Shortness of breath after heart surgery is common, even in low-risk patients, after heart surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of postoperative shortness of breath in this group of patients.
According to Alaj News, there are actually various causes for respiratory problems after heart surgery. Shortness of breath after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is very common.
"Primary causes include atelectasis (the loss of small air sacs in the lungs) and fluid in or around the lungs," said Dr. Michael Fyuko, head of open heart surgery at the Memorial Hospital Association in Maryland, one of the top 50 countries in heart hospitals.
Dr. Fyoko continues: "Every patient has these problems to some extent after heart surgery." Atelectasis occurs due to pain at the incision site.
This is improved by walking, breathing exercises and a deep cough.
A small instrument called a spirometer is not just given to patients with coronary artery bypass grafting. It is given to anyone who needs to rest after any type of surgery.
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To encourage lung expansion, which will help prevent breathing problems and pneumonia, the patient places his mouth on the mouth of the spirometer and inhales slowly, recording a numerical amount of inhaled air while watching the device.
It is very important for patients with coronary artery bypass grafting to help them breathe and prevent any problems. A respiratory therapist will also visit the CABG patient. Despite these measures, the coronary artery bypass graft patient may still (and usually) experience respiratory problems.
So what can be done about fluid accumulation in the lungs after coronary artery bypass graft surgery?
Bypass surgery with diuretics (liquid pills).
They increase urine output and drain lung fluid.
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Causes of shortness of breath after heart surgery
What if the patient has kidney failure following coronary artery bypass surgery?
One patient had "mild" renal failure, so there was a period when he could not receive diuretics.
Because their effect (increased urination) puts pressure on the kidneys. His solution was fluid restriction. Until his creatinine level is acceptable. Over time, fluid builds up in his lungs, and his lungs eventually return to normal.
A coronary artery bypass graft patient may accumulate so much fluid in his or her lungs that it is difficult for him or her to breathe. "So a lot of fluid builds up around the lungs that has to be drained with a catheter," says Dr. Fyoko. In fact, the patient's surgeon proposed that as a plan for when the shortness of breath persisted, a CAT scan should be performed because there was fluid.
"Rarely, fluid buildup around the heart can cause shortness of breath," says Dr. Fyuko.
Pulmonary embolism or blood clots in the lungs that are treated with blood-thinning drugs are even rarer.
Finally, anxiety is a possible cause of shortness of breath after heart surgery, especially when the above are resolved.