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Chronic Cough 5yrs. Tried many things. What to do?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted Yesterday 9:15 AM (GMT -7)
Hi
My chronic cough is going on 5 yrs. Started with cold. Many doctors and test. It is much better but not gone. They assume acid reflux. However I don't see symptoms. I'm thin, not a big eater, and healthy eater.
I've been sleeping upright for 4 yrs. Never lye down. Never eat large or within 3 -4 hours before bed. Stand after eating.
We have ruled out lung issues, Allergies, Asthma, esophagus problems, drainage. Changed BP meds.
I did have esiniophilic bronchitis and cured, cough improved but still heavy 20 min after eating and at random times in the day. Went on high PH diet, gave up coffee, reduced acid, citris, and spicy, tried gluten free.
PH manomitry is next.
As I read this forum it seems many are in the same place I'm in. It cost so much to go through this I begin to wonder if the medical industry wants to cure us. If they could only feel what distruction this does to our lives. I'm an annoying person to work around, go to a restaurant, funerals are a nightmare for me. My fiance' puts up with me, but will he continue??
ShesOK - What he has to explain to people who think I'm choking in resturants.
Posted Yesterday 11:49 AM (GMT -7)
Sorry to hear of your health issues - I also have similar chronic coughing thought to be related to acid reflux.
My coughing feels what I imagine asthmatic related coughing would be like though I don't have asthma.

Do you experience burning/stinging sensations anywhere in your mouth, especially at night as I do?

I'm also interested to know how you manage to sleep upright - don't you keep sliding to the left or right and get neck pain?
Posted Yesterday 12:19 PM (GMT -7)
Hello
I don't have tingling in my mouth. I have no warning before a cough. My cough was very much like an asmatic cough before the esinophilic fix and the long list of other things I have done.
I finally invested in a tempurpedic bed that lifts. I was due for a new matress and the pillow thing wasn't working. I do tend to slide down at night and awake to get back up on the incline. I also don't do well sleeping on my back so being on my side is difficult on the incline. Particularly when you slide down. I'm surprised I haven't had back problems because I have been prone to back issues many years ago.
Posted Yesterday 2:53 PM (GMT -7)
I have the same difficulties with my electronic bed base that raises in two places - probably like yours. It you raise the lower half of the bed to stop you from slipping down it makes it almost impossible to lay on your sides.

And if you don't raise it, you slide down the bed and have to keep pulling yourself up throughout the night as you say, so it's not a very effective protection against rising acid. It's a Catch-22 scenario.

I developed back troubles from trying all the different positions this bed is capable of but thankfully nothing serious as I didn't continue - as soon as I noticed the first signs of back pain I reverted to a position less harmful. But then, that meant less helpful to acid reflux.

At the moment, I have the lower half of the bed down and head of the bed up just enough to position my torso higher than my legs. If the bed head is too high it creates too much pressure in the stomach area which can be counter productive - forcing acid upwards. I'm still monitoring the best use of the bed in this context and would be interested to know your observations as time goes on.

In my case, as mentioned in my post here titled 'Six Weeks Post Nissen Fundoplication' I only have acid reflux when falling asleep or taking a nap. If I was able to get by without sleep I would not experience acid reflux.

At all other times, my reflux is completely under control by using nutritional methods and portion control.
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