Protect Your Lungs Before and After Surgery
After surgery , the risk for lung infections may increase due to receiving general anesthesia , lying flat for a length of time , and inactivity . If you have an incision on your chest , back , or stomach you may not breathe as deeply . Shallow breathing keeps your lungs from completely filling with air and reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood . There are ways to reduce the risk of lung infections and help strengthen your lungs .
To protect and strengthen your lungs before surgery :
• Stay active . Exercise helps to strengthen your breathing . Practice deep breathing .
• If you smoke , stop . Quit smoking to reduce your risk of infection and other serious complications .
After your surgery , you also need to protect your lungs :
• Get out of bed and walk after surgery as soon as your doctor allows .
• Cough and deep breathe to expand and clear your lungs :
— At least 10 times every 2 hours take 2 slow , deep breaths in through your nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth . Take in a third slow , deep breath through your nose and then cough as you breathe out . Your nurse will show you how to do this . Do this for at least a week after your surgery or until you are fully recovered .
• Support your incision with a pillow or folded blanket when you cough and deep breathe . This will ease the discomfort .
• Your doctor may want you to use an incentive spirometer to exercise your lungs . Your nurse or respiratory therapist will instruct you on how to use it .
• Drink at least 8 cups of fluid ( preferably water ) each day unless your doctor has told you to limit your fluids . This will help keep your lungs clear and thin secretions .
• Take pain medicine as your doctor recommends to try to keep your pain under control . You will be better able to take deep breaths and move around .
• Avoid people with coughs , colds , and other infections while you recover .
After you return home , call your doctor if you have :
• A fever greater than 101 ° F ( 38.3 ° C )
• Shortness of breath or pain with breathing
• An increase in mucus , coughing , or wheezing
• A stuffy nose , sneezing , or sore throat for more than 48 hours
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