Silent Struggles
A 63-year-old woman underwent an endoscopy on Saturday, February 7. Following the procedure, she experienced a loss of voice along with significant swelling in her neck. Additionally, she has been suffering from a persistent cough and notices air bubbles forming in her mouth when she lies down. After visiting the emergency department, she was prescribed a three-day course of prednisone. However, she has yet to see any improvement. What could be the underlying issue?
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 9:00:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like the individual in question is experiencing a series of concerning symptoms after her recent endoscopy. The combination of voice loss, neck swelling, persistent cough, and the sensation of air bubbles in the mouth could indicate several possibilities, including post-operative complications such as airway swelling or irritation, vocal cord issues, or even an allergic reaction.
Explanation
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Post-Endoscopy Effects: After an endoscopy, it is not uncommon for patients to experience temporary throat irritation or swelling. However, significant swelling, particularly if it affects the airway, is concerning and should be monitored.
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Vocal Cord Involvement: Loss of voice could be due to vocal cord strain or inflammation, possibly related to intubation during the procedure or other irritations.
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Cough and Air Bubbles: The persistent cough and sensation of air bubbles might suggest issues with swallowing or aspiration, where air is getting trapped due to swelling or other obstructions.
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Prednisone Effects: Prednisone is a corticosteroid intended to reduce inflammation, and while it can be effective, if there is no improvement, it may indicate a need for additional interventions.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a daily log of symptoms, noting any changes, particularly regarding the cough, voice, and any difficulty swallowing or breathing.
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Increase Hydration: Encourage staying well-hydrated; drinking warm fluids can soothe the throat and may help reduce coughing.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that could exacerbate throat inflammation or coughing.
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Consult a Specialist: If symptoms do not improve within the next couple of days, consider seeking a follow-up with an ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) who can assess the throat and vocal cords more thoroughly.
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Emergency Symptoms: If there are signs of difficulty breathing, worsening swelling, or severe pain, it is essential to seek immediate care.
By focusing on these initial actions, it may help manage her symptoms more effectively. If you have further questions or need more details, please let me know!
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