Is Coughing Normal In CABG Patient?

Posted on Fri, 20 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 Answered on

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 68 yr old father had a bypass surgery done couple of weeks back. He has been coughing continuously post the surgery. Doctors told us that CABG patients would cough and it is good to cough. But the cough does not let him sleep and he has been coughing continuously. He was diagnozed with bronchitis now and he is also diabetic. We are extremely worried about his situation though the surgeon said it'k ok to cough. Kindly let us know if it is risky or we should seek another opinion

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (34 hours later)

Brief Answer: Get second opinion Detailed Answer: Dear friend, Welcome to Health Care Magic See his cardiologist (or Internist) / get him examined / at times, basic investigation may be necessary... Cough lasting more than a fortnight needs investigation. X-ray chest, blood counts are the usual starting steps It could be an infection / irritation / injury (to nerve) / heart failure / allergy and so on It may even be drug induced – drugs like ACEI (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors) routinely given in such situations are often responsible. The treating doctor alone can suggest further based on his assessment of the situation. Get a second opinion Good luck Take care Wishing all well God bless

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar