Persistent Coughing and Throat Pain: Your Symptoms

The cough won't stop, causing vomiting and uncontrollable tears?

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing sudden sharp pain in a specific spot in my throat for a long time, which causes me to cough uncontrollably, sometimes to the point of gagging (with nothing coming up).
I also experience excessive tearing (which happens involuntarily).
This lasts for about five minutes and is very distressing, making me feel like I’m going to pass out (others see me coughing very badly).
I quickly drink water, which sometimes helps stop the coughing; other times, it just gets worse.
I visited an ENT specialist and received medication, but there has been no improvement, and the episodes still occur suddenly.
Could you please tell me what might be wrong with me?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/08

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the situation you described is most likely chronic pharyngitis.
I recommend seeking medical attention for a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses, as well as medication treatment.
In addition to medication, please observe the following lifestyle precautions: avoid lying down for two hours after eating, and refrain from coffee, tea, cigarettes, alcohol, fried foods, and spicy foods, as these can help improve symptoms.
Additionally, conditions such as post-nasal drip, sinusitis, chronic tonsillitis, bronchial or lung diseases may also produce similar symptoms, so it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.
Wishing you safety and health.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Chi Chao-Yun,
Director of the ENT Department, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/12/08

More Info

Persistent coughing and throat pain can be distressing symptoms that significantly affect your quality of life. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing episodes of sharp throat pain localized to a specific area, accompanied by uncontrollable coughing that sometimes leads to gagging or vomiting. This situation can be quite uncomfortable and may require a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

There are several potential reasons for your symptoms:
1. Postnasal Drip: This is one of the most common causes of throat irritation and coughing. When mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat, it can cause irritation, leading to a persistent cough and throat pain. This often occurs with allergies, sinus infections, or colds.

2. Allergic Reactions: Allergies to dust, pollen, pet dander, or certain foods can cause throat irritation and coughing. If you have a history of allergies, this could be a contributing factor.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can lead to throat irritation and coughing. The acid from the stomach can travel up the esophagus and irritate the throat, causing pain and a cough reflex.

4. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause throat pain and coughing. Conditions such as pharyngitis or laryngitis can lead to localized pain and coughing fits. If you have had a recent upper respiratory infection, this could be a lingering effect.

5. Throat Irritants: Exposure to smoke, pollution, or strong odors can irritate the throat and lead to coughing. If you are in an environment with such irritants, it may exacerbate your symptoms.

6. Chronic Cough Syndrome: This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions. If your cough persists, it may be worth exploring these possibilities.

Given that you have already consulted an ENT specialist and have not seen improvement, it may be beneficial to consider the following steps:
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when your symptoms occur, their duration, and any potential triggers (e.g., certain foods, activities, or environmental factors). This information can help your healthcare provider identify patterns and potential causes.

- Consider Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected, testing can help identify specific allergens that may be contributing to your symptoms.

- Re-evaluate with a Gastroenterologist: If GERD is a possibility, a gastroenterologist can assess your symptoms and may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to manage acid reflux.

- Pulmonary Evaluation: If your cough persists, a pulmonologist can evaluate for conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

- Hydration and Humidification: Staying well-hydrated and using a humidifier can help soothe throat irritation and reduce coughing.

- Avoid Irritants: If you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke, consider quitting or reducing exposure. Additionally, avoid strong odors and pollutants whenever possible.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to a variety of conditions, a comprehensive evaluation is essential to pinpoint the exact cause. Persistent symptoms warrant further investigation, and working closely with your healthcare providers will help you find the most effective treatment plan. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Cough and Throat Discomfort: Understanding ENT Issues

I have been coughing for over two months without improvement, and recently I have been feeling unusually fatigued. I have a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, I am coughing up phlegm, and occasionally I experience dry heaving when I cough.

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended that the ENT outpatient clinic conduct examinations of the upper and lower respiratory tracts for safety.

Understanding Persistent Cough and Sore Throat in Military Settings

Hello, doctor. I am currently serving in the military, and I have been experiencing symptoms since early October. It started with an itchy throat, and after about two days, I developed a sore throat and a cough. After noticing these symptoms, I visited a clinic and received medic...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, it seems more like pharyngitis or tracheal allergy. I recommend drinking plenty of warm water, maintaining a regular schedule, and ensuring adequate sleep, which should help improve your condition. If necessary, you can consult an otolaryngologis...

Understanding Cough and Laryngitis: Symptoms, Remedies, and Recovery

Hello, doctor. Let me explain my condition starting from last week. It began when I suddenly developed a fever while at work, and my throat was extremely painful, to the point where I couldn't speak or swallow. After resting overnight, I went to see a doctor the next morning...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, laryngitis usually improves gradually over time, but it is important to alleviate the coughing symptoms first, as severe coughing can lead to persistent inflammation of the vocal cords. Medical treatment may be necessary to improve the condition. For self-care, it is recom...

Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

I usually experience symptoms of a cold that start with a sore throat, where I feel like there's something stuck when swallowing. The discomfort worsens day by day, making it uncomfortable even when I'm not swallowing. After that, I begin to have nasal congestion and a ...

Dr. Chen Duliang reply Otolaryngology
Hello Sophia: Basically, upper respiratory infections can be aided by a balanced and adequate diet, as well as proper rest, to help the body recover more quickly. Please visit our ENT department for a detailed examination and treatment. Wishing you health and happiness, Dr. Chen.