Discharge Instructions: Postsurgical Deep Breathing
Deep breathing helps keep your lungs clear. If you’ve had surgery, this will help you get better faster. Deep breathing also helps you breathe easier and may prevent a lung infection.
Home Care
Follow these steps to do postsurgical deep breathing:
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Sit on the edge of a bed or a chair. You can also lie on your back with your knees slightly bent.
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Hold a pillow or rolled-up towel firmly against your incision with both hands.
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Breathe out normally.
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Breathe in deeply through your nose. Feel your stomach push out as you breathe in.
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Pucker your lips as you would to blow out a candle.
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With your lips puckered, breathe out slowly through your mouth. You should feel your chest go down as you breathe out.
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Rest for a few seconds.
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Repeat the above steps as many times as directed.
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When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
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Fever above 101.5°F (38.5°C)
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Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or warmth at your incision site
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Drainage or pus from your incision
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Brownish or bloody sputum
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Nausea or vomiting
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Shortness of breath
Follow-up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
