Interesting post. I had a very similar (still do, but not as bad) condition a couple of years ago. It started with a terrible sinus infection, for which I finally, after multiple ENT visits, had a steroid injection right into my sinus cavity. But other symptoms, such as you describe, became an issue. The coughing was continuous for four months, and no one could figure it out. Before an accurate diagnosis, I eventually saw 8 doctors, including an allergist who tested for everything and found nothing, apart from typical hayfever, which I knew about. This was all happening during the winter.
The first time someone suggested that it could be silent reflux [Silent reflux, also called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a type of reflux in which stomach contents flow backward into the larynx (the voice box), back of the throat, and nasal passages. The word “silent” comes into play because the reflux doesn’t always cause outward symptoms], I totally disregarded it. This was an accupuncturist, who I had finally tried in desperation.
I rarely had the typical symptoms of GERD; IOW, no indigestion, no burning of the throat, though I did have frequent sore throats and always thought it was “yet another cold.” Every morning, head, sinuses, ears clogged, and a few hours of morning coughing. The next time another ENT suggested LPR, I thought he was a quack. I told this one that I had noticed part of my throat was numb. Went to yet another doc, who suggested it again, but this time prescribed antacids and said “don’t drink red wine or eat chocolate or tomatoes.” Now I started listening, but got no real relief.
FINALLY went to a new ENT who put a scope down my throat, saw that it was red, explained exactly what was going on and basically prescribed an acid-free diet. I purchased the book he recommended. I think it’s called the Acid Watcher Diet. Longer story shorter, I purchased a wedge pillow (helped a lot) and adopted a completely acid-free diet for several months, which pretty much resolved the problem.
I now eat normally. The key lasting changes: no more red wine, no orange juice, never eat later than three hours before bedtime, take antacids BEFORE a spicy meal. I occasionally cheat and regret it. My diet improved, although I was always a pretty healthy eater anyway.
If indeed you have LPR, what’s going on is that the acids flowing back into your throat and sinuses are causing mucus to build up as a defense mechanism. Naturally, your body wants to clear that mucus, which is why you cough and have post nasal drip.
Ask your doctor about this. Good luck.