Post-discharge home care instructions after lung surgery

Apr 12, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Guo Xiheng

Introduction

After discharge following lung surgery, patients should pay attention to the following at-home care instructions: avoid excessive physical activity, maintain a proper diet, and prevent cold exposure. If the patient underwent invasive lung surgery, excessive activity should be avoided to prevent secondary injury to the surgical wound site. Moreover, excessive exertion may lead to sweating, which could contaminate the local wound and potentially trigger an inflammatory response.

After being discharged following lung surgery, patients should pay attention to several key points at home, including avoiding excessive physical activity, maintaining proper diet, and preventing cold exposure.

1. Avoid excessive physical activity

If the patient underwent invasive lung surgery, excessive movement should be avoided to prevent secondary injury to the surgical wound site. Excessive activity may also cause sweating, which could irritate the incision area and potentially trigger an inflammatory response.

2. Pay attention to diet

During lung surgery, patients are required to fast for a period of time. After discharge, they should carefully manage their diet at home. Overeating should be avoided, as it may impair normal digestion and absorption, potentially harming the gastrointestinal system. The diet should primarily consist of light, easily digestible foods. To enhance immunity and disease resistance, patients may moderately consume nutritious foods.

3. Prevent cold exposure

Following surgery, patients may experience reduced immunity and weakened resistance to illness. If exposed to cold conditions, they may become more susceptible to viral or bacterial infections, leading to illness. Therefore, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments and to stay warm.

In addition to the above precautions, patients should avoid smoking after returning home, as smoking may cause further damage to the lungs.

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After lung surgery, there is always phlegm in the throat.

Persistent phlegm in the throat after lung surgery may be caused by non-pathological factors, or pathological conditions such as bronchitis or upper respiratory tract infections, and can be treated with medication. If the condition does not improve over time, it is advisable to go to the hospital for a comprehensive examination.

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Is minimally invasive lung surgery painful?

Undergoing minimally invasive lung surgery is generally not painful, although the specific experience may vary depending on individual circumstances. Minimally invasive lung surgery is typically used for the removal of lung lesions. Before the procedure, patients are administered local anesthesia. Additionally, because this type of surgery involves smaller incisions and causes less trauma to the body, it helps reduce pain. Therefore, minimally invasive lung surgery is usually not associated with significant pain.

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Can you eat beef after lung surgery?

After lung surgery, patients can generally eat beef. Consuming an appropriate amount of beef helps provide essential nutrients needed by the body and supports recovery. Beef is rich in protein, minerals, and other nutrients that are particularly important for patients recovering from lung surgery, as the body is relatively weak after surgery and requires adequate nutrition to accelerate wound healing and restore strength.