Chronic productive cough

[Abby7591]

What are my next options to figure out the source of my cough? I have a productive cough that sounds worse than a smokers cough but similar sometimes.  Its very loose.  I have tested negative to asthma, CF, allergies (seasonal and IgG), cancer, thyroid problems, many blood tests, pulmonary tests, sputum tests(nothing grew - 2 bronchoscopies done).  I now believe my cough is not due to a problem with my lungs but something else is triggering it.  GERD or other stomach problems were brought up but I am on a gluten, dairy free diet and that has not helped which would normally help GERD (correct???).  Also a parasite being present was mentioned but wouldn't I be experiencing progressively worse symptoms and more symptoms than a productive cough being the main problem?  Other small problems I have are bad breath, short of breath after a flight of stairs (however I still keep up while playing any sport), some post nasal drip on occassion and occassional runny nose.    

[Dolorian]

Test for HIV if you have ever had unprotected sex in a non monogomous sexual relationship. I have the same problem. Going in for testing although i always used condoms as have been having a lot of sex with csw's

[lueanna]

i m afraid to talk to my new doctors i just moved to a different state and idk if they will help me... i cought a million times a day an the pain never goes away, i have learned ti deal with it but its getting worse...whats should i do any suggestions?

[zuni6]

I just got back from the dr.  Friday I am having an EGD  (Esophegeal/Gastroenterology/Duodenem) or something like that - it is like a colonoscopy only for the upper part  - the esophegus, stomach and upper intestines.  They will do a biopsy, if necessary - and check for bacteria.  I should have any results immediately - except for any biopsies.  It takes 15-30 min, but of course they put you under.  So maybe that will reveal something.  I just had the barium swallow/Xray thing before, which showed nothing, so this one is a new test for me.  I hope it tells us something!!!

[Abby7591]

I will look into those. My docotor did mention H pylori.  Also my phlem is always thick, sticky, and always YELLOW....  I feel your pain with the disruptiveness that the cough causes each day. such a mystery!!!

[zuni6]

I am going thru the same thing and done many of those tests.  Have you looked for a bacteria?  Bordetella and Helicobacter or?  I just read about those on this site and will be asking to be tested when I go to get an Upper and Lower GI.  Read my situation (cough for 12 years)  very frustrating because you never know when you are gonna be SICK and it does ruin vacations!!!!  Zuni6