Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyLungCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I'm about 3 & 1/2 months post surgery on a lower lung lobectomy. Still have an annoying dry cough. Any tips to help ease it?

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
January 27
 · 
Be the first to react
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Hello Beckie, I had my lobectomy back in December 2022; stage 1A, no treatment after;
I remember the cough was present for at least one year, and started easing off in the second year; I remember the dripping nose, the fullness after eating;
I think what helped me it was my discipline in going for walks every day ( even when I did not feeling so well), participating in online gym classes; is the only thing that only you can do it for yourself; nobody can do it for you, but you have to start loving yourself slowly and make yourself important; you need patience with yourself but you can do it; is not easy for me, even after 3 years.

February 7
MyLungCancerTeam

How can you ease a dry cough after a lower lung lobectomy?

A dry cough after lobectomy can be frustrating, but there are several things that may help ease it.

Soothing Remedies
* Try hard candies or cough drops to soothe throat irritation
* Ginger candies have been especially effective for many MyLungCancerTeam members
* Show Full Answer

How can you ease a dry cough after a lower lung lobectomy?

A dry cough after lobectomy can be frustrating, but there are several things that may help ease it.

Soothing Remedies:
* Try hard candies or cough drops to soothe throat irritation
* Ginger candies have been especially effective for many MyLungCancerTeam members
* Stay well-hydrated with water

Breathing and Coughing Techniques:
* Practice the breathing exercises you learned after surgery to improve lung function
* When you need to cough, sit upright and bend slightly forward to position your chest muscles optimally
* Make sure coughs come from your diaphragm rather than just your throat

Medical Support:
Talk to your oncologist about prescription cough-relief medications that can work alongside your other treatments. They can help determine if your cough is related to nerve damage from surgery, which one MyLungCancerTeam member experienced, or if there's another treatable cause.

If your cough isn't controlled by these measures or starts interfering with sleep, reach out to your doctor right away. They should be able to work with you on treatment options to make it more manageable.

January 27

Related Questions

View All

Anyone else had this

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Weir, TX
August 4, 2024

Lung Cancer Cough Relief Tips
Posttreatment Lung Cancer Rash: Photos and Tips To Soothe
How Does Lung Cancer Cough Feel and Sound? Causes and Management
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In