Mentally distressing Chronic coughing. Surgery solution??

[Wehavethis]

Hi Community

I posted a couple of months ago and thanks to members got to the root of my chronic coughing - it was linked to acid reflux (which was not spotted by doctors)

Update - consultant says I have a small hernia. But  Constant coughing (aggravated by a hernia) following a cold is mentally distressing. CT scan and FENO test all good but IGE level slightly raised and there is a slight obstructive airway defect.The NHS consultant was not worried about above defect and has recommended lifestyle changes but I am still experiencing chronic coughing.

The lifestyle changes  (head on a pillow whilst sleeping and smaller meals) recommended by the respiratory consultant have been followed and do not work.Saw my GP and they recommended an alternative gastro resistant capsule.I am no longer taking esomeprazole and now omeprazole but they have absolutely no effect!?Shall I have surgery? I will discuss with doctor.

Interesting observation about my experience - when I walk outdoors the coughing stops? It comes on when sitting down and sleeping.

interested to hear about similar experiences. The coughing is too much.

Thank you

[flowerjunky]

Hi Wehavethis

I also have GERD caused by a 4cm Hiatus hernia which causes constant coughing (especially if I bend over) and asthma attacks. I take omeprazole 20mg twice a day (at least 30 mins before food) and have been told to take an extra one during the day if I’m bending a lot ( which I do at work sometimes ). My consultant has also added in 40mg of Famotidine to be taken at night which does seem to help.

I have also raised the head end of my bed by putting it on bricks and sometimes use a wedge pillow under the mattress too. It took a while to get used to but does help.

Finally, I try to avoid large meals late in the evening, especially fatty, spicy and acidic foods as well as alcohol and tomatoes, onions/garlic.

It is definitely worth speaking to your gp/asthma nurse and/or consultant again to see if they can make changes to your meds to help.

[Wehavethis in reply to flowerjunky]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will ask about the 40 mg tablet. This is very helpful

[Wehavethis in reply to Wehavethis]

update - will have a Bronchoscopy to look at hernia and airways

[Gareth57]

if the coughing happens when sitting or sleeping is this in your home? If so I would be looking for something that is triggering the cough, dust, pet bedding, maybe mould somewhere. Summer is coming maybe try opening all the windows to get a flow of air though your home. I had a similar experience and it was the dog bed for me.

[Wehavethis in reply to Gareth57]

thank you. I will explore triggers in the home as had not thought about that.

[Patk1 in reply to Wehavethis]

House dust mite - common in bedding and pillows.worth vacuuming and steaming.maybe air purifiers too

[Wehavethis in reply to Patk1]

thank you. My doctor thinks it’s internal factors rather than external and I will now have a Bronchoscopy.

[Mariachristina76]

l have a cough 8 long long years it is terrible and draining and very very Annoying I feel your pain

[fraid]

Definitely echo the allergy thing as happens in your house. Plus re GERD, sleeping propped up-so banana shape, def makes huge difference, a pillow ain't enough. Air purifier? Keep throat from getting dry, Strepsils help too. Hope you get the right answer soon but you can help your condition a lot by yourself too. There's a Gerd site with lots of tips on. Good luck.

[Wehavethis in reply to fraid]

thank you for this information and I will look for the gerd site.

[Wehavethis in reply to Wehavethis]

hi, is the gerd site on health unlocked?

[fraid in reply to Wehavethis]

Can't remember but if you just look up Gerd there's loads of info on it, it's very popular it seems so many people have it. Omeprazole is not good for the liver though tho works really well for Gerd. Meds always have side effects so best to try change what causes it if poss. Good luck.🤞

[Wehavethis]

sorry to hear this has been for 8 years. I hope your GP is supporting you through this.

[Naturesvalley]

If you have a hernia it will depend on alit of things before they operate. I had a 7cm sliding hiatus hernia. Had 3 failed surgery and then last year I had a fourth surgery and because of complications I had to have a modified gastric bypass. I had to have ct scans, barium meals, acid reflux tests. .o am on lansoprazole 30mg once daily