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What Causes Tickling In Throat And Coughing?
Question: I had my tyroid removed last September due to cancer. Prior to the diagnosis I had a tickle in my throat that caused coughing, now 10 mo following surgery it has started again, but worst or much more often than before. could this be caused by a recurrance of the cancer. I now constantly have to have a throat lozenge in my mouth to prevent the coughing
Brief Answer:
Multiple causes of cough to be evaluated
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Coughing is a reflex mechanism caused by stimulation of nerves. Even prior to thyroid surgery for cancer, there must have been irritation of nerves causing the cough and tickling sensation. It is important to know that 10 months after surgery is the nerve getting pinched due to stimulation of the pathway at any point.
The cough reflex has 5 components: 1) cough receptors, 2) afferent nerves, 3) a poorly defined cough center, 4) efferent nerves, 5) effector muscles. Key to cough particularly in pathology is the cough receptors. In summary, cough receptors are throughout all the airways and upper G.I. tract. as well as the pericardium and diaphragm.
Chronic cough is one that persists for more than two weeks.
Common causes of chronic cough
airways hyperactivity
post nasal drip
gastro-esophageal reflux
Less common causes are in neck (larynx, post surgery effects) ear and even sometimes psychological.
Please discuss in detail with your doctors.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any further doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Multiple causes of cough to be evaluated
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Coughing is a reflex mechanism caused by stimulation of nerves. Even prior to thyroid surgery for cancer, there must have been irritation of nerves causing the cough and tickling sensation. It is important to know that 10 months after surgery is the nerve getting pinched due to stimulation of the pathway at any point.
The cough reflex has 5 components: 1) cough receptors, 2) afferent nerves, 3) a poorly defined cough center, 4) efferent nerves, 5) effector muscles. Key to cough particularly in pathology is the cough receptors. In summary, cough receptors are throughout all the airways and upper G.I. tract. as well as the pericardium and diaphragm.
Chronic cough is one that persists for more than two weeks.
Common causes of chronic cough
airways hyperactivity
post nasal drip
gastro-esophageal reflux
Less common causes are in neck (larynx, post surgery effects) ear and even sometimes psychological.
Please discuss in detail with your doctors.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any further doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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