What Causes Tickling Sensation In Throat And Coughing?

hi, Ive had a tickly throat since the beginning of the summer. When I get an attack my eyes start streaming & I'm coughing like mad to get rid of the tickle. I have the feeling having inhaled water & it takes my breath away. My doctor gave me hayfever pills & tried all of the others over the counter. I still suffer real bad attacks maybe up to 10 times a day. I am an ex smoker. Do you know if it is anything else other than hayfever if it was that in the first place? Thankyou, Martha