Connect
Chronic "tickle" when inhaling that results in a single cough
I often get a "tickle" on inhalation in the back of my throat that then causes me to start coughing. It never feels as though it is actually coming from somewhere deep in my lungs and it isn't productive. My doctor says I have columnar bronchiectasis as well as asthma. Would this tickle be related to my asthma? I really don't have a good grasp of what the differences are between the two other than if I wheeze, I assume it is my asthma. I have been diagnosed for many years and on the same meds for well over 20 years. Spiriva Respimat 2 puffs once a day, Proair HFA up to 2 puffs as needed, Advair Diskus 250/50 1 inhalation twice a day and then of course albuterol and saline nebs. More and more I am leaning towards a visit to either Mayo or Cleveland clinic down here in Florida for a second opinion. I know there have been many advances in medication. I am inconsistent with twice a day nebs because many days there is no mucous afterwards and then on days I don't do it I can become quite active. It is frustrating. I've said it before, my doctors is not interested in finding out if my bronchiectasis is MAC related because at age 77, he says I am too old and too frail and wouldn't be successful on the treatment. I think that is my decision to make not his. I don't think there are any better choices than him locally. JUST SO FRUSTRATED!! Life just keeps getting more and more limited.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
@carolinediehl That's a long list of anti-asthma meds, and there is some "overlap" as Proair and nebulized albuterol are the same medication. I'm guessing that over time your doctor(s) may have added meds without evaluating whether they could discontinue others.
Both Sprivia and Advair can have coughing as a side effect, and so can the propellant in Proair and other albuterol inhalers if not used with a spacer. Have you discussed this with your pulmonologist?
Your idea to seek care at Mayo or Cleveland Clinic is a good idea, if only for a fresh set of eyes looking at the total picture. And these are the doctors with knowledge of all the new options in managing asthma.
Thanks for the input. I have the cough pretty much all the time regardless of whether or not I use the Proair. My albuterol is used with nebulizer treatments. I have never thought of using a spacer on the nebulizer. I'm debating if I want to go to Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic. Both have locations in Florida. Cleveland is about 1 hour closer.
I'm glad to see that someone else has the same problem. I have bronchiestis and have been doing much of the same treatments you are doing. Just in the last couple of weeks I have this tickle or little irritation in my throat. Happens several times a day. I do not have asthma. I start coughing and coughing for a good while. It is a dry cough. I find if I put a cough drop in my mouth I get some relief. Don't know what could be causing this. If you find out a cause or remedy, please post it.
I think you will find that it is an annoying side effect of some of the maintenance inhalers. Some cardiac drugs also list it as a side effect.
@carolinediehl One more thought- some blood pressure meds, specifically lisinopril and its relatives, can cause the cough you describe. Years ago, when I tried it, it drove me crazy.