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Deep coughing helps keep your lungs clear. If you’ve had surgery, it will help you get better faster. It may also prevent a lung infection. If you have lung problems, it will help you breathe better. Follow the steps below.
Sit on the edge of a bed or a chair. Or lie on your back with your knees slightly bent.
Lean forward slightly. Hold a pillow firmly against your incision with both hands.
Breathe out normally.
Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose.
Then breathe out fully through your mouth. Repeat.
Take a third deep breath. Fill your lungs as much as you can.
Cough 2 or 3 times in a row.
Try to push all of the air out of your lungs as you cough.
Then relax and breathe normally.
Repeat as directed.