To be worried about this ongoing cough?

[buzzheath]

I'm 33, generally good health, don't smoke, don't drink much alcohol. I've had a series of illnesses this year - 2 colds, tonsillitis, etc, and seem to have developed a constant cough! It's not a very 'deep' feeling cough, often feels like a tickle, and no other symptoms - except needing to clear my throat a lot. But when I thought about today and the fact that it feels like I've had it for a few months, I got a bit worried.

Maybe something like post-nasal drip? I often have to clear my throat a lot, particularly in the mornings. I don't want to bother my GP with it really, but maybe it's time I should? I also have really bad health anxiety so please no "it might be cancer" posts - unless it genuinely sounds like it :(

Just wondering if anyone else has something like this due to allergies or something? I wonder if all those different sicknesses just permanently inflamed my throat or something...

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/health-anxiety/

Self-help for health anxiety;

Keep a diary

Note how often you check your body, ask people for reassurance, or look at health information.
Try to gradually reduce how often you do these things over a week.

Challenge your thoughts

Draw a table with 2 columns.
Write your health worries in the 1st column, then more balanced thoughts in the 2nd. For example, in the 1st column you may write, "I'm worried about these headaches" and in the 2nd, "Headaches can often be a sign of stress".

Keep busy with other things

When you get the urge to check your body, for example, distract yourself by going for a walk or calling a friend.

Get back to normal activities

Try to gradually start doing things you've been avoiding because of your health worries, such as sports or socialising.
Try to relax
Try breathing exercises for stress or visit the Mind website for some relaxation exercises.

Have you had Covid before this cough started?

No, a few years ago, but not recently. I've had other viral illnesses this year though which caused a cough. But nothing for like 2 months.

I think the recommendation for a cough over 2 months would be to see your GP to rule out various things.

Is it a wet /productive cough? Have you tried steaming/diffuser overnight?

You might have scratched your throat during one of your illnesses. Sometimes we develop a coughing ha it if we've been ill for a while and a vicious cycle of irritation starts.

Have you tried cutting down dairy for a while as it is mucuous-forming.

Years ago, after a virus, I developed a cough that went on for about 2 months. The doctor checked it out and it turned out my upper respiratory tract was irritated which was then causing spasms - it was a vicious circle where every time I coughed I made it worse. She gave me an inhaler which worked in a very short time.

Definitely go to the doctor and get it checked out.

Follow the NHS advice for when to see your GP with a cough.

If you have health anxiety it is useful to just follow the NHS guidelines rather than try to work out when to go. Then if the GP rules things out, ask at what point you should go back if at all and put that in your diary.

This is me too! I've since the Dr and am awaiting a chest x-ray.
Go and see Dr.

The cough could be anything. Make a GP appointment. Best not to guess about these things.

Go to the gp. Isn't the advice if it lasts more than 3 weeks to get it checked?

Do you take any antihistamines? I've had similar for a month after having a horrible cold and being very sensitive to pollen. It's been put down to post nasal drip. I've been recommended new antihistamines and a new inhaler.

Hi OP! I had this a while ago. I had a cough that lasted about 3 months, went away and then it came back about a year later and lasted months. I was on NHS waiting list for ages and I did fear the worst like throat cancer etc.

It turns out it was reflux / post nasal drip. I was given medication and also was told not to drink caffeinated tea or coffee as my first drink in the morning (water and breakfast first) and to limit my intake on certain foods and drinks.

I now haven’t coughed in a couple of months x

There's something going round that matches these symptoms. DP is on week 9 and I've had it for just over a week.

I've had the exact same thing and symptoms, OP. I was unwell from January until around 2 weeks ago. Various rounds of antibiotics for bronchitis and then a chest xray to rule out anything sinister. All clear.

A steroid inhaler cleared it for me, finally. Worth going to your GP and asking for help.

I’m the same, I had a thread. I’ve been ill since Easter and have had antibiotics and am waiting on chest X-ray results. I am also absolutely wiped out to the point I am worried I am developing CFS or something. I had to travel for work yesterday and I feel absolutely awful today, like the worlds worst hangover.

when I've had a cold lately it seems to last forever, particularly the cough. It won't do any harm getting checked though just for some peace of mind

Have you tried taking piriton? If it is a post nasal drip from an allergy then this may help. Hayfever was particularly bad for many this year and you can get it for the first time at any point.

I had similar symptoms for months; clearing my throat. I also had small lumps at the back of my tongue, which was quite worrying. GP and dentist said they could not see anything wrong – perhaps inflamed tongues are normal!
Happened to talk to my sister about this – she had a similar problem, and was referred for an NHS hospittal appointment. The NHS doctor said it was caused by acid reflux, and he was correct.
It cleared up for her after treatment. And the same for me; I changed my eating habits- cut down on corn flakes, biscuits and cakes, which seemed to be my main triggers.
My acid reflux was never obvious to me.

Hi what was this please