Deep Breathing

Home care

Follow these steps to do deep breathing:

• Sit on the edge of a bed or a chair. You can also lie on your back with your knees slightly bent.

• 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.

• Breathe out normally.

• Breathe in deeply through your nose. Feel your stomach push out as you breathe in.

• Hold your breath for 2 to 5 seconds, if possible.

• Pucker your lips as you would to blow out a candle.

• With your lips puckered, breathe out slowly through your mouth. You should feel your chest go down as you breathe out.

• Rest for a few seconds, breathing normally.

• Relax your neck and shoulder muscles.

• 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:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

• 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.

• Brownish or bloody sputum (mucus).

• Minor bleeding from surgical site.

• New cough.

• Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting.

• Increasing pain.

• Dizziness or weakness.

• Fast or irregular heartbeat.

Call 911

Shortness of breath may be a sign of a serious health problem. Call 911 right away if you have shortness of breath that gets worse or you have trouble breathing, especially with any of these symptoms:

• Confusion or trouble staying awake

• Loss of consciousness or fainting

• Chest pain or tightness

• Trouble breathing or wheezing

• Bluish skin or lips

• Coughing up blood

• Severe pain

• Severe bleeding or new opening at surgical site