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Suggest Treatment For Cough Post Bronchoscopy
Hello, I have just had a bronchoscopy within the last 72hrs and although my post operative bleeding has stopped, I am still coughing and my peak flow has dropped to 150 with wheezing plus a dull ache,in the left lung where I have a collapsed tube, I had washings with this procedure too on my left lung, I now have a lot of mucus too,is this normal after such a procedure, I have shallow breathing with my peak flow andmy inhalers are not helping, I have a dull persistent headache and poor concentration also.should I be seeking emergency medical help?
Fri, 11 Mar 2016
Thank you for your query.
Yes, when your breathing feels labored and your inhalers don't help, it is better to go to the ER, especially after an invasive procsdure
You seem to be unable to properly oxygenated yourself (shallow breathing, headache, lack of concentration).
If the collapsed tube was due to an infection or mucous plug, it is possible to have mucus draining once it has been released.
Reactive airways (response of the airways due to inflammation either in the lung or elsewhere can produce Wheezing and mucus.
Although rare after a Bronchoscopy, a collapsed lung or part of the lung needs to be ruled out.
Please visit the ER right away. Do not drive. Take someone along. Expect to be hospitalized for a day or more (depending on the severity of the problem). You may need an x-ray or CT scan of the chest plus blood work.
If you have severe Wheezing, you will have a series of nebulizations in addition to I. V. anti-inflammatory and bronchodilators.
If no other problem is found, your vitals and post treatment oxygenation and breathing should be monitored and observed fora couple of hours. If all is fine, you can go home and continue your inhalers as prescribed
Certain cardiac (heart) conditions like heart failure can present as breathing difficulty. This needs to be ruled out (especially if you have risk factors like hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, smoking)
Hope you fees better. Please contact us if you have further questions.
Wish you good health
Yes, when your breathing feels labored and your inhalers don't help, it is better to go to the ER, especially after an invasive procsdure
You seem to be unable to properly oxygenated yourself (shallow breathing, headache, lack of concentration).
If the collapsed tube was due to an infection or mucous plug, it is possible to have mucus draining once it has been released.
Reactive airways (response of the airways due to inflammation either in the lung or elsewhere can produce Wheezing and mucus.
Although rare after a Bronchoscopy, a collapsed lung or part of the lung needs to be ruled out.
Please visit the ER right away. Do not drive. Take someone along. Expect to be hospitalized for a day or more (depending on the severity of the problem). You may need an x-ray or CT scan of the chest plus blood work.
If you have severe Wheezing, you will have a series of nebulizations in addition to I. V. anti-inflammatory and bronchodilators.
If no other problem is found, your vitals and post treatment oxygenation and breathing should be monitored and observed fora couple of hours. If all is fine, you can go home and continue your inhalers as prescribed
Certain cardiac (heart) conditions like heart failure can present as breathing difficulty. This needs to be ruled out (especially if you have risk factors like hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, smoking)
Hope you fees better. Please contact us if you have further questions.
Wish you good health
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