Chronic acid cough treatments aren't helping

[MountainReader]

I was diagnosed with reflux about 6 years ago. My primary symptom is a chronic cough without heartburn. At times it is really intense. The reflux is also aggrevating my asthma that also has a symptom of a chronic cough. I have done all of the traditional things (no eating hours before bed, low fat diet, raised bed, sleeping on left, etc...) over the years with no luck. I have also had no luck with Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid 2x/day, Nexium 2x/day, and Aciphex 2x/day with supplementation of Gaviscon. I am getting ready to start with Zegrid, althought I am not holding out much hope since I had no luck with the Prilosec.

Testing is showing that I have some "serious" reflux. I have been lucky though that my recent EGD doesn't show any damage. Manometry confirms my LES isn't functioning properly. My 24 hr Ph two years ago showed reflux 40% of the time. Recent Modified Barium Swallow and Esophagram showed food and acid refluxing and a transient hiatal hernia. I am set for another 24 hr Ph in two weeks.

My cough has been almost non-stop this summer despite aggressive acid and asthma treatment. I have had visits with my Pulmonologist who referred me back to my GI doc so that is where I am focusing now. I am heading towarRAB looking at the surgical route, Nissen Fundoplication, for some help. From what I have read it only has about 70% success with my types of symptoms though. I just feel like I am running out options. Anyone out there have any thoughts or experiences they can share?

 

[sunshine123]

I'm sorry that none of the meRAB. or lifestyle changes have helped you. I had a Nissen about 10 years ago, but I only had relief for 2 months. I had horrible side effects from the meRAB. that I had tried before the surgery. The surgery has worked for others though. My suggestion is to find the best surgeon who has performed many Nissen Fundoplications successfully. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.