Common Breathing Problems

• Increased mucous in the lungs
• Thick mucous
• Green, yellow or red mucous
• Fever of 101° or greater
• Increased need to cough
• Feeling rattling over the chest area
• Shortness of breath

• Take a fever-reducing medicine such as acetaminophen.
• Deep breathe and cough often. Use your incentive spirometer.
• Do postural drainage and clapping to loosen mucous.
• Drink plenty of fluids. If you do ICs, you may need to adjust your program.
• Increase turn times when in bed.
• Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Call your doctor and report your symptoms.
• Say active. Get out of bed regularly unless your doctor tells you not to.

• Stay active. Get out of bed regularly unless your doctor tells you not to.
• Deep breathe and cough often. Use your incentive spirometer.
• Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and get enough rest each day.
• Get flu and pneumonia shots with your doctor’s approval.
• Avoid people with colds or flu.
• Dress appropriately for the weather.

Oral care is very important. Poor oral care can produce the start of an infection.

• Good brushing of the teeth, gums and tongue, and keeping up with dental appointments is important.
• Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash once a day.