To think this isn't a normal cough?

A doctor also said I had whooping cough, but it turned out it was acid reflux.

I could have written your post OP. It’s so embarrassing, isn’t it? I absolutely hate it. I remember back when Swine Flu was in the news I was coughing like this in the office and people kept staring at me - I was like “I haven’t been to Mexico I swear”. A doctor did prescribe me an inhaler that time actually - my peak flow was very low. The inhaler helped my cough a little. But I was later told (when the cough was gone) my peak forward find now so I don’t have asthma. Yet I ended up on a nebuliser one time - I had been out for a run when I had a mild cold and the weather was cold. I was still struggling to breathe 24 hours later so went to the doctor. He put me on the nebuliser and told me I likely have asthma triggered by very specific circumstances. With what I’m reading on this thread, I’m wondering if maybe I need an I have on regular prescription! I’m just getting over a cold now. Had the cough for about 3 weeks although it’s almost gone. I tried my sons blue inhaler one night out of sheer desperation and it seemed to help!

The only other thing that works for me is over the counter strength co-codamols. A dr years ago told me codeine is a natural cough suppressant, but I think you need 15mg or more for it to work. So she said try taking 2 of my 8/500 co-codamols - and it works! I now take 2 before I go to bed so I can get 4 hours or so of sleep before it wears off and I wake up with the coughing fit you describe. Obviously don’t take it alongside normal paracetamol - take it instead of, but it’s worth a try!

I do feel for you - I always thought I never see anyone rise like this, so I’m pleased to read on here I don’t suffer alone. Do you get a weird tingly feeling all across your chest, head and arms when you have the coughing spell? That I particularly hate.

I was interested to read another poster say once you have had whooping cough, and coughs after mimic that. I am having a vague memory of whopping cough being mentioned when I was a kid, but don’t know if I was formally diagnosed. But that might make sense! Shame there’s no way to make it stop.

Oh, and to the poster making out you’re weird for getting “so many” colds… bully for you having a great immune system and not exposed to other people with illnesses. Would you like a medal? We are all different, and some people are more susceptible to coughs and colds than others. My middle son will be 18 next month. I can count on one hand how many times he’s been ill in his entire life - he just doesn’t get sick! My youngest has asthma and he suffers a lot more frequently with coughs and colds though. I know during covid it was the first time in my life I hadn’t had several colds over the winter (none at all in fact) but usually I get several each season. I take high doses of vitamin D etc and have regular blood tests for chronic conditions, so would be aware of any other deficiencies. Perhaps consider how it sounds next time you want to boast about your perfect health?

I had a nurse diagnose asthma. GP had been no help so was fobbed off with nurse. She did a breath peak flow. Gave me a couple of puffs on an inhaler. Said sit back in the waiting room. I'll come and get you in ten minutes. I then did the peak flow test again. Result asthma.

It's pretty much controlled now but certain things can set me off so I carry an inhaler in my bag at all times. Use seretide at home morning and night.

It's annoying because different things can set it off. Something in someone's home, workplace, cold air, something the dogs bring in on their coats after a walk. I know when it's starting so escape the room grabbing my inhaler and head outside to use it and get some fresh air. Our new sofa set me off for a while.

I also take fexofenadine every morning.

What is interesting is that once you’ve had whooping cough once in your life, any cold or cough afterwards tends to mimic the original paroxysms.

I have a similar problem with coughs, mine always last for weeks after a cold. It’s embarrassing and it’s like a tickling sensation at the top of my windpipe.

I’ve suspected cough variant asthma for a long time now and I know I should see a GP about it. This thread had inspired me to do something about it.

I appreciate that you aren't bed bound with illness every few months, nor did I suggest you were! You've described them as winter colds, sniffles and sort throats. As said, both DH and I would AT MOST have something that minor every 1-2yrs. Not every 2mths. None of my colleagues come to work with sniffles and sore throats every few months either. Maybe we are the odd ones here and not you though? 🤷‍♀️

I don't think getting 4 or so colds over 8-9 months of the year is very bad
Sorry WHAT!

Do you have young children or work in a nursery? If so, I could 'maybe' understand that level of regular illness. If not, I'd be asking for blood tests to check for anaemia or a deficiency causing you to be more susceptible. DH and are late 40's, but no children and rarely have close contact with young children. We 'might' get a cold every 1-2yrs! If I was getting one every 2mths, I'd be concerned something else was going on!

I am very much not a medic, but this happening when you get a cold screams asthma to me. Definitely worth asking your GP about as it could be quite a straightforward fix!

I have cough variant asthma. A previous GP also told me it was normal. I used to cough so badly that I was physically sick and my chest muscles ached.
I was properly diagnosed about 20 years ago now when I got fed up of the old quack and found a new GP.
It's notoriously under diagnosed because it doesn't follow the normal patterns for asthma. It's well worth asking for a spirometry test as that is how they can best tell. At least you can get it ruled out if not.
But no, it's not normal. Don't let them fob you off.

Can you ask your GP to do a swipe to rule out whooping cough? What you describe really reminds me of it.

Post nasal drip (more common after a cold/virus), acid reflux and cough variant asthma can all cause these symptoms and are all treatable so I would keep badgering your GP

Normal for me too sadly. I don’t get sick often but when I do, the cough is exactly as you describe including coughing so much I vomit and it lasts for weeks
on end, some years it’s lasted all Winter. No asthma either.

Asthma? Or have you looked at GERD?

Silent reflux? I get this when I have a cough, basically it's stomach acid irritating your airways and throat when you cough, this irritates your throat more and makes you cough more so you get into a vicious circle. Omeprazole or esomeprazole help as they reduce acid production.