Deep breathing after surgery
Description
After surgery it is important to take an active role in your recovery. Your surgeon may recommend that you do deep breathing exercises.
Alternative Names
Lung complications - deep breathing exercises; Pneumonia - deep breathing exercises
How to Breathe Deeply
Many people feel weak and sore after surgery and taking big breaths can be uncomfortable. Your surgeon may recommend that you use a device called an incentive spirometer. If you do not have this device, you can still practice deep breathing on your own.
The following measures may be taken:
- Sit upright. It may help to sit at the edge of the bed with your feet hanging over the side. If you cannot sit like this, raise the head of your bed as high as you can.
- If your surgical cut (incision) is on your chest or belly, you may need to hold a pillow tightly over your incision. This helps with some of the discomfort.
- Take a few normal breaths, then take a slow, deep breath in.
- Hold your breath for about 2 to 5 seconds.
- Gently and slowly breathe out through your mouth. Make an "O" shape with your lips as you blow out, like blowing out birthday candles.
- Repeat 10 to 15 times, or as many times as your provider told you to.
- Do these deep-breathing exercises as directed by your provider.
When to Call the Doctor
Some discomfort after surgery is normal. Contact your surgeon or nurse if you get shortness of breath, you have sharp pain when breathing or you're running a fever.
References
Abbassi F, Puhan MA, Clavien PA. Surgical complications: overview and grading. In: Tyler DS, Hayes-Dixon A, Hines OJ, et al, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 26.
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
