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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Fighting Lung Congestion After A CABG, Please Give Me Your Suggestions!

My father has undergone a CABG and has been suffering from several post operative challenges. One of the major roadblocks to his recovery now is his inability to cough out the phlem depositing in his lungs. As I see it there are a few reasons for this. First, he is too week to do it. Second, since he had to undergo a sternal rewiring surgery after his CABG he has a mental block that coughing out strongly would impact the sternum again. Finally, he is just down right depressed having passed more than 15 days in critical care units of the hospital. I look forward to any suggestions that you might have for helping him and motivating him to come out on top of this challenge.
posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2009
Twitter Tue, 15 Dec 2009 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 3 Jan 2010 Last reviewed on
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's  Response
Hospitalized patient often have diminished respiratory effort and impaired mucociliary clearance of pulmonary secretion. A number of factors can contribute to these impairments, including decreased physical activity, pain, altered mental status, and certain medication. The goal of bronchial hygiene therapy is to supplement airway mucociliary clearance and optimize pulmonary function. The essential components of bronchial hygiene therapy include: 1-Humidification of the airways 2-Deep breathing and incentive spirometry 3-Chest physiotherapy 4-Noninvasive positive-pressure techniques 5-Invasive suctioning of the bronchotracheal tree But, all of above, is performance of duty of framework nursing, with direct order a doctor.
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JJ Lubus's  Response

I have  a similar problem though I am home.I am taking spirometry exercises but my main concern is that I am having difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath. I have had fluid removed and tho there is some residual fluid, the Drs say I'm progressing. But I can't sleep. Ambiend causes depression. How can I get some sleep?2 D Echo and heart funnctions are good. Any time table on this.? I am a strong 81.
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Fighting Lung Congestion After A CABG, Please Give Me Your Suggestions!

Hospitalized patient often have diminished respiratory effort and impaired mucociliary clearance of pulmonary secretion. A number of factors can contribute to these impairments, including decreased physical activity, pain, altered mental status, and certain medication. The goal of bronchial hygiene therapy is to supplement airway mucociliary clearance and optimize pulmonary function. The essential components of bronchial hygiene therapy include: 1-Humidification of the airways 2-Deep breathing and incentive spirometry 3-Chest physiotherapy 4-Noninvasive positive-pressure techniques 5-Invasive suctioning of the bronchotracheal tree But, all of above, is performance of duty of framework nursing, with direct order a doctor.