Sever bouts of cough over 5 weeks.. Need help please.

[Ehs6n]

Hello guys, my first post here.

I've had a really bad cough for over 5 weeks now, sometimes I can go the whole day without coughing and then suddenly a cough comes which triggers a cough attack which is intense and can go on for hours.. I saw a pharmacist who gave me anti biotics, because my chest infection was really bad and an inhaler to help with my breathing.. But the cough is still here.. I've noticed the past two days that my voice has gone really deep and harsh.. Should I be worried and what can I do.. My cough started as a chesty cough but the past week it's just been from the throat.. It takes me alot of effort to cough and is very harsh on my throat..

A little about me.. I'm 25 years of age, male and unfortunately been a smoker for the past 7 years, this cough has been a real eye opener for me and I will be attempting my first quit from tomorrow..

I would be grateful if someone could possibly help me diagnose my cough and possible treatments.. I've given up on going to the GP, they see you for 5minutes, make you feel like you are wasting their time and almost shoo you out like you are a pest.

Thanks guys!

E.

[Weeannie]

Go to your doctor, make them listen, tell them you need help. Once you’ve made them listen tell them that they make you feel like you’re wasting their time and because of that you’ve chosen to wait so long. You could possibly now have pneumonia, you need to see a GP or go to A&E, you mustn’t leave it any longer. Be safe x

[Lyd12]

I agree, you need a doctor, maybe an X ray. Is there another doctor, or another practice nearby? You haveyouth on your side, give up those horrd old fags and make the most of the life you have. Do keep in touch, don't mind me gong on like your grandma, I am 83 so that is my excuse. Iris x

[O2Trees]

Hi E - we can't diagnose you, we aren't medical and it's against forum guidelines. However we can make suggestions about what to talk to your doctor about. You say you are just coughing from your throat now though you don't say if you are bringing up any mucus. But you could trying asking your GP about acid reflux - there's a kind which doesnt usually cause heartburn but where the acid can get up into the airways and top of throat and cause irritation and bad coughing. This is called silent reflux and it can affect the voice box which might explain your voice changes.

On the other hand laryngitis comes to mind though you don't say whether you are bringing up mucus from your throat. You really must get some help here. If your GP won't listen, then go to A&E. You could also call the friendly and knowledgeable nurses on our BLF helpline - 03000 030 555 office hours - who will talk it through with you. Try your local pharmacist too to see what ideas they have.

Please do quit the cigs while you have the motivation. And in case reflux is playing a part, you could try giving up reflux triggers like alcohol, caffeine/coffee, chocolate - yeah I know, all the good things - citrous fruits, hot spices - and smoking is a trigger too. And try sleeping on raised pillows on your left hand side (left is better and helps stop leaks of acid due to the physiology of the stomach). At least that's something you can choose to do right now to see if there's any improvement. Good luck and let us know how you go on.

[Ehs6n]

Wow thank you all for your amazing replies, it really does mean alot. Sorry guys I forgot to mention that I do have mucus, which I try to cough out but I have never been good at discharging it.. So I guess there is a build up there.. When I am in good health (due to smoking) I do notice the mucus but it never irretates me, however since this infection and it's subsequent God damn cough It has increased alot and I do cough it up..

As I'm writing this message I cannot stop coughing and my voice is very rough and deep.. But I've done an all night shift and don't have the energy to wait in A&E right now but I will go there once I get some sleep..

Also thank you for reminding me to stay away from all the good stuff in life haha, I will try to avoid all those until I get better.. And i will be sure to update you guys when I see the doctor and get a diagnosis.

[O2Trees in reply to Ehs6n]

Just try to avoid those things for a while and see if it makes a difference - your cough may be nothing to do with reflux but it's worth trying to check that. Most important to stay away from smoking.

[peege]

Well done on your decision to quit the cigs, it will be the best one you'll ever make. You're right to think this could be your future if you don't give them up. I've read that cutting down as you quit is the best way but everyone is different, some suffer side effects & some don't.

It does sound as though something is going on, whilst waiting to get sorted have a look in YouTube for breathing techniques. Deep diaphragm breathing helps me when I get into a coughing cycle (asthma). Steam helps me others hate it. Good luck to you. P

ps I'm wondering if your GP is unhelpful because you smoke? I know they shouldn't discriminate but it must I guess some do. He/she should at least give you help to quit.

[Ergendl]

You could try the huffing technique to clear up the mucous. That would be less harsh on your throat. Google videos on YouTube to see how.