I'm 52 in February and have suffered all of my life for an irritating dry coug which comes twice a year following on from a cold and leaves me exhausted and debilitated for six weeks. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was I my mid twenties and prescribes inhalers but as I didn't have the 'classic' symptoms I didn't take them consistently.
My asthma deteriorated a few years ago with no control over the symptoms and since then I have religiously taken my inhalers. I am now on Symbicort, ventolin, montelukast, and anti-histamines, but so far I have had three episodes since August last year and am currently suffering from the annoying coug which started up on the 27th of December. I have normal lung function tests, never any wheeze but cough to the point of choking, being sick and unable to hold a conversation to any degree. It makes working in an open plan, air-conditioned office near impossible when I am ill.
During one of my nighttime sessions (sitting up in bed trying not to cough) I came across CVA on my iPad and it has opened up a new world to me. Fortunately my GP practice now has a doctor who recognises my coughing fits as asthma and will prescribe me oral steroids where as the other two or three Drs listen to my chest and refuse to prescribe me the medication I need. Oh I am so looking forward to proving them wrong. I just wish I could show all the other doctors who have fobbed me off all these years with diagnoses such as post nasal drip, gastric reflux, feeble excuses for their lack of knowledge.
I am waiting to see a consultant who I am hoping will be as knowledgable of CVA as I am getting and that 2016 will see me finally getting this under control, being able to carry on my life without not having to be afraid of every cold and being able to get fit again like any person.