Sorry to hear you are having problems. Have you had a barium swallow done? It's a simple test where the doctor watches to see images as you swallow liquid and solids. It can show if you are aspirating anything when you swallow, which happens to us PWPs. I had that, and went to a speech therapist, who watched me swallow, and gave me exercises that improve my swallowing - no more cough! Especially if you notice that you're coughing during/after eating.

I had a cough for months and doctors did all of the tests and found out that I had acid reflux. I didn’t have any chest pain or burning sensation or anything normal for acid reflux. After being on a couple of medications this coughing stopped. I normally don’t follow the normal symptoms of things and this is why it took so long for me to get answers and a diagnosis of PD. Just keep searching for answers even if it means changing doctors.

Have either one of you had a Swallow Test? With PD your swelling ability can be affected, food or saliva can be aspirated into your lungs resulting in numerous complications. Check out YouTube, lots of information.

I've had the cough experience. Part of the problem was that I had an adverse reaction to Lisinopril so changing to another medication helped. I also went to a speech therapist and the exercises helped, but when I was in Rehab they tried a TENs Unit. It was used on my throat about 10 minutes daily. Made a HUGE difference with my coughing and swallowing problems.

My speech therapist gave me exercises to do which help a lot, both with swallowing and with speech. Of course, you have to do them every day, which is always a challenge. I use a straw with thicker liquids, like the smoothie I have with breakfast - makes it easier to swallow with chin tucked.