What Causes Difficulty In Coughing Up Of Mucus After A Hemithyroidectomy?

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

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

Mon, 1 Dec 2014 Answered on

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : 5 days ago I had a hemithyroidectomy and am having difficulty coughing up mucous,when I do it is green and with blood in it yuk!

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be due to endotracheal tube inserted for respiration during surgery.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

During hemithyroidectomy, anesthetics insert endotracheal tube into the mouth for respiration which create difficulty in coughing up of mucus and sometimes due to minor injuries be blood stained. It should gradually improve.

If I were your treating doctor for this case, I would advice you
Antiseptic chlorhexidine Mouth Wash twice daily &
Antihistaminic levocetirizine + Montelukast combination at night.
To Continue antibiotics. Please discuss these with your surgeon.

Hope this information helpful to you. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari