behold, if I close my eyes for say 15
minutes during the day, away from strong light, I don't cough either.
The whole thing is to do with the amount of 'tearing' of my eyes.
So that is what needs dealing with.
The second thing is that I discovered that some people do what they call "cry through their nose".
It is a psychosomatic phenomenon due to suppressed sadness. Some people have a constantly blocked nose, others, like me have the constant teary trickle which causes the cough. One person I met had to use nose-drops several times a day until her father who had abused her died, and from that day on never had to use the drops again.
So I declined all lung tests or treatments and concentrated on my eyes instead, sunglasses in the morning, and I make sure I never get cold, even indoors. etc. The only time I now cough significantly is when I yawn a few times and my eyes fill with tears.
I blow my nose a lot, as soon as there is any hint that something could be trickling down. That helped a lot as well.
Have a think and see what happens !! Good luck!
Gillian, England
I thought you might like to know about a cough medicine called Bisolvon (Bissolvon), obtainable from
Anyway, having successfully used this medicine on my then small daughter, I can recommend it. I wrote to the manufacturers and asked about distributing here but got a woolly answer. It was only through a vet I found out that the real reason is the cost. I have asked chemists to look up the ingredient in it but they have nothing similar here. It is very quick to
Good luck.
Medical worker, NY
Coughing is caused by a part of our brain when it is stimulated. Vomiting is also caused when the vomiting center of our brain gets a signal from our body. Certain medications for High Blood Pressure have "cough" as a side effect. Most of these drugs are in the Ace Inhibitor class of drugs. I had a steady cough for almost 2 years. No medications helped. Finally a respiratory therapist told me I needed pleural therapy on my back. The therapist would cup their hands and hit my back for about an hour, until the irritating things in my lungs started to come up. I went to this therapy 3 times a week for about a month. After each treatment, so much material came out of my lungs and throat. Once it was out, I began to clear up.
Dympna, Essex
I read about you in the daily mail with great interest. I have had a similar
problem for over 10 years and I had just given up smoking as well. I did
cough when I smoked but thought the smoke was the reason. Anyway over the
years I have tried everything too, but I never knew about chewing gum. It
is not something I enjoy but would do anything for relief.
I had a fundoplication operation on my stomach to see if gastric reflux was
the cause but to no avail either. I travelled to Hull from Essex regularly
to see Prof. Alyn Morice who is googleable and has written an interesting
paper on cough. My problem remains unresolved. Any suggestions, short of chopping my head off, would be helpful.
problem for over 10 years and I had just given up smoking as well. I did
cough when I smoked but thought the smoke was the reason. Anyway over the
years I have tried everything too, but I never knew about chewing gum. It
is not something I enjoy but would do anything for relief.
I had a fundoplication operation on my stomach to see if gastric reflux was
the cause but to no avail either. I travelled to Hull from Essex regularly
to see Prof. Alyn Morice who is googleable and has written an interesting
paper on cough. My problem remains unresolved. Any suggestions, short of chopping my head off, would be helpful.
Peter, Bangkok, Thailand
I have had this problem for over 25 years and it is very debilitating indeed to the point where I pass out and have no idea where I am or what I did. My doctor says it is mild emphysema. I have no idea myself but sympathise with anyone in this situation. It is so embarrassing when you are in public and just can't stop the cough.
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