Coughing

Is coughing a common side effect of surgery.....I am post op 1 week...its really becoming a pain....

A dry cough can be a sign of dehydration, and thus a warning to pay attention to. How are you doing with your fluids?

holding a pillow against your stomach and chest will help with the pain while coughing

 you should check with your primary care doctor to make shore you don't have pneumonia which is also common after surgery

and will need treatment

If they gave you an incentive spirometer (a breathing exerciser)  you still need to be using it every hour or two to prevent pneumonia. if not you should be taking 10 slow deep breaths every hour.  If you have a fever call your doctor. Hold a pillow over your tummy when you cough to splint your incision.

 

Anne