What Would Cause Hacking Cough For Over A Year, Clear Phlegm Leading To Sinus Issues In A Smoker?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 Answered on

Fri, 9 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a hacking cough for over a year. Now it is bringing up clear phelgm and causing sinus issues. It only happens when I lay down, drink or eat. I have had an xray and XXXXXXX test for my lungs. All are clear. I am frustrated as the headaches caused by these fits of coughing are painful. I am not having trouble breathing between the coughing attacks. I am female 55 years, slim weight, lifetime smoker.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion follows

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The cough occurs when you lie down, eat or drink. These suggest a cough secondary to a stimulus of the food pipe. In the instance of lying down, you may be having a reflux of acid into the esophagus (food pipe) and this produces a reflux cough. When you eat and drink, the esophagus is stimulated by the same.

Try the following:

- Avoid spicy, carbonated or caffeinated foods and drinks.
- Do not lie down immediately after food or drink. There should be a gap of at least two hours.
- Elevate the head end of your bed with six inch blocks. No use of raising your head on pillows as it only aggravates the reflux.
- Stop smoking.

These might be sufficient, if not medicines have to be considered.

Do get back to me after you have tried these measures.

Regards,
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar