coughing after valve repair surgery

My mother had minimally invasive heart surgery Feb. 12  for a repaired mitral valve that we were told was ripped. from the day after surgery she has been coughing. In the morning it is yellowish/green and then through the day it is clear. The coughing can be severe at times that it limits her ability to speak. Has anyone experienced this?
She has had several chest xrays and they have been clear. She did have pneumonia one week after surgery and was hospitalized for another week. Any suggestions/ideas?

[Celeste77]

Mucus can be yellow or green from viral infections, sinus infections, and from colds and allergies. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections and a clear x-ray is a good sign.
The most important factor here is that she just had heart valve surgery a few months back and she did have pneumonia shortly after. Following up with an ENT and her Cardiologist would be my next choice. Sometimes post-nasal drip will be suspect because one will cough up yellow and green mucus in the mornings, and it becomes clear throughout the day. Viral Bronchitis is another thing to consider. Coughing from bronchitis brings up the green or yellow phlegm which is the lining of the trachea (windpipe) damaged by the viral infection as new mucosa replaces it, and is much more pronounced in the morning.
One a final note, my daughter was on life support for pneumonia and coughed up mucus for almost 6 months following her release even though her x-rays were clear. Pneumonia can take many months to resolve completely.

All the best to your mother.

[clarissa4]

I had mitro vavle replacement surgery four years ago. I still have problems with coughing especially when lying flat down. I too had pnuemonia (pneumonia) after my surgery and had to go back in the hospital for another week. I know each patient is different and my valve had to be replaced. I'm sorry that I don't have any answers. I wish your mom the best.