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What Causes Bad Cold And Cough With The History Of Throat Issues?

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Posted on Thu, 10 Mar 2016
Question: I have had this throat issue for many years. I got a bad cold and coughed so hard. I never got rid of the tickle or flem in my throat. It never goes away. I'm wondering if I damaged something in there by coughing and it isn't really flem. Maybe a piece of skin or damage of some sort. I can't just unconsciously swallow. Drives me crazy and I'm sick of it. Have had my regular Dr. Look a few times he never sees anything abnormal.
Have lived with it forever. At night it is especially bad. Is this a real deal or something I need to continue to live with.
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Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Acid reflux to confirm as following;diet/lifestyle regimen changes/meds...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

From what you are reporting, it seems that the bad coughing you are having is related to acid reflux, especially if it gets worse at night. This is because when a patient has acid reflux (ar), the acidic fluid of the stomach turns back to the esophagus and then to the throat. This will give some irritation and coughing.

When you lay down on the bed, it is easier for the fluid to get back to the throat and giving the bad coughing.

If I was your caring doctor would advise running upper endoscopy to rule out other GI problems (like gastritis, or others) first.

Then, if no real morphological change, I advise to make some changes in your diet and lifestyle regimen and start some meds to ease ar symptoms:
- eat often and small portions
- avoid spicy/chili or any other food/drink that can provocate the coughing
- have your dinner at least 4 hours before going to bed
- do not lay down immediately after eating
- drink plenty of water to optimize the acidity of the stomach
- sleep with 2 pillows
- avoid coffee, chocolate, alcohol

Taking PPIs (e.g. omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) together with acid reducers can also help ease your symptoms.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7312 Questions

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What Causes Bad Cold And Cough With The History Of Throat Issues?

Brief Answer: Acid reflux to confirm as following;diet/lifestyle regimen changes/meds... Detailed Answer: Hi my dear, I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. From what you are reporting, it seems that the bad coughing you are having is related to acid reflux, especially if it gets worse at night. This is because when a patient has acid reflux (ar), the acidic fluid of the stomach turns back to the esophagus and then to the throat. This will give some irritation and coughing. When you lay down on the bed, it is easier for the fluid to get back to the throat and giving the bad coughing. If I was your caring doctor would advise running upper endoscopy to rule out other GI problems (like gastritis, or others) first. Then, if no real morphological change, I advise to make some changes in your diet and lifestyle regimen and start some meds to ease ar symptoms: - eat often and small portions - avoid spicy/chili or any other food/drink that can provocate the coughing - have your dinner at least 4 hours before going to bed - do not lay down immediately after eating - drink plenty of water to optimize the acidity of the stomach - sleep with 2 pillows - avoid coffee, chocolate, alcohol Taking PPIs (e.g. omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) together with acid reducers can also help ease your symptoms. Hope it was of help! Dr.Albana