About 3 weeks ago, I started to have a dry cough. It gradually got worse to the point where I could not get to sleep or I would wake up a few times a night coughing. I finally had to tilt the bed up so that I was somewhat elevated. I did go to see the doctor and he prescribed antibiotics and a cough syrup. I finished both, but they did not help. I am now on my second round of antibiotics, prednisone and an inhaler. The cough has somewhat gotten better, but I am still coughing quite frequently. The cough is non-productive and does cause me to have problems getting a good breath. I have coughed to the point of gagging as well. I do not seem to have any other symptoms. No fever, no headaches, sneezing or anything like that. I am a smoker so I am concerned that it may be something serious. I have a pulmonary function test scheduled for this month.