Has Anyone Had Any Trouble With A Dry Cough After General Anesthesia Post Abdominal Surgery?

I had my gallbladder removed and this chronic cough starter a week and half later and its been 4 weeks now and not finding any relief.  I went to the hospital and at first they said it was viral bronchitis and nothing was given and  two weeks later I went to the hospital again and they gave an antibiotic and Ventolin due that I am shocking during my sleep and wake up grasping for air.....do not know what is going on, but I am really exhausted for not sleeping well and started to believe it has to do with the anesthesia and the surgery....

Hi...  I just had surgery on Tuesday(May 12, 2009).  Yes, I too have had a chronic cough, dry & annoying!  ( So much so that I have gagged from it too much info right? ).  I was told that the anesthesia and the fentenayl(sp??) could be the cause.   I have had lots of water, I have tried some deep breathing.  I took a prescription cough suppressant called tussionex it is magical.  Be careful it has codeine in it, so if anyone is one pain medication make sure of the dosage.  I need to be reminded that I have had surgery and to be patient with the process. (biopsy of a nerofibroma on the neck, on the sympathetic nerve.)  I have VonReclinghausen Disease. ( NF1)  Good luck everyone and allow the healing process to continue.  Hacking away can be so hard on one's sleep and one's nerves.  Hang in there all recovering friends out there...   Kate

I had abdominal surgery with muscle repair to my abdominal muscles 9 days ago. For the past 5 days i've been coughing all day!! I've been bringing up phlegm only in the morning, but this is driving me crazy and it really , really hurts to cough. I'm almost at my wits end. I was under anesthetic for 2 1/2 hrs and had a tube down my throat, but this feels more like a cold. UGH!