After surgery, it is important to clear mucus from your lungs. A buildup of secretions can cause pneumonia. According to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado, anything that makes your breathing difficult can lead to problems. Deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear. You'll be given a device in the hospital to help you clear secretions. You might also be shown breathing exercises.
Incentive Spirometer
After surgery, a nurse will give you a device called an incentive spirometer. The University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine states that the device works by helping to expand your lungs, which will help you cough up any lung secretions. The device measures how well your lungs are taking in air and also helps you maintain a normal pattern of breathing.
Using An Incentive Spirometer
While sitting up, hold the incentive spirometer upright. Let air out of your lungs as you normally do. Put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece, inhale slowly and deeply until you push the marker between the arrows. Hold your breath for at least five seconds, or as long as possible. Slowly breathe out. Remove the mouthpiece and breathe normally. Rest for a short time. Repeat the process again at least 10 times each hour, when awake. After using the incentive spirometer, cough 10 times.
Practice Huff Coughing
Your nurse or physical therapist might teach you an exercise called huff coughing. Doing this exercise will help force secretions from your lungs. While sitting, with your knees bent, place a pillow over your incision to make coughing easier. To start, inhale slowly and deeply. Hold your breath for three seconds. Whisper the word "huff" as you quickly and forcefully exhale. Cough two or three times, then take a break. Do not be afraid to practice a coughing exercise. Any staples or stitches you have will hold your incision together. When coughing, relax your shoulders. Cough from your stomach area, not from your throat.
Deep-Breathing Exercise
Lie on your back with the head of your bed slightly raised. For this deep breathing exercise, place your hand on your abdomen between your chest and stomach. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. It will feel as though your hand is on top of an inflating balloon. Hold your breath for one to two seconds. Relax and exhale through your mouth. Do this exercise 10 times each hour.
