The Embarassing Tickle.

This post is sponsored by Bisolvon Dry Honey Lime Pastilles.

When I was in Year 11, our exams were held in the big hall on our school grounds.

Row upon row of single desks and chairs, and a foreboding silence as hundreds of girls madly filled page after page with the contents of their head, hoping that they’d paid attention and wishing they had studied more.

I sat in my English exam and madly filled the pages along with them, trying to ignore a tickle in my throat.

The harder I tried to ignore it, the ticklier it got.

I swallowed and tried a little cough to clear my throat.

Ticklier still.

I covered my mouth, and coughed as quietly as I could in that silent room… tears started running down my cheeks from the effort of silencing that tickle. But it would not be silenced.

The students around me turned and stared. The supervising teacher on the stage glared at me and indicated to another teacher that maybe someone should come and talk to me.

Cough cough random sneeze cough, echoing around the room.

My nose was running at this stage too. A teacher took pity on me and supervised my way to the toilets so I could have a drink of water. Finally the tickle had met its match, as I was marched red faced and sore throated back to my seat to complete my exam.

I got a B on it from memory.

To this day in situations where silence is necessary, quite often that dry tickle cough will return. I’ve decided since that it is some sort of nervous reaction, and a very unpleasant one at that.

Meeting someone I respect? Tickle.
Trying to maintain a very serious conversation? Tickle cough.
About to step on stage for a public speaking gig? Tickle cough splutter.

At least these days I am well prepared, as I always have a packet of pastilles and a bottle of water with me. That embarrassing tickle has me well trained.

Bisolvon have a Facebook Page called I hate people coughing on my head, which is a good name because who doesn’t hate that?

I want to hear your dry cough catastrophes! I’m giving away three $50 iTunes cards (courtesy of Bisolvon).

To enter, please leave a comment telling me your own dry cough catastrophe. The three most creative and entertaining comments will score themselves an iTunes card, nice right?!

Are they as embarrassing as mine?

Terms and Conditions
Giveaway open to Australian residents only.
Employees or family of the Promoter are not eligible to enter.
Entries close 5pm (AEST) on Saturday 22nd September 2012.
Winners will be selected on the strength of their answers (game of skill) and no correspondence will be entered into.
Winners will be notified by 24/9/12.
Winners will be notified by email and announced at Kate Says Stuff.
Your entries may be shared via the Kate Says Stuff and I Hate Coughing Facebook Pages.
Any entries posted by the Promoter to Facebook will be accompanied by the first name you use to post your comment.

Good luck!!


* For more information about Bisolvon products visit www.bisolvon.com.au or speak with your local pharmacist, doctor or nurse practitioner.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.