After lung surgery, there is always phlegm in the throat.

Generally, persistent phlegm in the throat after lung surgery may result from non-pathological factors or be caused by pathological conditions such as bronchitis or upper respiratory tract infections. Medications can be used for treatment. The details are as follows:

1. Non-pathological Factors

Reflex coughing in the lungs is common among patients after lung cancer surgery and typically does not require treatment.

2. Pathological Factors

1) Bronchitis
During lung surgery, local tracheal injury may occur, potentially triggering tracheitis. This can lead to symptoms such as throat cough and excessive phlegm. As directed by a physician, medications such as ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution or acetylcysteine tablets may be taken to facilitate sputum clearance.

2) Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
After lung surgery, the body is often weakened and more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections, which may cause acute inflammation in the nasal passages, throat, or pharynx. Expectorant medications such as carbocisteine oral solution or ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution may be used under medical guidance.

In addition, postoperative infections may also contribute. Remaining in one position for prolonged periods due to bed rest after surgery can make it difficult to expel phlegm, leading to accumulation in the lungs and subsequent pulmonary infection with increased sputum production. In such cases, antibiotics like cefaclor sustained-release tablets or cefuroxime axetil tablets may be prescribed. If persistent throat phlegm fails to improve over time after lung surgery, a comprehensive medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended.