Cough and itches on my throat after thyroid operation

[Anael]

I was operated on February 11th February 2019 because multi nodules goitre. Since my operation I frequently have cough and itches on my throat. I wonder if its normal. The cough and itches in my throat are very irritating and even extend to my ears and I do not not know what to do. I reported the matter to the doctor who operated me says is very usual after the operation and he discharged me after about 3 weeks.. I similarly visited my local respiratory clinic suggested it might me asma. Please kindly advice whats wrong with me. I cough daily and its very irritating especially when am among people

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested?

Acid reflux is common hypothyroid symptom and can cause a cough. It's usually due to low stomach acid

You will need bloods retested 6-8 weeks after each change in dose (or brand) of Levothyroxine

[Anael in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you very much for your advice. Am currently on 225micrograms levothyroxine. Please let me know what type of vitamin D I can buy and use. Hoping to visit my GP and test folate and ferritin and B12 as suggested. Hoping that my GP will reduce the levothyroxine dose that am currently having

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Anael]

Best to test vitamin D first

Ask GP or buy here

vitamindtest.org.uk

Which brand of Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

[Anael in reply to SlowDragon]

WOCKHARDT may be the brand I got from the pack

Will consult my doctor first for any prescription. Thanks for your suggestion

[Greekchick]

This cough and irritation may be due to the tube used during anaesthesia . Acid reflux is common and sometimes the anaesthesia causes cough . I needed a PPI for one week after my TT and I was OK - the reflux causes acid in the throat and that can aggravate any irritation from the anaesthesia. This is very common. Janey Janey is correct - you should have your surgeon check your vocal cords if they have not already post surgery to make sure there is. I damage - VERY important. Best wishes for your recovery and sending you positive thoughts.

[Anael in reply to Greekchick]

Thanks fot the light is a great relieve. What is PPI Greekchick.

[Greekchick in reply to Anael]

It is a proton pump inhibitor - it inhibits acid production in stomach - called lansoprazole - it is not for long term use but just after surgery so you are not sending acid from stomach up to throat . I hope this helps. Surgeons usually give it to you when you complain of symptoms. You must take it at a different time from your levothyroxine - you don’t want it to interfere with absorption of that. Best of luck!

[Anael in reply to Greekchick]

Thanks. You are recommending that I buy proton pumb inhibitor as my doctor did not ask me to use

I will appreciate any cure advice please.

[Greekchick in reply to Anael]

Hi Anael, please be sure to ask doctor before taking any medications - I was prescribed mine . I personally would not take anything without clearing it with my doctor first after an operation. Good luck!

[Anael]

Yes my intire thyroid was removed. This irritations were the main problems that made me to remove my intire thyriod since I had multi nodular goitre. The doctor who operated me used a camera to check my vocal cord before operation. I may ask my doctor to do it again. Thanks for your suggestions. Am priviledge to be among you people.

[Hidden]

I wouldn't worry to much it's so soon after your operation. I had a few problems not with coughing but swallowing for about three months. Your cough is probably due to the trauma of the operation and will settle down soon.

[Anael in reply to Hidden]

Thats sweet of you. Thanks

[Greekchick]

Snark, please note that this should be confirmed with your doctor before taking any medication - this is only my experience. Just want you to be safe!

[Anael in reply to Greekchick]

Is Snark, the name of a cough medication

[Greekchick in reply to Anael]

Very sorry, it’s my autocorrect on this site - I was trying to type your name! I do not know why it is doing this. You might also want to try some plain throat lozenges with just honey - that helped me too.

[Anael]

No worries my dear. Have a blessed day