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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Coughing and extreme halitosis post general anesthesia
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Coughing and extreme halitosis post general anesthesia
by Brankel703, Jul 20, 2005 12:00AM
I am asthmatic. My tonsils were removed about 5 years ago. I was recently put under general anesthesia for a minor surgery. It has been over 3 weeks and I am still coughing with extreme halitosis. It has the similar taste and disgust as food casts that I had from large tonsils before they were removed. I gargle but it does not seem to help. The problem appears deep in my lungs as I only taste the bad breath after a deep cough. I always cough up mucas because I am asthmatic, and I note that it is still clear. It does not smell in my Kleenex, only when I am coughing it up.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Aug 02, 2005 12:00AM
, Aug 02, 2005 12:00AM
It sounds like you may have aspirated while under the general anesthesia for a minor surgery over 3 weeks ago. This aspirated material, probably food, is still in one or both lungs. This could cause bronchitis, pneumonia or even lung abscess. You should report this to your doctor. This may show up on a chest x-ray.
