Mesothelioma Surgery Can Make Breathing More Difficult

can make breathing more difficult

Mesothelioma treatments can serve two purposes: they can help stop tumor growth, and can help control symptoms, mesothelioma surgery. Curative treatments have the potential to do both, when tumors become smaller, putting less pressure on the lungs. This in turn reduces symptoms such as chest pain and cough. Treatments may prolong life expectancy of a patient, as well.

Mesothelioma surgery

In the case of curative surgery, however, many patients have the opposite effect - at least for the first few weeks of operation.

The two major surgeries for mesothelioma - the Lumpectomy / bombing and extra-pleural pneumonic - are both invasive procedures. While the former is a lung-saving procedure, which involves removal of an entire lung, mesothelioma surgery. The remaining lung must bear the weight of both.

Mesothelioma surgery

Furthermore, extra-pleural pneumonic, fluid accumulates in the space more rapidly during the first three days after surgery. These accumulations of fluids - known as pleural effusion - can make it difficult or painful breathing, mesothelioma surgery. On the positive side, surgeons can drain all the fluid from the chest cavity up with an outpatient procedure called hoarseness.

Mesothelioma surgery

Even with a lumpectomy / decorticating, patients may still experience difficulty breathing. As the body heals and lungs become stronger, the fight should be easier with time.

Three ways to breathe better after mesothelioma surgery

Although patients may have more difficulty breathing immediately after surgery, does not have to be like this forever. Once you are approved by your doctor, patients can take several steps to help restore lung function.

Three of these options include:

    Diaphragmatic breathing - also known as "deep abdominal breathing", this option requires the patient to contract the diaphragm to inhale and exhale while counting to 10 This helps patients relax (stress and anxiety can, mesothelioma surgery. Making it harder to breathe ), and also helps to stabilize respiration. Patients can even practice this abdominal breathing variations during yoga or meditation.

    Tablets Selenium - Selenium, an antioxidant found in Brazil nuts and tuna (among other foods), lung tissue will remain soft and supple.

    Regular exercise - Unlike the first two years of rehabilitation, which is not a specific technique. However, many therapists suggest that the simple activity - like a 30 minute walk - can strengthen your lungs and help rebuild lung capacity, mesothelioma surgery. (Feel free to use walkers and other assistive devices.)

All rehabilitation activities must be approved in advance by an oncologist, mesothelioma surgery.