I have a chronic severe cough caused by GERD. Is there anything that I can do?

I cannot sleep, barely talk, and the acid in my throat is killing me. I am on Prevacid and Carafate twice a day. I am eating a bland diet and I do not have chrones.

I am not a doctor, so either way you will want to talk to them, but this is what I have to say as a long time sufferer of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.)!

Three part answer information, what not to do, and what to do!

INFORMATION!!!!!!
I have a very severe case of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.). I have had to go to the hospital for some of the heartburn that I have had because the pain can become overwhelming or your breathing can be effected. It can be caused by Smoking, Drinking Beverages with caffeine (My case), Drinking Beverages with Alcohol, or can be Hereditary

The good thing about G.E.R.D. is that it can be a temporary thing and can be cured. It is never a permit thing even if you end up with it for the rest of your life it has the ability to be cured.

G.E.R.D. is caused by too much acid being created in your stomach. This can lead to or cause ulcers, esophagus damage, heartburn and/or damage in the mouth. . Other symptoms that can be found in a few cases are dizziness, tingling in limbs, numbness of Limbs, Chest/Back pain focused on the left side (in most cases), and shortness/difficulty breathing.

WHAT NOT TO DO!!!!!!!!
In most cases, stress is a factor to the reflux if you watch what you eat and reduce some of the stress it will help. If you watch what you eat for about a week you should find relief, if you do not then that is when you definitely what to listen to the doctor. Things to watch for are as follows:

Fatty Foods
Citrus Foods
Foods That Contain Grease
Fried Foods
Chocolate (including any Coco)
Caffeine
Smoking
Alcohol
Tomato Based Products
Lactose
Roughage (Berries and Nuts)
Onions

WHAT TO DO!!!!
The two foods that I recommend is Black strap Molasses and Raw honey. The apple is better for night time reflux while these will work for just about all of it. What you will do is take about a tsp. of whatever one you chose. Molasses being the better because of strength and nutrition, but must be use to the taste. What the substance will do is stick to the sides of the esophagus and do two things, one is heal and the other is protect.
On the healing end, both substances have a healing property in them, and as they sit on the walls of the esophagus they will heal it. This is also helpful if you have a sore throat in the morning from refluxing.
On the protection end, both substances are high in sugar and when acid that is refluxed comes up to that the sugar will neutralize it and it will not longer be a problem at that point.

I would also look to putting Cinnamon and Ginger in you diet, they have been know to help with digestion and will help you reduce the amount of acid needed to brake down food, therefore causing you to reflux less.

See a gerontologist, bye Prilosec and take two per day. One in morning one before you go to bed. If you have a weighht problem loose the weight or it will get worse as you get older.

Eat small frequent meals. Your stomache is only about the size of your fist and when you eat more than that it has no where to go so it backs up. If you are overweight then lose weight. Do not eat or drink and then lie down. Wait 2 hours before lying down. Stay away from mints. Take liquid Gaviscon (2 tablespoons) before bed and up to four times a day and do not drink anything after taking it. You need to be taking the Prevacid at least 30 minutes before eating.

I had the same exact problem, cough so bad they thought I had whooping cough. After alot of tests they found out that the acid would come up the esophagus and leak into by lungs! I was stunned to find out that this is somewhat common. I myself got NO relief from ALL the usual meds. I opted for the nissan fundoplacation surgery (aka stomach wrap). The good thing is I haven't had heartburn from over 4 years, the bad part is I can't burp or vomit. But I would do it again in a heart beat.