Re-expansion of lungs following heart surgery

by Zoe
(Cleveland, Ohio)

My husband is due to have heart surgery in the near future. He is 48 fit and healthy (apart from needing his mitral valve repaired!).

During the surgery the lungs are collapsed as he will be on a heart/lung machine.

Post surgery a lot of effort is put into aiding the re-expansion of the lungs to prevent various complications.

When I was a student nurse (back in the U.K)on a cardiac floor, we would give the patients an inhalation of a peppermint mixture which worked wonders for enabling the patients to breath deeply and cough up yukky mucus.

I would like to replicate this mixture but don't know how. Or if anyone has any other suggestions that would help I would appreciate it

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Sep 28, 2011
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Essential oils for breathing.
by: Penny Keay

Hi

First I want you to know that I hope all goes well for your husbands surgery.

As for essential oils that can help air ways etc.

Before you proceed make sure that the Doctor(s) know that you would like to include the use of essential oils to help your husband.

Peppermint can help open airways but usually it is because they are congested from excessive mucous or swelling caused by any number of irritating substances including germs, dust etc.

Simply all you need to do is put a few drops in a nasal inhaler and have your husband inhale just a few inhalations every few hours.

Not hard at all.

You can also mix other essential oils with the peppermint.

A Pneumonologist (Lung Doctor) we know uses a blend of Myrtle, Hyssop and Peppermint for his patients that have COPD - Maybe this same blend would help your husband.

And yes all they do is put it on a tissue or in an inhaler and take a few whiffs every few hours.

Good Luck and a Speedy recovery to your husband.

Don't forget to inhale some of your favorite essential oils for you too. This is very stressful for all those folks and family involved. Essential oils can put everyone at ease. Use Neroli for any major panic or anxiety. It really can help.

See our website for help with Stress, Anxiety and more.

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Penny Keay
Certified Clinical Medical Aromatherapist
www.birchhillhappenings.com

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