Wheeze & cough for 2 years - I fear lung cancer!

[Kayanne1980]

Hi all

Long story but here goes., firstly I apologize for posting in this forum however I feel I might get more insight here as I am really scared.

Developed a cough about 2 years ago & it has never left me! I have had 2 chest xrays, countless bloods, lung function tests, allergy tablets, asthma inhalers, reflux medications....list is endless.

I have a constant tickle in my throat & I mean constant.....I cough myself awake every night with this hacking cough. The respiratory consultant said I have allergies to my cats.....I wheeze from my throat...not my lungs....I use my ventolin inhaler and the wheeze goes within 10 seconds......but the cough lingers and lingers......

I am stuck & do not know which way to turn now....I went back to the Dr and he said its allergies and keep taking antihistamines and my inhaler......I am 37 and female plus I smoke (dont say it, I know its a contributing factor to my health and my cough), I am so stressed now not just with this cough but other things going on in my life....

My anxiety is at an all time HIGH - what if this is lung cancer??

I just need to know what can I do next, CT scan?

[jillygirl]

Hi Kayanne, You say you have had X rays etc and been to your doctors. I think if there was any sign of lung cancer they would have spotted it It sounds like your smoking is aggravating your throat , plus the allergy wont help.

Please have a look on the Quit support Community,There is a lot of information on there

about coughs , anxiety , and if you want help to stop smoking , we are there to help, without any pressure.

I have had lung cancer 6 years ago, and the cancer showed up on a normal x ray.

I quit smoking which has helped me get rid of the cough.

Please do have a look at the pinned posts in Quit support there is loads of information there.

Try not to worry I am sure the doctors are correct about the allergy.

Take care. x

[Kayanne1980 in reply to jillygirl]

Hi there

Thank you for taking the time to respond - I am just so worried as no medication is helping me at all, yes I get the no smoking issue and its making it worse - I have had 2 chest xrays but what if the xrays have missed it that is my fear as nothing is helping me right now.

I went back to the GP and he is taking loads of bloods for allergy testing (something I have not had yet)

I actually hope the allergy blood tests come back abnormal so I know its allergies....

Thanks for messaging again, will keep the post updated.

[jillygirl in reply to Kayanne1980]

I doubt if any cancer wouldnt show up on your xrays. I understand you must be worried , however allergies can be very invasive , your blood tests should confirm allergies if that is what is causing your problem. Take care and Good luck. xx

[Kayanne1980 in reply to jillygirl]

Hi there

Has anyone's sodium levels been right on border line ie 134 is the beginning of a normal range and mine is normally 136 but it fell to 134 on my Kidney function bloods last week, should I be concerned?

i do drink alcohol regularly so wondering if thats whats causing it ill do another test in JAN

I have anxiety and read it can be a sign of cancer also!!

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Kayanne1980

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear of your anxiety with your current symptoms, Jillygirl has provided an excellent response.

Allergies can certainly be caused by so many irritants and it would be good to identify what your triggers are. The blood tests are a start to get some answers.

If you have not seen a Respiratory specialist , you can request one from your GP, which also may help put your mind at rest.

Anxiety can drive so many thoughts and emotions, but does not always lead to the truth of the matter, if all the investigations are showing no cancer then it is worth holding onto that.

While your are waiting on answers, you may find the Anxiety UK helpline /website useful for you: Phone: [phone] (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)

Website: anxietyuk.org.uk

If you wish to discuss anything you can call us on our free nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

All the best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Kayanne1980 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you for your very nice email - struggling with the anxiety and worry today of what I might have so I might give the anxiety website a read