About this topic
Coughing and deep breathing helps clear your lungs after surgery. It will help you recover faster. This will also help you avoid lung infections. Coughing and deep breathing may help you breath better if you have lung problems. ‚
General
Deep breathing after surgery: ‚
- Sit on a chair or on the edge of a bed. You can also do this while lying on your back with your knees slightly bent.
- Hold a pillow or rolled-up towel against your cut site.
- Breathe normally.
- Next, breathe in deeply through your nose.
- Pucker your lips and breathe out slowly through your mouth.
- Rest for a few seconds and breathe normally. Then, repeat the above steps as many times as ordered by your doctor.
Coughing after surgery: ‚
- Sit on a chair or on the edge of a bed.
- Lean forward slightly.
- Hold a pillow against your cut site.
- Breathe normally.
- Next, take a big breath in through your nose.
- Breathe out through your mouth. Take another big breath in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth.
- Take a deep breath. Fill your lungs with air as much as you can.
- Cough 2 or 3 times in a row.
- Push all the air out of your lungs as you cough.
- Rest for a few seconds and breathe normally. Then, repeat the above steps as many times as ordered by your doctor.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, more sputum or change in color of sputum, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Shortness of breath
- You are not feeling better in 2 or 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
Nursing Center ‚
http://www.nursingcenter.com/upload/static/592775/Take5_preop_tchg.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚