
If you’ve ever gone under the knife, you’ve likely had some form of anesthesia. As a matter of fact even dentistry makes use of it for the likes of surgical extraction. Meanwile, while you’re probably very grateful for general anesthesia during the surgery, post-operation might be a completely different story. Especially when something as mundane as coughing suddenly can become quite a chore.
Anesthesia can affect regular breathing and inhibit your ability to cough. In fact, coughing after general anesthesia can be uncomfortable if not outright painful. This is even more pronounced after abdominal or chest surgeries.
You might be wondering why you’d even have the urge to cough after a surgical procedure. One reason could be mucus build-up during the operation. Even while you’re being cut up your lungs will still be secreting mucus. This is a normal function of the lungs as mucus helps to combat foreign objects and naturally get rid of them.
But it’s important to cough this mucus out, no matter how painful. Otherwise you risk lung complications or diseases such as pneumonia. When coughing after general anesthesia has been administered you’re going to want to first find a way to brace your surgical incision. The last thing you want is to re-open the cut.
It is recommended that you using a pillow to brace against the incision as it’s more comfortable and will better mitigate pain. But using your hands will suffice if a pillow is unavailable. Proceed to cough until your lungs feel clear and open again.
Other techniques you can employ are breathing exercises. Breathing in, holding your breath for increased periods of time, and then slowly exhaling can help your body adjust during your recovery period. You should also avoid sitting or sleeping in the same position so adjust your body posture frequently while you are awake.
Coughing after general anesthesia can be tough but you should still do it even if it hurts. The alternative is getting an incentive spirometer which will suck out the air, mucus, and other foreign bodies from your lungs through your mouth.