been managing bronchiectasis for years, mostly stable until a 2022 endoscopy. Since then, this persistent cough has emerged, on and off, and frankly, it’s becoming a real nuisance. I’m trying to piece together potential triggers beyond just the obvious post-procedure irritation. Has anyone else experienced a significant change in their respiratory symptoms after an endoscopic procedure?
Specifically, I’m wondering about: 1. Subtle Infections Post-Procedure: Could there have been a minor, perhaps even subclinical, infection introduced during the endoscopy that’s now flaring up my existing bronchiectasis? The timing feels too coincidental. 2.
Reflux as a Bronchial Irritant: The procedure involved my esophagus and stomach. While I don’t typically have severe GERD, could there be a low-grade, new-onset reflux that’s now irritating the airways, triggering this cough? 3. Changes in Airway Sensitivity: Is it possible the procedure itself, or the recovery from it, has somehow altered the sensitivity of my airways, making them more prone to cough responses even to minor stimuli?
I’ve seen threads discussing infections in general with COPD/bronchiectasis, but this feels tied to a specific event. Curious if anyone has worked through something similar, or has any theories on the connection between GI procedures and subsequent persistent cough in the context of bronchiectasis. Looking for patterns or insights that might not be immediately obvious.