"Chronic cough"

I have had a chronic cough for about 30 years. I have two or 3 flare ups every year, often requiring steroid treatment and visits to A&E. I have attacks of coughing and choking which can result in me vomiting and wetting myself. I have also had to go to the opticians for check ups as coughing affects my eyes and they can get very bloodshot. It is very debilitating and seriously affects my quality of life. Over the years I have been referred to ENT and respiratory specialists. I have also had checks to see if my stomach is the cause of the problem. Recently I was prescribed codeine and slow release morphine tablets which help to suppress the cough. I only take these as and when I need them.

My SALT consultation was very beneficial. Your therapist gave me advice and exercises to do to to try to help me in the future. She spent a long time with me, was very interested in my story and followed my appointment up with a phone call. I can also contact her if I need further help in the future. My voice and throat are always affected when my cough is at its worse, and I wish I had been referred to SALT a lot earlier that I had. I am very grateful for seeing the SALT therapist and am always open to anything new that can help me. I have also paid for allergy testing in Glasgow, to see if that could throw any light on my cough. However, all tests were negative. Thank you for your help and in particular, seeing me in Stranraer.