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(from a nurse)In a person who has a normal chest x-ray and who doesn’t smoke the most common causes of cough are postnasal drip, chronic sinus problem, heartburn, and asthma. A chronic cough can also be a side effect of a group of medicines used to treat high blood pressure called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the back flow of stomach contents, including digestive juices, into the esophagus or food tube. This is most commonly called acid reflux or heartburn. This acid reflux can come all the way up into the mouth and nose. When this happens the material can be aspirated, dribbling into the windpipe and lungs. This could explain your cough.

Acid reflux can cause the following symptoms:
· Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth;
· Pain occurring in the middle of the chest;
· Coughing and/or choking while lying down;
· Increased trouble breathing while asleep; and
· Even no symptoms at all. This is called “silent reflux” and it is common.

A trial of Prilosec® (omeprazole) or Pepcid® (famotidine) would not hurt. Please check with your doctor about this possibility to be sure this is the best treatment for you.

speak with your obgyn before taking any medications but as many of you I had the same issue after having an upper and lower conjestion. I was able to releive the symptoms with my antacids, saline for my nose, a humidifier with solumel, making sure my home was toxins free (so no allergins), Plenty of fluids and sleeping on a slight incline until the nasal drip and ended. gaudet@iglide.net

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