I just had a mommy makeover 2 days ago and my biggest struggle has been phlegm in my throat/lungs after surgery. I feel like I need to cough it up often, but every time I cough I have tremendous, almost unbearable pain. I haven't seen this issue posted on this site. Is it unusual to have this problem? Any suggestions?
Answer: Surgery with general anesthesia commonly creates mucous in the upper airway and coughing.
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
Answer: Surgery with general anesthesia commonly creates mucous in the upper airway and coughing.
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
Answer: Phlegm after surgery It is not uncommon to have some throat irritation after surgery because you've been intubated (have a breathing tube in your throat). This can range from throat soreness to coughing. It's important to take deep breaths after surgery, especially after big cases like a mommy makeover, to prevent atelectasis (partial lung collapse because the alveolar sacs are unable to fully inflate). A cough pillow may help with the pain - press the pillow firmly against your stomach to ease the pain during coughing. If the phlegm persists, make sure to tell your surgeon and PCP.
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Answer: Phlegm after surgery It is not uncommon to have some throat irritation after surgery because you've been intubated (have a breathing tube in your throat). This can range from throat soreness to coughing. It's important to take deep breaths after surgery, especially after big cases like a mommy makeover, to prevent atelectasis (partial lung collapse because the alveolar sacs are unable to fully inflate). A cough pillow may help with the pain - press the pillow firmly against your stomach to ease the pain during coughing. If the phlegm persists, make sure to tell your surgeon and PCP.
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June 21, 2020
Answer: Phlegm, coughing, breathing after mommy makeover It is imperative for you to breathe comfortably after a mommy makeover. Make sure to take deep breaths and open up the lungs to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. Using incentives spirometer will help. Our patients are instructed and encouraged to walk the same day after her mommy makeover. I visit the patient at the aftercare recovery facility to make sure they are walking and are breathing comfortably. You may need pulmonary therapy. Would use a pillow on your tummy to alleviate the pain when coughing. Phlegm after mommy makeover may have many reasons including the type of anesthesia and also your pulmonary function. History of smoking does play a role as well. Best would be to consult with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.
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June 21, 2020
Answer: Phlegm, coughing, breathing after mommy makeover It is imperative for you to breathe comfortably after a mommy makeover. Make sure to take deep breaths and open up the lungs to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. Using incentives spirometer will help. Our patients are instructed and encouraged to walk the same day after her mommy makeover. I visit the patient at the aftercare recovery facility to make sure they are walking and are breathing comfortably. You may need pulmonary therapy. Would use a pillow on your tummy to alleviate the pain when coughing. Phlegm after mommy makeover may have many reasons including the type of anesthesia and also your pulmonary function. History of smoking does play a role as well. Best would be to consult with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.
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November 20, 2018
Answer: Phlegm after surgery This can occur for many reasons including irritation from the breathing tube, taking shallow breaths, seasonal allergies, etc. I encourage you to walk around multiple times per day and do deep breathing exercises. Mention your concerns to your surgeon for other helpful suggestions.
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November 20, 2018
Answer: Phlegm after surgery This can occur for many reasons including irritation from the breathing tube, taking shallow breaths, seasonal allergies, etc. I encourage you to walk around multiple times per day and do deep breathing exercises. Mention your concerns to your surgeon for other helpful suggestions.
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October 28, 2018
Answer: Post op secretions Some patients will experience some irritation post op (especially after having been intubated for general anesthesia). This irritation can manifest as increased secretions. However, this is typically self limited and short lived.The post operative phase (especially following abdominal surgery) is a risk for pulmonary infection. Patients will typically splint and take shallow breaths secondary to the pain associated with full and deep inspiration. If efforts are not made to clear these secretions and breathe deeply it can progress to more serious conditions such as pneumonia.The best recommendation is good pain control and deep breaths. These together will help to clear the secretions and avoid a lingering worsening problem.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Helpful
October 28, 2018
Answer: Post op secretions Some patients will experience some irritation post op (especially after having been intubated for general anesthesia). This irritation can manifest as increased secretions. However, this is typically self limited and short lived.The post operative phase (especially following abdominal surgery) is a risk for pulmonary infection. Patients will typically splint and take shallow breaths secondary to the pain associated with full and deep inspiration. If efforts are not made to clear these secretions and breathe deeply it can progress to more serious conditions such as pneumonia.The best recommendation is good pain control and deep breaths. These together will help to clear the secretions and avoid a lingering worsening problem.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Helpful
October 26, 2018
Answer: Is phlegm in the throat a common problem after surgery? I know of no direct cause of prolonged phlegm after surgery. The irritation from the intubation should resolve relatively quickly. There are other causes of secretions that may need investigation. Coughing and deep breathing after surgery is helpful to reduce other potential issues. If it persists - I would discuss with the Operating Surgeon .
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October 26, 2018
Answer: Is phlegm in the throat a common problem after surgery? I know of no direct cause of prolonged phlegm after surgery. The irritation from the intubation should resolve relatively quickly. There are other causes of secretions that may need investigation. Coughing and deep breathing after surgery is helpful to reduce other potential issues. If it persists - I would discuss with the Operating Surgeon .
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