Cough - Mobile,AL

P.,
I have reflux and asthma. The reflux was causing asthma attacks. Then I developed bronchitis and walking pneumonia before a pulmonologist diagnosed it. I now take omeprazole (now over-the-counter)daily for this. Are you taking anything for it? You could try omeprazole or zantac or some other over-the-counter anti-reflux medicine. Within a week, my asthma symptoms stopped. (They were daily.) I hope this helps. Good luck!

I dont know if this will interest you or not but if it does PM me and Ill tell you more about it. I have a friend that has that problem and being I work from home for an all natural discounted store I recommend her to try some of there herbal teas. Some have ginger and lemon and some have medication to calm the cough she loves it. She also says it was the only thing that worked for her. She is now medication free and just drimks the tea twice a day and is fine.

You can also put some bricks under the head of your bed to elevate your head while you sleep. It really helps the acid to stay down. Also, try to stay upright for 30 minutes after eating anything. You can google how to change your diet too. There are many foods, like dairy and OJ, which make it worse.

Nexium is the only thing I have found to help reflux. Everything else is just wasted money.

My husband had this horrible cough that wouldn't stop at night when he would lay down. He would cough to the point of vomiting. The doctor told him it was acid reflux and prescribed him Nexium and he has never coughed again. It was like a miracle. Ask your doctor specifically to write you a script for Nexium.

P.,
I was told by an RN years ago(I had that dry aggravating cough, that would not go away and nothing helped),,to try a small sip of Brandy,,I am not a drinking person but I did try about a tablespoon and it worked instantly. It does burn going down but thats what I use when I have a cough. I usually don't have to take but one spoon full. Might try it,,,I am sold on it.

Have you tried Prilosec - it is over the counter. Alos, Go to your PCP and tell him what is going on - he should prescribe you something. If it is reflux it can erode away your esophagus and needs to be treated. I have it and had a constant sore throat until I was treated. I have to take the medicine on a daily basis (Prevacid) but believe me I know If I've forgotten it.

Good luck!

My doctor gave me Protonix for a reflux cough, but I didn't take it. I'm sure it works, but I'm pretty sure my cough is stress related, and when I can reduce stress in my life it goes away. Sleep is very important in this; if I don't get enough, the cough comes back. Also, I have read that excess belly fat can put pressure on the digestive tract in a way that encourages reflux, so I am losing weight.

P.,
Reflux is treatable. Reflux is the backing up of stomach acid into your esophagus.This acid can erode the protective esophageal lining and eventually through. A number of things can cause this acid reflux the most common is a hiatai hernia. I don't know exactly how it causes reflux but it can. The first thing you need to do is see a gastroenterologist, they are specialists in the area between the beginning of the esphagus all the way through the bowel. This doctor will probably want to run tests to determine exactly where the problem is, in the meantime try sleeping with your upper torso elevated 30 degrees, perhaps a recliner. Avoid fatty, gas producing foods (unless you're taking papaya which aids digestion....you mentioned a health food store. Avoid smoking, alcohol and acidic drinks like Coke, Pepsi and coffee.
Your only time reference you mention was a month ago seeing an ENT and I can't imagine WHY you were't referred to a gastro doctor.
I also want you to know that doctors are NOT God. YOU employ them, they work for YOU. YOU pay their salary and you should expect their services to leave you satisfied, all questions answered and not rushed through the visit. If, for any reason you are dissatisfied with a doctor you have the right to fire and find another doctor. Doctors are simply people who chose that profession and are no different than a mom with countless responsibilities or the person picking up your garbage. We all have our professions and jobs to do
Again, P., I cannot stress enough that you see a GASTROENTEROLOGIST about this to make sure it isn't something about to become really bad. God bless you sweetheart. I hope you get some relief.
A.

I am shocked that the ent would not give you something for reflux! Of course there are several meds you can take...ask you primary care doc about it. That is ridiculous that if he really thinks it is reflux that he would give you a prescription. My uncle went through this...it turned out to be asthma after all yet they thing the reflux agitated it and he is on both meds.
Good luck!