coughing????
I have been coughing since October of last year! I am now up to 4 inhalers and 2 nasal sprays. I have seen an allergist, a pulmonary dr. and a upper g.i. and I am told it is asthma! Who knew coughing was a symptom??? And still I cough. It helps to wear a mask and I take otc mucus relief med but it still comes up and out. I have had allergies all of my life but this asthma thing is blowing me away. I think I will be coughing forever. I am worried that it is something worse and the doctors just haven't found it yet.
Hi. cholly78. Sorry, you are experiencing a cough that seems to persist despite seeing 4 doctors, and despite getting a diagnosis and treatment. There is a type of asthma where the most common symptom is a cough. It is called cough-variant asthma. It actually is quite common, although not as well know. And you can read about it here (https://asthma.net/types/cough-variant). There are certain tests a doctor can order to rule in that you have asthma, such as a pulmonary function test (https://asthma.net/living/pulmonary-function-testing-to-diagnose-asthma). I am wondering if this is one of the tests that your pulmonologist or allergist would have ordered for you. John. asthma.net community moderator.
Thanks so much for the feedback and yes I've had the pulmonary test.
It is the results of the test that indicated that I have asthma. Now I have had asthma for years but nothing this severe, I would use an inhaler (Breo) and an emergency inhaler-Pro Air. The idea that is is suddenly so much worse is baffling to me. And even worse the cough has not gone away. It stopped for maybe 2 weeks when I started the Spiriva and then it was back. Not to mention the mucus (gerd) I cough up daily. Its so frustrating. 
Hi again, cholly - I hear you. It can indeed be frustrating managing this condition and trying to gain better control over the symptoms and daily issues as they occur.
I did see that my colleague,, suggested your symptoms sound like cough variant-asthma. When you add to this a diagnosis of GERD, this can become a more complex disease to manage effectively.
You have shared that you have been managed by several doctors. I would think the specialists you are seeing may be able to collaborate on your care and help to bring all of this under more control. Your exasperation at this is understandable.
What do you plan to do next?
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
I started coughing badly in November of 2020 and eventually got an asthma diagnosis. My cough has largely subsided (finally), but I still produce a decent amount of annoying mucus (so I still force myself to cough and clear my throat). Like you, I was concerned that it was something worse, and finally coaxed my pulmo into approving a high-res CT scan. He, a radiologist, and a cardiologist all looked at my scans and it was unanimous … Asthma! No other issues noted. I was wrong, but the peace of mind was worth it. If you remain concerned, you could ask for CT. After insurance it only cost me $16.
Hi otter, and thanks for lending your own support and encouragement here with the community. We also appreciate you sharing your own personal experience managing this condition. It's particularly interesting to read how you worked in collaboration with your physician(s) to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.
We value both your input and your feedback!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
Good news! It appears that the coughing is down to a minimum. After weeks of consistently taking all medications prescribed something change and I am not coughing nearly as much. Perhaps it took time for my system to get used to the medication? I have no idea but I am not complaining. Thanks all so much for the input. I will continue to follow the instructions of the allergist and hope that this will continue.
So glad to hear that you've experienced a reduction in your coughing! That makes sense that your medications might not work immediately or overnight. We are happy to help and listen, and wish you the best. -Ashlen, Asthma.net community moderator
Hi again, cholly, and thanks so much for checking in and providing this update. Like my colleague,, it's so good to hear the coughing episodes have diminished significantly.
As you surmised (and Ashlen said, too), some medications used to treat this condition do take some time to become effective for the user. This can vary from patient-to-patient, too. Perhaps that is what has happened in your case.
You must feel so good now that the coughing has subsided. Keep up the good work!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
