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Ask your medical question here. : Two years ago I had a bad cold that turned into a chronic cough. Eventually, I was diagnosed with asthma by an urgent care clinic doctor. I took my meds faithfully, but they never really helped. A year later, I got very sick with chest pain and breathing problems. The same clinic diagnosed me with pneumonia; however, after their review of my x-rays, they said I did not have pneumonia.
Later, my GP said I did not have asthma, so I stopped taking my meds.
I now take Allegra only, and only occasionally (I forget to take them). I have constant phlegm in my throat, but the cough only occurs after I eat or drink, even water. It occurs every single time I swallow something, and lasts about an hour. I do not have (or don't notice) mucus in my sinuses. I would like to know if it is possible to have tests show what is causing this symptom, and how it can be controlled.
Gender: Female
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5' 5"
What is your weight in pounds?: 128
How old are you?: 51
How long has this been going on?: More than a year
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing: Ear/ Nose / Throat
What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
: x-ray of lungs
Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): whole body peripheral neuropathy - idopathic
Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
Cancer
Hypertension
Stroke
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : penicillin, sulfonamide, tetracycline
Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Allegra - 4 or 5 a week
When was your last menstrual cycle?: I no longer have a menstrual cycle
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Weekly
I would like to know if this could be caused by a new allergy to food, and if I should get food allergy studies, or if it is possible that my neuropathy is causing my esophagus problems.
May we send you a satisfaction survey after your question is answered? It takes a minut to fill out.: Yes
__________________________________________________________
Sorry for your problem. It strikes me that you probably need to see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist. This problem could well be related to chronic sinus inflammation. Allergies are often associated with this. The sinuses drain to the back of the throat so this problem often causes a chronic cough which can be mistaken for asthma, though I must say that diagnosing you with Asthma without proper testing seems a bit off to me. Also consider the possiblity that you could have GERD (reflux) which can also cause a chronic cough and is also sometimes mistaken for asthma. My money would be on the first based on your symptoms.
I hope this helps. Please click on the links above for more information. Ask any follow up questions you may have in the comment section.
Be well.
Ask your medical question here. : Two years ago I had a bad cold that turned into a chronic cough. Eventually, I was diagnosed with asthma by an urgent care clinic doctor. I took my meds faithfully, but they never really helped. A year later, I got very sick with chest pain and breathing problems. The same clinic diagnosed me with pneumonia; however, after their review of my x-rays, they said I did not have pneumonia.
Later, my GP said I did not have asthma, so I stopped taking my meds.
I now take Allegra only, and only occasionally (I forget to take them). I have constant phlegm in my throat, but the cough only occurs after I eat or drink, even water. It occurs every single time I swallow something, and lasts about an hour. I do not have (or don't notice) mucus in my sinuses. I would like to know if it is possible to have tests show what is causing this symptom, and how it can be controlled.
Gender: Female
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5' 5"
What is your weight in pounds?: 128
How old are you?: 51
How long has this been going on?: More than a year
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing: Ear/ Nose / Throat
What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
: x-ray of lungs
Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): whole body peripheral neuropathy - idopathic
Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
Cancer
Hypertension
Stroke
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : penicillin, sulfonamide, tetracycline
Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Allegra - 4 or 5 a week
When was your last menstrual cycle?: I no longer have a menstrual cycle
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Weekly
I would like to know if this could be caused by a new allergy to food, and if I should get food allergy studies, or if it is possible that my neuropathy is causing my esophagus problems.
May we send you a satisfaction survey after your question is answered? It takes a minut to fill out.: Yes
__________________________________________________________
Sorry for your problem. It strikes me that you probably need to see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist. This problem could well be related to chronic sinus inflammation. Allergies are often associated with this. The sinuses drain to the back of the throat so this problem often causes a chronic cough which can be mistaken for asthma, though I must say that diagnosing you with Asthma without proper testing seems a bit off to me. Also consider the possiblity that you could have GERD (reflux) which can also cause a chronic cough and is also sometimes mistaken for asthma. My money would be on the first based on your symptoms.
I hope this helps. Please click on the links above for more information. Ask any follow up questions you may have in the comment section.
Be well.
2 comments:
In addition to the possibilties of sinus problems and gastro-esophageal-reflux-disease (GERD), I think it would be a good ide to see an allergist and possibly a pulmonologist (specialist in Lung problems) to clarify if allergies or some other lung conditions are reponsible for your symptoms.
Since the cough seems to occur with swallowing, an endoscopic exam would allow a gastroenterologist to see under direct vision if there were some problem with the esophageal musculature ( ? possibly related to neuropathy?) or polyp etc. that could cause some reflux and subsequent cough
Good Luck!
Space Doc.
Thank you for your advice! I will look into going to an ENT.
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