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Over the years I have had a number of long lasting coughs that were caused by sinus infections. Antibiotics would clear them up. Recently I visited the ENT to request a scan to check for a sinus infection with a view to clearing the cough up with another round of antibiotics. However the CT showed no infection. Doc suggested I see a GI specialist as a chronic cough can often be a sign of reflux especially when accompanied by post nasal drip. I've been going down that particular rabbit hole now for about 5 months. 2 GI docs and 2 endoscopies have shown that there is indeed some mild reflux and a small hiatal hernia. Note I have never had any heartburn just a cough, PND and throat clearing which is kinda new to me. My situation got a bit more complicated as I had to have a CT scan during recovery of the second endoscopy and the radiologist discovered some lung issues including bronchiestasis (heading down that rabbit hole right now and have requested an appointment at the Mayo which luckily I live about 20 mins from). Now I'm not sure where my cough is coming from - the reflux or the lung issues. I think it maybe both but in research I did find that a lot of folks with a chronic cough may have silent reflux or LPR. Maybe worth looking in to.
Replies to "Over the years I have had a number of long lasting coughs that were caused by..."
I have bronchiectasis very mild. Had recurring sinus infections for 20 years, had deviated septum surgery also. Was losing my voice, my appetite , feeling full all the time, bowel issues all weird stuff. Felt like my stomach was eating itself in middle of night. A spoonful of peanut butter seemed to help. Thought I had an ulcer.
None of that. It was acid reflux, silent gerd and a hiatal hernia. Never had heartburn.. It was going up into my voice box, and probably my sinuses too. I do not doubt there is a connection with the lungs also. Would get nasal congestion at night. So I now sleep on a wedge, head always raised. Always sleep on my back or left side. The other positions will allow acid to leave stomach while sleeping. No drinks or food 2-3 hours before bed either.
My life is so much better. No more nasal congestion or stomach issues. I have my voice back. I nebulize every other day and have to attack respiratory infections quickly with antibiotics. Have had haemopholus infections 2 x in past 6 years, but I am not getting worse. Lots of aerobic exercise at the gym keeps my lungs and heart strong. Mucinex and allergy meds when needed also so I do not get an infection. Treat your reflux. Eliminate that first and see what else is left. It could take 3 months to feel better. Good luck.
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Welcome to Mayo Connect. I’m sorry you need to be here, but am glad you are near Mayo.
My story is somewhat similar that I had sinus infections a few times a year that would clear with antibiotics. During Covid and in a new city that was hard hit by pandemic, it was hard to get in/get treatment. I had a lot of post nasal drip and persistent coughs. CT after pandemic showed a lot of nodules and a f/u CT a few months later showed bronchiectasis and changes suggestive of MAC. My pulmonologist went on medical leave and I lucked into a cancelled appointment at Mayo. They started meds to decrease PND, taught me airway clearance, did a bronch and ruled out MAC. Very thankful to them. I was able to get into Penn’s clinic and am stable now.
Others here have reflux and will probably have suggestions. Best of luck to you.