Chronic cough after lung surgery: What helps? Rehab?

Posted by kevc517 @kevc517, Jul 26, 2024

This is our first post and appreciated any advice that anyone might provide.
My wife (70 y/o, quit smoking 40 years ago) had right upper lung lobectomy 3 months ago and diagnosed with NSCLC, stage 1. Her only symptom before surgery was a persistent cough. The cough continues and has worsened in the last few weeks. Fortunately, the cough does not occur at night but only during the day when she is doing normal house activities, walking, talking, riding her bike etc. We are being told the cough may last for several months but it is sapping her energy (She says “I’m a barking dog” ). She was prescribed albuterol but it has not helped. She has no fever, negative for Covid and takes her OTC allergy meds daily. Her chest X-ray this week was normal ( this was a big relief!). Overall, she is in good health and her medical care has been very responsive and caring.
I have not seen "cough after lung surgery" as a discussion point in this forum unless I missed and wondering if anyone has tried pulmonary rehab or has another idea?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

pmgranahan | @pmgranahan | Mar 1 7:37am

In reply to @camorton47 "My upper right lobe resection (thoracotomy) was done 8 weeks ago. Cough and breathlessness are persistent...." + (show)

You had a lot more trauma to your body than I did. You may be expecting too much too soon also. My cough is finally subsiding a bit and fisherman’s Friend lozenges work pretty good. Also stay well at all costs. I got a virus which exacerbated my cough. Keep clear of sick people or large crowds. You are in my prayers.

pmgranahan | @pmgranahan | Mar 1 7:40am

In reply to @kevc517 "Hi pmg… & any others who may asked about my wife’s cough. Thank you & sorry..." + (show)

So good to hear!!! Thank you for the response.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 4 12:12pm

In reply to @mbeazy "Same Dec 19 2024 11 or 12 week post op and I have a swollen through..." + (show)

@mbeazy , This sounds miserable. I hope your test goes well tomorrow. Have you asked your doctors about any remedies, inhalers, or possibly oral steroid?

carolman210 | @carolman210 | Mar 19 7:59am

I had a lobectomy a month ago and have experiencing a cough when I move around. I hope I am not building up fluid. Out of curiosity, how do they drain fluid out of your lungs?

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 22 2:09pm

In reply to @lls8000 "@mbeazy , This sounds miserable. I hope your test goes well tomorrow. Have you asked your..." + (show)

@mbeazy , How are you feeling? Have you learned any more?

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 22 2:16pm

In reply to @carolman210 "I had a lobectomy a month ago and have experiencing a cough when I move around...." + (show)

@carolman210 , Fluid can be common with any lung related trauma. Generally, a procedure called a Thoracentesis is performed to remove fluid around your lung. I haven't had this done, but it's generally considered to be well tolerated.

From Mayo's web site:
"Thoracentesis. In this procedure, a local numbing agent (anesthetic) is injected between your ribs to the area where fluid was seen on your imaging studies. Next a needle is inserted through your chest wall between your ribs to remove fluid for lab analysis. Removing fluid can also help you breathe better. The needle is usually inserted with the help of ultrasound guidance."

carolman210 | @carolman210 | Mar 22 5:45pm

Thank you for your reply, I hope I never need this procedure.

View More View Less

Please sign in or register to post a reply.