Respiratory exercises performed before and after your operation can help to reduce the risk of lung problems by opening up your airways and moving phlegm. Respiratory exercises, coughing and walking after surgery can prevent post-operative chest infections and reduce your post-operative stay in hospital.

Practising respiratory exercises before your operation will make it easier to perform them afterwards. Here is our six-step guide to breathing exercises:

• Sit upright in a supported chair
• Breathe in and out normally
• Take a slow deep breath in so that your ribs expand sideways and your lungs fill up with air and then exhale
• Take a slow deep breath in and expand your lungs, hold that breath for three seconds and then slowly exhale
• Repeat three times
• If you feel dizzy or tired return to breathing in and out normally.