Coughing for 15 years

Digestive health
1

I went to my GP because I have a chronic unproductive cough which brings tears to my eyes (especially the left one) and cannot be ignored wherever I happen to be ..... solemn gathering, concert, on the phone - I HAVE to cough.  It goes on for 5 - 10 minutes and I can hardly speak afterwards because my throat is so dry.

I had to retire from teaching because of it (try controlling a class when you're coughing your heart out and tears streaming down your face).

A gastroscopy was inconclusive but the consultant diagnosed Acid Reflux, even though I protested I had no heartburn.  I have been on Omeprazole and Ranitidine ever since (ie for 15 years) with no noticable relief.  My GP says eat more fibre ..... but I'm coeliac so this is difficult and anyway I'm not constipated.

Can anyone suggest remedies or even just something to help?  Its my grandaughter's wedding soon and I don't want to disrupt the service with a long coughing spasm.

 

2

This is me replying to myself - I have been doing some research and see many people recommend Alkaline Water.

What is it, and where can I buy it in the UK?  How do you use it .... how much/often do you drinl it?  

 

3

I was just reading on another post on this site that it can be too little acid as well as too much that can casue this problem - I wonder if you can get a test done for this?  It's just if the anti acids don't work, it could be you are acid deficient.   I've just started trying aloe vera juice at the moment which has helped a little.  I'm currently going through diagnostics for a 3 month cough and had a lightbulb moment as my symptoms fit 'silent reflux'.  Hope we both find a good solution  smile  

4

So do I Jenni.  You don't say what your symptoms are ..... for example do you wake in the night with an irritated throat and a hacking cough?  How are you during the day and does your coughing interfere with your notmal activities?

I get quite desperate, especially when trying not to wake my husband by hiding under the duvet and coughing my lungs out, and wonder why my GP is happy just to dole out omeprazole and ranitidine.  I can see me coughing myself away on my death bed.