Has Anyone Had Any Trouble With A Dry Cough After General Anesthesia Post Abdominal Surgery?

May 27, 2010
Hi - Just had my gallbladder out and have spasmodic coughing that keeps me awake at night and coughing during the day. I have tried about 6 different kinds of cough suppressants and they all work to a point, but leave a bad taste and I feel I am overdosing on them.  My surgeon really did not offer any help regarding the cough, and his secretary said she has never heard of anyone having a cough after surgery. However when I went back to the Emergency Department, the doctor there said it was common side effect of having the anaesthesia tube inserted down my throat. Even the pharmacist knew about it. I felt put down by my doctor and his secretary's denial of this common side effect, and the way I felt they brushed off of my concerns. I went to a clinic and the doctor (who also knew about coughing related to the tube insertion) is trying 3 days of a steroid, prednisone 50mg at 1 pill a day. I am in day one.  He thinks that will reduce any inflammation and settle down the cough. My job requires I talk on the phone, so I literally can't do my job, plus the coughing and the cough candies make me feel sick. Still it's only been 11 days since surgery and it seems the surgery is healing fine. So, the only challenge is the cough. I'll let you know how if the steroids work. Regards, Mary

Hi... I just had surgery on Tuesday(May 12, 2009). Yes, I too have had a chronic cough, dry & annoying! ( So much so that I have gagged from it too much info right? ). I was told that the anesthesia and the fentenayl(sp??) could be the cause. I have had lots of water, I have tried some deep breathing. I took a prescription cough suppressant called tussionex it is magical. Be careful it has codeine in it, so if anyone is one pain medication make sure of the dosage. I need to be reminded that I have had surgery and to be patient with the process. (biopsy of a nerofibroma on the neck, on the sympathetic nerve.) I have VonReclinghausen Disease. ( NF1) Good luck everyone and allow the healing process to continue. Hacking away can be so hard on one's sleep and one's nerves. Hang in there all recovering friends out there... Kate

I woke up coughing following minor surgery and I've been coughing up mucus every morning since--I'm now at 2 days post-op and I think I'm doing better but I've coughed so much my stomach and chest are very sore and painful.

I had my gallbladder removed and this chronic cough starter a week and half later and its been 4 weeks now and not finding any relief. I went to the hospital and at first they said it was viral bronchitis and nothing was given and two weeks later I went to the hospital again and they gave an antibiotic and Ventolin due that I am shocking during my sleep and wake up grasping for air.....do not know what is going on, but I am really exhausted for not sleeping well and started to believe it has to do with the anesthesia and the surgery....

I had my gall bladder removed on 19 March 2010, I woke up to hear the medical staff saying they have never experienced anyone coughing like this.  I was kept in and given oxygen and Nebulizers.  My wounds ache from the jerking during coughing, one week later I'm still coughing and even more worrying, I have a slight tremor in my right hand and ive developed a stammer...whats going on! Lady D

I have been coughing now for 10 days since my surgery but you say only a day or two - any ideas? Thanks

Yes, I too have developed a dry cough following two surgeries just 3 days ago - hysterscopy, d&c, fibroid removal and a second procedure of uterine embolization.  I am a strong and health person but am plagued by this unexplained dry, hacking, cough!  Any insight would be greatly appreciated!  J

Since my February 26, 2010,Transurethral Resection of Bladder Neck Contracture procedure (TURBNC) to open/remove scar tissue, I have been continually coughing. I have been to several docotrs who prescribed many mediactions which had no affect on my cough.  On April 16, 2010, I went to a a hospital's emergency room, and a CT showed that I have right vocal cord paralysis. On April 26, 2010, I was seen by an ENT Otolaryngology surgeon who has me scheduled for a May 5, 2010, videostrobe of my vocal cords in action. I feel that the anesthesialogist who was present during my February 26, 2010, surgery damaged my vocal cords.

Yes and you will have this coughing for a day or two due to the endotrachel tube that was inserted into your throat during surgery. Plus it is good that you can cough to get the anesthesia effects out of your body.

I had an appendectomy (appendix taken out) and was also given anesthesia, but mine was just a gas mask.  It happened two nights ago and today I have a horrible cough that draws out mucus.  Every time I cough it feels like my insides are ripping apart..  I don't have any info about it yet I will call my surgeon tomorrow and/or go to the docs.  Anyways the past and following weeks have and will suck, and be painful.

I had abdominal surgery with muscle repair to my abdominal muscles 9 days ago. For the past 5 days I've been coughing all day!! I've been bringing up phlegm only in the morning, but this is driving me crazy and it really , really hurts to cough. I'm almost at my wits end. I was under anesthetic for 2 1/2 hrs and had a tube down my throat, but this feels more like a cold. UGH!

Sounds like the tickle is a common side effect of anaesthetic procedures. Best to bear it and avoid coughing as much as possible to avoid further irritation. If it doesn't go away in a reasonable time frame it may be an issue.

Mullein tea - find some pronto - steep 5-8 minutes and add honey. Mullein has been used for centuries for respiratory ailments, including cough. It was brought to America by pilgrims who grew it in their gardens. It volunteered from there and grows naturally now over much of the continent.
We used it for my daughter when she had Dry cough remedies. Amazing results! We wouldn't go without some in our tea cabinet. It tastes good too. Add honey to sweeten.