Sudden coughing fits?

okay im to the poit where im about to go insane! i keep having these very sudden and random coughing fits. they started out small just here and there every few days and now its about 6 or 7 times a day. just all of a sudden i get a light tickle in the back of my throat and of course i cough but then i cant stop and i eventually have to lean against something and i can barely breath during this and co workers and family have said my head and face turn red. and i sometimes even have to gasp for my breath. these fits last about 3 or 4 minuets but ae getting worse by the day. i know i should go to the doctor but when im not having a fit im perfectly fine and healthy. its weird but i want the doctor to be my VERY last resort.