Post Operative Breathing Exercises

The following actions can help minimise the effects of anaesthesia, manage nausea, and reduce the risk of chest infections after your procedure. It is important to get up and begin moving as soon as possible.

Pain Management 

Your pain should be controlled well enough to allow you to take deep breaths, cough and move around. If it is not, let your nurse know.

Breathing Exercises 

Complete the following exercises while lying, or sitting upright in bed or in a chair:

1. Relax your shoulders and upper chest.
2. Take a deep breath in (through your nose) to fill the bottom of your lungs.
3. Hold this breath for three seconds.
4. Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
5. Take five of these deep breaths then rest - more than this may cause dizziness or light-headedness. 

Begin practicing your breathing exercises every hour starting as soon as you wake up after your procedure.

Coughing 

Coughing is important, as it helps clear any secretions that may have built up in your lungs. To make coughing more comfortable:

1. If you are lying down, bend your knees; if sitting, lean forward slightly.
2. Support your wound firmly using your hands, a pillow, or a rolled-up towel, and then cough strongly to help clear any mucus.

Mobility 

Sitting upright is better for your chest than lying flat. While in bed, aim to move your limbs regularly and change positions often. It’s important to get up and move around—try to sit out of bed and start walking as soon as you’re able.