September 25th is World Lung Health Day, and this year’s theme is “Healthy Lungs – Healthy Life.” If you’re facing lung surgery, taking the right precautions can significantly improve your outcome and help you on the path to recovery. Here’s what you need to know about preparing for and recovering from lung surgery to improve your lung health for good.
Before Lung Surgery: The 5 Key Precautions
Taking proactive steps before your surgery is crucial. Think of it as a way to prepare your body for the best possible outcome.
- Quit Smoking Immediately: Smoking is harmful to your lungs, and continuing to smoke before a lung operation can be poisonous. It’s essential to quit smoking completely to give your lungs the best chance to heal.
- Practice Deep Breathing Exercises: Incorporating deep breathing exercises into your routine can help your remaining lungs function better after surgery. A simple exercise is to take a long, deep breath, hold it for 30 seconds, and then slowly exhale.
- Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating fruits is vital. Moisture in your lungs helps your body naturally expel harmful substances like dust and pollution.
- Maintain Physical Activity: Unless your doctor has specifically told you to rest, it’s important to remain physically active. Lying in bed is not advisable. Continue with your daily routines, such as walking, and doing household activities.
- Strengthen Your Mind: A strong mindset is a critical factor in a successful recovery. Your physical strength and your doctor’s ability to treat you are crucial, but your mental strength and a positive outlook are just as important.
After Lung Surgery: What to Expect and Do
Your recovery journey starts on day one after the surgery. Following your doctor’s instructions closely is key to a successful outcome.
- Engage in Physical Activity: Begin any physical activity your doctor recommends as soon as you can. While you may be in pain, avoiding activity will only increase stiffness. The more you move, the less pain you’ll feel.
- Avoid Smoking: After lung surgery, you must avoid smoking for at least six months. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines, and it’s essential to follow them strictly.
- Perform Limb and Arm Movements: After chest surgery, it’s common to want to restrict movement, but it’s important to move your arms to prevent stiffness. Your doctor will encourage specific arm movements to loosen up the muscles and prevent your shoulder from freezing up.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Do not listen to advice from friends or family who have had similar operations, as your doctor’s instructions are tailored to your specific needs. If you have any questions, ask your doctor directly to ensure you are not over- or under-exercising.
A Final Message for Everyone
If you are a healthy individual with healthy lungs, make sure to do at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity every day to keep them in good shape. The goal is simple: Healthy Lungs for a Healthy Life.