Chest training

Keeping your lungs healthy

After a big operation, it can be harder to breathe deeply.
This can sometimes lead to chest infections.

Doing simple breathing exercises can help:

  • Keep your lungs clear
  • Remove mucus (phlegm)
  • Help you recover faster

These exercises only take a few minutes each day.

 

The Cycle
Image source: Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care (ACPRC), [The Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques]

Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT)

ACBT is a breathing exercise that helps clear mucus from your chest.

You can do it:

  • Before your operation
  • After your operation
  • Sitting up, lying down, or in any comfortable position

ACBT has 3 parts:

  1. Relaxed breathing
  2. Deep breathing
  3. Huff

 

1. Relaxed breathing

This is gentle, normal breathing.

  • Breathe in slowly through your nose
  • Breathe out slowly through your mouth
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed
  • Keep your tummy relaxed
  • Continue until your breathing feels calm

2. Deep breathing

This helps your lungs fill with air.

  • Breathe in deeply through your nose
  • Fill your lungs as much as you can
  • Keep your neck and shoulders relaxed
  • Hold your breath for up to 3 seconds
  • Breathe out gently through your mouth
  • Repeat 3 times
  • Go back to relaxed breathing

3. Huff

A huff helps move mucus out of your lungs.

  • Take a breath in
  • Breathe out quickly and strongly
  • Imagine steaming up a mirror
  • Repeat 2 to 3 times
  • Go back to relaxed breathing

You may need to cough after a huff to clear mucus.

 

Watch a video demonstration of ACBT here:

How often should I do these exercises?

  • Repeat the full cycle until your chest feels clear
  • Try to do the exercises every day
  • Do them more often if you feel mucus in your chest

 

After surgery

If you have a wound:

  • Hold a cushion or folded towel over it
  • Gently press while you huff or cough
  • This helps reduce pain and supports your wound

 

Need Help?

If you are unsure how to do these exercises, ask a:

  • Nurse
  • Physiotherapist
  • Doctor

They can help you practise safely.

 

More ways to keep your lungs healthy

Oral hygiene

Improving oral healthcare before and after surgery can reduce the risk of a chest infection. 

It can also reduce the risk of damage to your teeth during surgery.

  • Brush twice daily for two minutes: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) with fluoride toothpaste, focusing on all surfaces and the gum line.

  • Clean between teeth daily: Use dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser daily to remove plaque that brushing misses. 

  • Brush/scrape the tongue: Use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to remove bacteria.

  • Spit, don’t rinse: After brushing, spit out excess toothpaste, but do not rinse with water or mouthwash immediately, as this washes away the protective fluoride. 

If you have existing dental problems, now is the time to visit your dentist.

Getting out of bed and moving

Getting out of bed and moving

Mobilising after surgery is very important for your recovery.

Activity helps:

  • Prevent chest infections

  • Improve circulation and bowel function

  • Increase appetite and strength

  • Reduce stress

If you are well enough, we aim to help you get out of bed as soon as possible after surgery.

From the day after surgery, we encourage you to:

  • Sit out of bed for at least 6 hours a day

  • Walk around if you are normally able to

  • Perform self care activities such as getting dressed and brushing your hair and teeth

Even when you are in bed, sit up rather than lying flat. 

This gives your lungs more space to expand and helps your breathing.

 

← Back