Question: I was stationed in sicily in 1987 and became ill with chill and flu like symtoms. After I recovered in about a week I started having recurring chronic coughs that last about three weeks and reoccur without fail about every 45 to 60 days. The cough grows in intensity and ends with less intensity. The cough goes from hacking to intense with runny nose, eyes, and choking with loss of voice momentarily. The cough is so intense at times that it hurts my chest and head. My ears are sensitive and can cause coughing at the touch. I am 68 and the cough has returned without fail since I was 37. Doctors initially prescribed various allergy medicines. They did not work as this is not an allergy since it reoccurs practically on schedule. Towards the end of the coughing spell there is accumulation of yellowish kernel substance in my throat. Once that is gone the coughing spell leaves. During the coughing episode, I am very sensitive to many odors including perfumes, gasoline, etc. When I eat anything crunchy or caustic like chocolates, I cough very strongly and gag to the point of choking and losing my breath and voice. When I am not in the coughing cycle, nothing bothers me. I have seen many ENT specialists while in military and as civilian across the country with no help.

By the way, I don't get plegm production or mucous. It seems like there is a drainage with the sensation something like a straw stick in my throat which causes the cough. during the cough my throat can be very dry. I have never smoked.