Ridiculous Cough

[Scarlett]

For months now I have had a ridiculous cough. It starts as an intense itch in my throat/voice box and it's so strong that my eyes water and I have to cough/retch violently to 'scratch' it which makes me actually sick. It starts up mostly when I lie down at night. My throat feels gacky and I have to clear my throat a lot. I have GERD and possibly post nasal drip. It's stopping me sleeping and I'm getting really sick of it. Any thoughts?

[Sqad]

I think that you have made your own diagnosis....GERD.
I presume that you are having treatment for it, but if not then something like Omeprazole taken last thing at night may well give you relief.

[Old_Geezer]

Can you sleep propped up, or more so than usual ?

[Scarlett]

I take 20mg omeprazole before bed each day. Maybe I need to be taking some in the mornings too? I have a wedge under my mattress head end to raise me up a bit. I get it throughout the day too, only not as much. Does it sound like I'm not taking enough?

[Georgiesmum]

I have omeprazole for acid reflux too, I take one capsule before I go to bed, and it does the trick but you sound like you are describing phlegm in your throat that is making you cough trying to clear it. Do you eat a lot of cheese?

[Scarlett]

I avoid dairy and always have!

[alavahalf]

Strangely enough my wife has exactly what you describe and has had so for about 5 years. Her problem is a Hiatus hernia, Barrets Syndrome and reflux.
I have asked about it on AB before as she propably had 6 or 7 chest infections in a year, each one needed Penecilin to clear it up.
She stopped taking Omeprazole and the chest infection stopped, although the coughing persists ... as soon as she starts taking it again, another infection arrives.
It really is a viscious circle between Omeprazole, infections and lack of sleep through constant coughing.

[Scarlett]

That's interesting. Thing is I have attempted to stop omeprazole and my GERD got so bad as a result that I was waking up with sick in my mouth, plus the pain was unbearable. Maybe I need to try a different PPI?

[lilacben]

Hi how strange this happens to me on and off all year. I have Gerds..Hiatus Hernia... and take 2 x 20mg capsules every morning. ..the cough is horrible...and like you it makes me gag and sometimes sick... Is there anything to stop it when you get the tickle. Does anyone know.?

[Scarlett]

Lilacben, you could try taking your doseage split between morning and evening; also I've just put a big wedge pillow under the head end of my mattress - seems to be helping a bit...