Post VATS dry cough

chgesnlatitude

Hi! Looking for insight on a dry cough, which of course hurts, 2 weeks post VATS lung resection, cancer removal, and lymph node check. Seems like every little bit something new pops up.

TIA. I appreciate being able to be part of this group.

Mary

Vette

Hello Mary, I also had the dry cough, it is common after having a lobectomy. I had an upper left lobectomy (vats) and it felt like my cough would never go away. Hang in there it does get better. Just keep doing the spirometer exercises faithfully and when doing your walks outside breath in deep and blow out slowing through perched lips. Your lungs / body has gone through a lot, the cilia are trying wake back up and remember coughing is nature's way of clearing out the lung. I was able to receive a prescription of pearls coughing med pills to take, it help some. Remember to drink LOTS of water...

chgesnlatitude

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1708609#Comment_1708609

Thanks so much! I truly appreciate you taking time to share. Very helpful.

Not sure what the pearls are? I do know it hurts to cough.

Warm regards,

Mary

Vette

It should not hurt to cough you are coughing too hard try delsym cough syrup until you can get into the doc. Go back to the doc and ask for something to assist with the cough while you are healing. When you begin to feel better start strengthening your body to get it back in shape. Do not, I repeat do not bend over a lot not good for you after a lobectomy and don't lift anything more than a gallon of milk for at least 3 months while healing. The thing I knot like about this surgery is the docs will not give definitive answers because everyone is different. Also, if something does not feel right let the surgeon know.. Good Luck to you!

chgesnlatitude

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1708612#Comment_1708612

Thank you so much! Your info is very helpful. I am grateful.

Take good care.

Mary

dennycee

The cough is often triggered by the healing process Think scarring. In addition to the Delsym cough syrup (guaifanesim), try drinking honey in a warm beverage. Honey is high in anti oxidants and helps reduce inflammation in the esophagus. If the cough is really bad, talk to your surgeon or doctor about Tessalon Perls.

chgesnlatitude

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1708684#Comment_1708684

Thanks so much for taking time to share. I am going tp give the honey a whirl.

Be well. ❤️

juliejensen

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1708609#Comment_1708609

vette, hi, I had an upper left lobectomy in march of 2024, not the vats kind, and am curious how many months until your cough went away? My pain is much better but the congestion and cough are full force all morning long since March 21. Am getting stronger and drs at MD Anderson tell me I am cancer free, yeah! Just want the cough to stop.

pinktulips55

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1708612#Comment_1708612

Hi Vette,

I had the VATS procedure on 4/23. No coughing until two weeks after. It started in earnest and is unrelenting. Pearl drops not helping. My side is also hurting. Hoping this doesn’t last long! Looking forward to picking up some Delsym. Hoping that helps. Thanks for the suggestion. Mary, hope your cough clears up too! 🌷