Worried About My Health

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Let me start with the basics.

I don't smoke, I don't drink, and my diet is reasonable, although in between meals I have known to pick the odd biscuit or two, and have sometimes had junk food for lunch/dinner.

I do some Exercise, but I am not sure if I am doing enough. I walk my dogs almost every day, I do alot of walking. I did start going on the Wii Fit but sometimes don't have the time to keep it up.

I am only concerned as recently I am constantly thirsty, (and still am whilst typing this), even though I drink enough fluids (either water or juice) to out-do a Camel. I went to the Doctor to make sure I was not Diabetic and he checked me out. Urine's fine, Blood Test went alright and he said was fit as a fiddle.

I then developed a really heavy whooping sort of cough. Went back to the Doctor and was given a Peak Flow Meter just in case there was a chance it could be a mild form of Asthma. I've recorded my readings in the chart and they seem to be even. I don't think the cough is viral as I've had it for ages, and it doesn't seem to clear up regardless of taking Cough Medicine etc. Sometimes, I get into a coughing fit to the point where I can't breathe.

I also have a BMI of 25, and a small history of Diabetes on my Dad's side of the family. I also don't know what my Cholesterol is, but I imagine it's average/above average.

The only medication I'm on is Citalopram, and that doesn't really affect me at all.

I was only a little worried about my health, and wondering if my lifestyle needs adjusting. I am rather round in build, but have been complimented that whilst growing upwards I have lost weight. So, should I just be cautious with my lifestyle, or am I talking rubbish?

Forgive me if I sound like a hypochondriac, but I'm only just curious for my health for both the short and long term.

You must go back to your doctor if the cough is still persistant as there are other causes that need to be ruled out.

http://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_cough/article.htm

I'll be going to the doctors in a week or 2, and will definitely bring this up.

That is a good idea, I suffered for years with chest/back pain and heartburn after eating and did nothing about it. Eventually I had tests and had been suffering reflux disease all along and the excess acid was doing my oesophagus no favours.

That causes my persistant cough.

Thankyou CosmicRuss.

And also the persistent thirst. Maybe something funky in the pathway of hormones and chemical signals of which the pituitary is only part?

And in the meantime, maybe 50-50 between water and sports drink or two-thirds water one-third sports drink?

Sure. Been doing that for a while now. A glass of OJ for breakfast, and usually water instead of juice throughout the day.

Maybe keep track of how many liters of water you drink a day?

Both for your own information and to be able to tell a doctor, Look, I am drinking x number of liters a day.


(PS In some ways I tend to idealize the UK. But I'm sure you guys have your issues, too, and I bet some doctors are just terrible listeners.)

Yeah, will do.

Going to see the Doc tomorrow so, I'll post back what he said...If he says anything at all.

Good luck.

I used to be insanely thirsty like that, happened most when I was on vitamins. I do have a chronic cough/hack but it comes from hiatal hernia. Do you have constant heartburn or feel short of breath? Hiatal hernia or GERD can be a cause of that.

Thanks CosmicRuss.

No heartburn or shortness of breath.

Well, I showed him The Peak Flow Meter I've been keeping track of.

He said the coughing is a symptom of very very very very mild asthma. To the point where it's difficult to diagnose, and could be regarded as normal.

He's given me a 'TurboHaler' containing Terbutaline. And should only using during a coughing episode (or when the peak flow dips). Then, record the level again 20 minutes after using the inhaler.

The thirst I'm just guessing is normal. I do take Multivitamins going back to the Vitamins techstep, so it might be them? I don't know.

You might just try eating well instead, taking a fiber supplement perhaps and being sure to put olive oil or things like that on bread or salads to insure your mono/polyunsaturated fat intake. For me I always had side effects from vitamin use. Not sure why aside from the possibility that cravings are perhaps our best compass and that we all have varying needs for different nutrients, taking an arbitrary amount may be helpful for some and bad for others. Also, if you have anything that goes wild and starts giving you 5000% + RDA of B Vitamins and things like that, you're guaranteed to feel something is off, perhaps even pee neon green (which is a sure sign you're getting way too much).

Ok then. Thanks techstep.