Chronic cough

In 2016, I returned from a trip to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest with a cold and a lingering cough. It wasn't the usual chest-clearing kind, but a dry, hacking cough that plagued me day and night. I hoped it would fade on its own. But weeks turned into months, and the cough became my unwelcome companion.

Finally, I sought help from my internist. Reflux emerged as the prime suspect and medication became my new regimen.Weeks of diligent use yielded no improvement. Determined to find a solution, I read books and implemented lifestyle changes. Disappointingly, none of these efforts helped.

A year later, a CT scan revealed a new twist - bronchiectasis along with the possibility of a MAC infection. A referral to a pulmonologist shifted the focus, however, the nagging doubt about reflux persisted. I asked my pulmonologist for a consultation with a gastroenterologist, leading to a battery of tests. All were normal.

I kept on thinking about a book I had read called “Chronic Cough Enigma" by Dr. Jamie Kouffman. The book discussed the potential link between chronic cough and vagus nerve dysfunction, suggesting amitriptyline as a possible remedy. I discussed this with my GI doctor who agreed it was worth a shot.

The amitriptyline trial proved short-lived. The side effects, a constant daze, were unbearable. Yet, during that week, my cough subsided. With newfound optimism, I continued solely with the Aerobika. The transformation was remarkable. The urge to cough, the constant irritation – all significantly diminished.

Sharing my amitriptyline trial has always been a source of hesitation. Did it truly make a difference or was it simply the daily airway clearance doing its job? Perhaps the amitriptyline quieted down a hypersensitivity, allowing airway clearance to function more effectively.

Advocating for that trial, for exploring all possibilities, instilled in me a sense of empowerment. This experience serves as a reminder: the path to wellness is not always linear.
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Persistence, a willingness to question and open communication with healthcare professionals are all crucial tools for those of us living BE.

By becoming an active participant in my own healthcare journey, I was able to find a path to feeling better and being able to resume enjoyable activities without fear of coughing.

Although bronchiectasis is a chronic disease, we can still try our best to eliminate symptoms that get in the way of us living our best life.

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