I’ve been lurking in this thread for awhile now and finally decided to share my story and ask for any insights.

I’m 6’4 340 lbs (always been really big, used to play football) with no history of any health issues. I started noticing a chronic cough after a bout with pneumonia a few years ago. Thinking it was related I let it go but it has never resolved.

Most of the time it’s a slight cough but it sometimes becomes deep from the chest (almost like when I had bronchitis or pneumonia). For most of this time I haven’t had the traditional bad reflux although I get it every so often. I clear my throat constantly and snore often according to my wife. I have a chronic sore throat. I sometimes feel out of breath especially on short walks but weirdly when I run (I’m fairly active) it goes away. I usually wake up feeling like I can breathe like a champ and it gets worse throughout the day cough and shortness of breath size. Lastly I’ve had more anxiety over the last year (new job, newborn baby, etc.) that I feel has definitely exacerbated my condition.

I’ve gone to an allergist, ENT, etc. All have mentioned suspecting GERD (since it also seems to be exacerbated by fatty foods, coffee and wine). I was finally put on PPIs (day 3 - No improvements yet in fact I’m now nauseaous and feel like my reflux is worse) but hopeful in long term. I’m gonna cut out coffee and switch to tea and try to bland-ify my diet (also trying to lose weight).

I may seek a chest X-ray to make sure it isn’t any longer term residual infection from pneumonia. I’m also hoping it’s not adult onset asthma.

Any thoughts or advice?