Importance of respiration in the healing process

La respiración es la función biológica más importante para nuestro organismo, la cual hacemos de forma inconsciente y la mayoría de las veces incorrectamente, por esta razón es esencial aprender a respirar adecuadamente, conocer la importancia de ésta en cada etapa de la cirugía (retiro de biopolímeros) y el proceso de recuperación.

Respiratory therapy before surgery is essential for the increase of oxygen levels in the blood and its proper transport to the tissues, thus reducing the risk of necrosis, as well as favoring the strengthening of the diaphragm, an important muscle in the respiratory process, to increase the respiratory capacity of each patient. Breathing also acts on the correct absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Let us remember that, if there is not an adequate nutritional uptake, the healing process could be compromised, delaying the recovery of the tissue. It also allows a decrease in the inflammatory process that is occurring at that moment due to the biopolymers.

La respiración permite la disminución en el proceso inflamatorio que se esté presentando en ese momento debido a los biopolímeros.

To avoid an episode of pneumonia or other pulmonary complications, it is vital that the patient suspends tobacco and electronic cigarettes for a minimum period of 2 weeks before the intervention, since the chemical components of their smoke modify the structures in the airway, generating inflammation, narrowing, accumulation of secretions and exposing the lungs to respiratory infections.

After RB surgery (immediate postoperative period), early ambulation together with correct breathing reduces the possibility of respiratory complications, such as atelectasis (lung collapse), respiratory failure, among others. It is necessary to continue with respiratory exercises to strengthen the diaphragm (increase lung capacity) and the elimination of secretions (bronchial obstruction) that accumulate in the lungs due to prolonged intubation (mechanical ventilation) during surgery. It also contributes to the healing process, increasing the oxygenation of the tissues.

By being conscious of the breath we can have a better management of physical pain, stress and anxiety caused by the whole process of recovery, when the mind is calm, the heart rate is reduced, as the movement of the diaphragm activates the parasympathetic nervous system, in charge of the "relaxation response" of our body. Deep, conscious breathing aids in the activation of the lymphatic circulation, which allows for the proper filtration of impurities into the bloodstream.

Conclusiones: La respiración es una función biológica que nos ayuda a mejorar la oxigenación, reducir la necrosis, disminuir la inflamación y el edema, a fortalecer el diafragma, la correcta absorción de nutrientes, la gestión de las emociones, el dolor físico, reducción en complicaciones pulmonares y la eliminación de secreciones postoperatorias.