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After thyroid surgery I have a bad cough with phlegm: Why? What helps?
Thyroid Cancer | Last Active: Oct 30 10:17am | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
Hello,
After my mother had a total thyroidectomy, her coughing started, and now it’s been 7 months, and the coughing, along with clear phlegm, still continues. During the surgery, her left vocal cord was paralyzed, but now her voice has recovered by about 80%. However, the coughing persists.
We’ve checked everything, including her lungs and acid reflux, but the doctors haven’t reached any specific conclusions and just keep telling us to wait. I’m really worried about her because she can’t sleep at night due to the coughing.
I would appreciate it if you could suggest a solution.
Replies to "Hello, After my mother had a total thyroidectomy, her coughing started, and now it’s been 7..."
@shohreh, I can imagine that you and your mother are worried about the coughing and what it might mean. One always leaps to the possibility of recurrence. I'm glad that her doctors have thoroughly investigated to rule out any obvious issues. But this still leaves you with fear and the cough. And you both need to have good nights' sleep to recovery and reduce stress.
You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Thyroidectomy: Still have a constant cough 3 months later. Normal? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thyroidectomy-1/
Might it help for your mom to sleep slightly elevated? She could try elevating the legs of the bed slightly or adding a pillow.
Try saline up her nose. Might break up the phlegm. Helps me in the morning.
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she also underwent radioiodine therapy one month after her surgery, and her white blood cell and platelet counts have dropped below normal.
Is this something to worry about?
Could the coughing be a sign of cancer recurrence or secondary cancer due to the radioiodine therapy?