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Is anyone else dealing with a neurogenic cough?
I have been a patient at Mayo for about two years. After meeting with a pulmonologist , allergist, gastroenterologist, and ENT specialists; and trying a variety of treatments, I am still coughing. I have had three laryngeal blocks. It helps somewhat, but I’m still coughing. The diagnosis is “neurogenic” cough. It’s not a simple cough. It’s a body wracking, continuous, harsh cough that can take away my ability to speak or have any volume to my voice. It severely limits my ability to socialize; the cough is irritating to other people and makes others very uncomfortable. They can even get angry listening to it, although I usually don’t have any control over it. Ricola cough drops with honey and herbs help. I I know this is a rare problem, but I would love to know if there are others out there and how they are faring.
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I've had a cough (on and off) for 30+ years. Sounds ridiculous right? Mostly worked with pulmonary drs (even seen one retire), lots of steroids and misc medication. I gave up caffeine (only drank tea) 5+ years ago. About 3 yrs ago also diagnosed with reflux and had a fundoplication. Didn't help cough. In past 2 years went to Ohio (live in Northeast), Phila to see an Allergist/Immunologist and got diagnosed and treated with sensory nerve block 5x. Also followed up local Chief of Otolaryngology . Tried Amitriptyline, Tramadol, Steroids, Cough Syrups, Gabapentin, nerve blocks and prob more than I can remember. Truly, although the nerve block worked the first time, it hasn't been successful again. Other than the cough I am healthy and exercise almost daily between Pilates and HIIT. The cough is life altering - the looks we must all get, the pain in my back, the lack of sleep is awful. I walk around with a large water bottle and sleep with one next to me. Hoping for new ideas, medications, treatments.
Nebulizer and inhaler has worked for me from a pulmonologist, after trying EVERYTHING else.
@egi Wow - this sounds like my situation though I've only had my cough for 20 years. I too, exercise regularly and watch what I eat. Just today decided to give up my morning cup of coffee to see if that will make a difference. The sleep disturbance is the worst of it. Discouraging to hear that these therapies didn't work for you. In the last 3 years I participated in two clinical trials for new meds for treating chronic cough (through an allergy clinic) and the second trial med was helpful. Hoping these make it through the remaining trials and to market. It is indeed life altering and depressing at times. Hang in there!
Yes, in 2024 I came home from California to Florida, and my nose started dripping down the back of my throat, and a cough began. I have asthma, and I thought this seemed like a cough variant reaction. I've been on all different kinds of asthma medication with no change in the cough. I am currently getting neurological cough injections in the neck down in the University of Miami. I had tried four and had no relief, but the fifth one, there seemed to be a good month to five weeks of slow down – not saying this is a cure, but it's something. I think these end up having to do with the vagal nerve being irritated enough to cause the cough. Also, I am thinking of trying acupuncture as a way to relax this nerve reaction. – Kathy.
Try chewing gum throughout the day, and obviously water and vitamin C lozenges for continual lubrication. I deal with it, and when it gets bad, my whole body shakes. Getting my 5th shot and hoping. In general, this sounds like an vagal nerve irritation, which is what the shots are supposed to help do. Am I assuming you've ruled out cough variant asthma?
@egi, assuming you have no asthma, such as cough variant asthma. Have you tried acupuncture to relax the vagal nerve? I have had the same problem for 2 years. Just told my Doctor that if I put a Q-tip in my right ear, it sets off a cough, which he responded with That's part of a nerve that runs down to the throat. The best offer is 'offer it up' for those who suffer more.🥲
I wouldn't stop the shots. It may take time to kick in – also think about a massage to quiet the vagal nerve or acupuncture.