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 it may prevent a lung infection or other complications.
Home care
Follow these steps to do 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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If you've had surgery on or near your chest or belly, hold a pillow or rolled-up towel firmly against your cut (incision) with both hands. Hug the pillow.
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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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Hold your breath for 2 to 5 seconds, if possible.
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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, breathing normally.
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Relax your neck and shoulder muscles.
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Repeat the above steps as many times as directed.
Follow-up
Make a follow-up appointment. Or follow up as directed by your health care provider.
When to get medical care
Contact your health care provider right away if any of these occur:
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.
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Signs of infection, if you've had surgery. These include redness, swelling, or warmth at your incision site. These also include pus or fluid draining from the site.
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Brownish or bloody sputum (mucus).
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Minor bleeding from surgical site.
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New cough.
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Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting.
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Increasing pain.
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Dizziness or weakness.
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Fast or irregular heartbeat.
Call 911
Shortness of breath may be a sign of a serious health problem. Call
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Confusion or trouble staying awake
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Loss of consciousness or fainting
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Chest pain or tightness
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Trouble breathing or wheezing
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Bluish skin or lips
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Coughing up blood
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Severe pain
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Severe bleeding or new opening at surgical site
