Post Lung Surgery Breathing Problems

Doctors perform lung surgery by gaining access to the lungs through the chest wall. The procedure is performed for diagnostic purposes and for treatment. Breathing problems such as ineffective breathing and labored breathing may arise after lung surgery.

Anesthesia

• Breathing problems may occur after lung surgery due to administered anesthesia medications. These drugs depress the breathing mechanism of the body. This depression can lead to ineffective shallow breathing in a post lung surgery patient.

Pain

• Pain after lung surgery may cause a person to breathe shallowly, especially if the pain occurs with breathing.

Infection

• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It may occur due to shallow breathing post lung surgery, which can lead to accumulation of secretions and atelectasis also known as a collapsed lung. Some symptoms of this infection include fever, chills and labored breathing.

Incentive Spirometer

• The use of incentive spirometry after lung surgery may reduce the risk of acquiring pneumonia. The incentive spirometer promotes lung expansion, which can prevent the occurrence of a collapsed lung or atelectasis.

Deep Breathing and Coughing

• Deep breathing and coughing exercises along with adequate hydration can help the post lung surgery patient mobilize and cough out secretions in their lungs. These activities reduce the risk of pneumonia and breathing problems after lung surgery.

Analgesics

• Administering pain medication after lung surgery can dull the pain that occurs post operatively and encourage the patient to breathe in a normal fashion. Adequate breathing increases the amount of oxygen in the body.