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southern new mexico surgery center
 
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    Deep Coughing

    Deep coughing helps keep your lungs clear. If you’ve had surgery, this will help you get better faster. Deep coughing also helps you breathe easier and may prevent a lung infection or other complications. Follow these steps to do deep coughing.

    Man holding pillow to chest, coughing.

    Step 1

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

    • Lean forward slightly.

    • If you've had surgery on your chest or stomach, hold a pillow or rolled-up towel firmly against your cut (incision) with both hands. Hug the pillow.

    • Breathe out normally.

    Step 2

    • Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose.

    • Then breathe out fully through your mouth. Repeat this breathing in and out a second time.

    • For the third time, take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Fill your lungs with as much air as you can.

    Step 3

    • Cough 2 or 3 times in a row. Try to push all of the air out of your lungs as you cough. Cover your cough, if possible, with a tissue or your elbow.

    • If you cough up mucus, spit it into a tissue. Don't swallow it.

    • Relax and breathe normally.

    • Repeat the above steps as directed.

    • Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for 20 seconds afterward.

    Follow-up care

    Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.

    When to call your healthcare provider

    Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

    • 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, drainage, or warmth at your incision site, or pus or fluid draining from the site

    • Minor bleeding from surgical site

    • Brownish, white, or bloody sputum

    • Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting

    • More pain

    • Fast or irregular heartbeat

    • New cough

    Call 911

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

    • Confusion or trouble staying awake

    • Loss of consciousness or fainting

    • Chest pain or tightness

    • Trouble breathing or wheezing

    • Skin, lips, or fingernails turn blue

    • Coughing up blood

    • Severe pain

    • Dizziness or weakness

    • Severe bleeding or new opening at surgical site

    Online Medical Reviewer: Deborah Pedersen MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals BSN MPH
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 6/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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