breathing day of procedure tips
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
This guide provides simple breathing tips for the day you have a medical procedure, such as surgery. These tips help you stay calm, prepare your lungs, and reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia. Following them can also speed up your recovery.
Key facts
- Deep breathing exercises before and after your procedure help clear your lungs and improve oxygen flow.
- It is important to tell your healthcare team about any existing breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD.
- Avoid smoking or vaping on the day of your procedure, as they can harm your lungs and interfere with healing.
- Follow any fasting instructions given by your care team – an empty stomach helps keep your airway safe during sedation.
Yes, many people undergo procedures that require sedation or anaesthesia. Breathing tips are a standard part of pre and post operative care to keep you safe and comfortable.
Anyone who is having surgery or a medical procedure that affects breathing, including those receiving general anaesthesia, sedation, or procedures on the chest or abdomen.
Symptoms
- Severe difficulty breathing or gasping for air
- Chest pain or pressure
- Lips, face, or fingers turning blue
- Sudden confusion or inability to wake up
- ⚠A cough that becomes worse or produces green or bloody mucus
- ⚠Fever or chills
- ⚠Breathing that feels increasingly hard, even at rest
Common symptoms
- Anxiety or nervousness about the procedure
- Shortness of breath or feeling breathless
- Coughing, especially if you have a cold or underlying lung condition
Symptoms in children
- Holding their breath or shallow breathing due to fear
- Restlessness or crying
- Rapid breathing
Symptoms in older adults
- Confusion or drowsiness from low oxygen
- Weak cough that can’t clear mucus
- Feeling more breathless than usual
Causes
Main causes
- The procedure itself – anaesthesia and lying still can slow your breathing and cause mucus to build up
- Underlying lung conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema
- Smoking or vaping, which irritates the airways and impairs the lungs’ ability to clear mucus
Risk factors
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Obesity, which puts extra pressure on the lungs
- Existing lung disease like COPD or asthma
- Age – older adults are more prone to breathing complications
- A recent respiratory infection
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you experience any of the emergency symptoms listed above on the day of your procedure
- If your pre operative breathing check shows sudden changes
Book a routine appointment if:
- Discuss any breathing concerns at your preoperative assessment
- Schedule a check up if you have a chronic lung condition and haven’t seen your doctor recently
Diagnosis
Your healthcare team will assess your breathing before your procedure. This may include listening to your lungs, checking your oxygen levels, and asking about your medical history.
Tests that may be done
- Pulse oximetry – a small clip on your finger measures oxygen in your blood
- Spirometry – you blow into a tube to see how well your lungs work
- Chest X ray – if you have a history of lung problems
What to expect at your appointment
A doctor, nurse, or respiratory therapist will explain the tests and what they mean. They will use the results to plan the best care for your breathing during and after the procedure.
Treatment
Breathing tips focus on simple actions you can take before, during, and after your procedure to keep your lungs healthy. Your care team may also provide extra support if needed.
Self-care at home
- Practice deep breathing: Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold for three seconds, then breathe out gently through your mouth. Repeat five times every hour while awake.
- If you are given an incentive spirometer (a plastic device that helps you take deep breaths), use it as instructed by your nurse.
- Stay sitting up or walk short distances as soon as your healthcare team says it is safe – this helps keep your lungs clear.
- Cough gently to loosen mucus. Support your incision (if you have one) with a pillow to make coughing more comfortable.
Medical treatments
If you have an existing lung condition, your doctor may prescribe inhalers or breathing treatments before or after the procedure. These help open your airways and reduce mucus. Always use them exactly as told by your healthcare team. Oxygen may be given temporarily if your levels are low.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery itself is often the procedure that requires these breathing tips. The tips help you prepare for surgery and recover afterwards, especially if the surgery is on your chest or abdomen.
Living with this condition
After your procedure, continue to practice deep breathing and gentle movement. Your body is healing, and good breathing habits help prevent complications like pneumonia. Most people return to normal breathing within a few days to weeks.
Lifestyle tips
- Avoid smoking and vaping – they are the biggest threat to your lung health before and after a procedure
- Stay active with gentle exercise like walking, as soon as your doctor approves
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your lungs
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to support healing. Drink plenty of water to keep mucus thin. Start with light exercise (e.g., short walks) and gradually increase as you feel stronger.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
It is common to feel worried about your breathing. Anxiety can make you breathe faster or shallower. Tell your care team how you feel – they can offer reassurance and techniques to help you relax.
Prevention
Many breathing problems on the day of a procedure can be reduced with preparation. Quitting smoking, keeping your lungs healthy, and following your care team’s advice are the best ways to prevent issues.
Vaccines
Ask your doctor about the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine. Getting these can reduce your risk of lung infections around the time of your procedure.
Screening programmes
If you have risk factors like smoking or a family history of lung disease, your doctor may recommend a lung function test before your procedure. This helps catch any hidden problems early.
Complications
If left untreated
- Pneumonia – an infection in the lungs caused by mucus buildup
- Atelectasis – a partial collapse of the lung due to shallow breathing
- Low oxygen levels, which can affect your heart and brain
Long-term outlook
The good news is that most people do very well. Following breathing tips before, during, and after your procedure greatly lowers your risk of complications. Your body is designed to heal, and your healthcare team is there to help you breathe easy.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 30, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.