I have had this persistent cough for the last five years. I have asthma. I don't smoke, and have not in over 17 years. I have been having chest pains off and on. little pain in back left shoulder. My left arm falls asleep when I am sleeping and it tingles (hurts) and I wake up and shake it. The chest pain is persistent little stabbing feelings. I get really anxious when this happens. Headaches too. Any suggestions. i do not have insurance right now.

Well i think it is because of asthma that you are exoeriencing these after effects. Asthma weakens whole body immune system. You should go for natural treatment of Asthma rather then taking any string medicines which suppress effects of asthma.

Try to consult with a homeopathic doctor and take homeopthy medicines which are natural medicines free from all side effects.

If your cough is due to asthma, then traditional treatments like ayurveda can help, because it treats the cause rather than the symtoms. But it could be due to other causes too, like allergy to something in the environment you are living in. Here are a couple of examples - a friend of mine was posted to south asia for some time. He developed a persistent cough, and it was not due to any illness. He was affected by the fumes of some chemical that was used commonly there for repelling mosquitoes. When he stopped using it at his home, so did the cough. I know of a relative who had a persistent cough, which was due to the hypertension medication she was taking. Once the medication was changed, it solved the problem.

I think you should go and have a complete medical check up done. Does your family have any history of heart diseases or any other ailments? When you consult your physician be sure to discuss this issue also with him/her. Your symptoms should not be taken lightly as it may be a mere precursor to something major. Please take care and consult a specialist immediately!