Hi there,

Im female and 24 years old. For the past 10 years (at least) I have, on average, 2 or 3 times a year developed an awful dry cough that can last up to a month or so at a time. Its difficult to explain how bad this cough can get - I have coughed up mucus on occassions, I keep my family awake at night and during bad phases of it my whole body shakes and eyes tear up its so violent. It is as if I can constantly feel something at the back of my throat (when I have the cough) like a hair that is making me cough to try and bring it up.

This cough has led me to having to walk out of exams, miss class, work etc therefore as you can imagine I have totally had enough.

The cough usually comes about after I have had the cold, or when I am in stressful situations - therefore it bascially happnes when I am most vulnerable. Although for the past few years, I take loads of vitamins etc to build a strong defense system.

I have been to my doctors literally dozens of times for this, and have tried things like inhalors, antibiotics and allergy sprays - nothing has worked.

A few months ago I demanded I get referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist - however, when my appointment came along, I did not have the cough at the time (therefore could not feel something at the back of my throat), the specialist put a camera up my nose and down my throat to have a look and said everything looked normal...nightmare! I wished she seen something...I convinced myself I had a growth on my throat that could be chopped off and I would be normal! She said she thought it might be a stress cough, but I don't think so as I also get it when I just have the cold and am not stressed at all.

I really don't know what to do now, but one thing is for sure, I can't go on with this cough....I am in the final 6 months of my Masters degree and can't afford to continue to suffer from this, therefore any advice or help would be MUCHLY appreciated!

Many, many thanks,
Ali