When a person has a spinal cord injury, he/she may have trouble with lung congestion and breathing. This happens because there may be weak breathing muscles. This weakness makes it more difficult to take a deep breath or cough. Congestion can build up quickly. It can lead to infections or collapse the tiny air sacs in the lungs. To avoid serious breathing problems, pay close attention to the following signs.
Signs of Infection:
- 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
Treatments for Infection:
- Take a fever reducing medicine such as Tylenol.
- 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 second hand smoke.
- Call your doctor and report your symptoms.
- Say active. Get out of bed regularly unless your doctor tells you not to.
Preventing Infection
- 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 second hand 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, such as Listerine Zero (no alcohol), once a day.
