Any chronic cough clinic patients?

Hi, @adkindt—welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It's a great idea to see if you can chat with others who have gone through the chronic cough clinic at Mayo Clinic. I bet there are others on Connect who have gone through chronic cough clinics or similar elsewhere, too.

I personally had a chronic cough, and the doctors I saw tested me 12-13 years ago for multiple potential causes of cough: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, sinusitis and allergies. For a while, a gastroenterologist trialed me on GERD medication. But he finally determined I did not have GERD. The end diagnosis for me was adult-onset asthma.

I'd like to introduce you to some members who have mentioned the esophageal pH monitoring test and may have some information for you on their experiences: @auntnanny @jenblalock @tdrell @rebecross @t98. I'd also like you to meet @windwalker.

adkindt, other members have talked about the esophageal manometry test you said you have upcoming in December. Please meet @jackielb @rstel7272 @margaretmary, who may have some information on how this test goes.

How long have you had a chronic cough, adkindt? Is there anything that temporarily brings you relief?

Thanks for reaching out. I will contact some of them

Hi, @adkindt. How has your coughing been this past week?

A few other Mayo Clinic Connect members who may have information to share about the Ph test and/or manometry for chronic cough and what to expect include @larry1443 @pjl112 @crossette @rinagelman49. @sueinmn also may have some thoughts for you.

What was involved with the round 1 of chronic cough testing you had at Mayo Clinic? When will your December tests occur?

I’m so glad I am involved with this group. I didn’t know that Mayo Clinic has a chronic cough clinic. I didn’t know there were tests to see why a person coughs. Like others, I would like to know what the tests are like, and what treatments are available. Chronic cough has impacted my voice. Not having or barely having a voice is a real downer. Thanks to anyone offering information and encouragement.

So far I met with an awesome pulmonologist, Dr. Lee. He really listened to my concerns about this cough. Tests were pulmonary function, asthma test, CT sinus, CT chest, CT thorax. Next up in 2 weeks is the esophageal ph test, and esophageal manometry. Then speech therapist, because apparently they have tricks to teach cough suppression. We are trying to verify it rule out silent reflux definitely.

I’m here for the same thing but I also can’t breathe or lay down and sleep at night?

That could be silent reflux. I certainly cough like crazy lying down. I have sleep some and use a cpap nasal mask, so getting to sleep is not pleasant

Hi, @mpeters. Here is some general chronic cough information that might be useful:

- Chronic cough
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-cough/symptoms-causes/syc-20351575.
This gives an overview of the testing used, but it does not get into specifics about testing for non-pulmonary conditions such as manometry and pH testing @adkindt.

Information on esophageal manometry and the ambulatory acid (pH) probe test is also available, but in different places with gastrointestinal testing:

- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959
(see second bullet down on ambulatory acid (pH) probe test)

- Esophageal manometry
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/esophageal-manometry/about/pac-20394000.
I know from my own experience being tested for chronic cough and other things, however, that having a real person describe tests you will undergo is very helpful.

I've experienced losing my voice associated with a chronic cough. It's frustrating, makes it hard to communicate and is somewhat embarrassing. This has happened to me in video or phone meetings when I've talked quite a bit.

mpeters - has the loss of your voice due to chronic cough occurred more in any particular scenarios?

Hello, I have had a chronic cough since 2016 after getting a very bad cold. Diagnosed with asthma a few years ago. Just had a bronchoscopy 2 weeks ago and woke up coughing to the point of chest pain. The results are still coming in, as far as I can tell nothing wrong. Now I’m wondering if it’s gerd or what’s causing it.

Through various articles I found, silent reflux can cause a host of issues, including chronic cough, post nasal drip, and even mimic asthma. I hope the next tests I have prove silent reflux, then get more effective treatment than OTC meds