An incentive spirometer is a handheld medical device designed to help individuals improve their lung function. It encourages taking slow, deep breaths, which can expand the lungs and strengthen them. This device is commonly used after surgery or during recovery from certain illnesses to help prevent potential lung complications.
Understanding Your Incentive Spirometer
A typical incentive spirometer consists of several key parts. It features a mouthpiece connected by flexible tubing to an air chamber. Inside, a piston, or float, rises as you inhale, providing visual feedback on the volume of air drawn into your lungs.
Many devices also include a smaller chamber with a flow indicator that helps you regulate the speed of your inhalation. This indicator should stay within a marked range, signaling an appropriate, steady pace. A movable marker or slider on the side of the main chamber allows you or your healthcare provider to set and track volume goals.
Step-by-Step Usage
Begin by sitting upright for optimal lung expansion. Hold the spirometer upright at eye level. Before placing the mouthpiece in your mouth, breathe out normally, emptying your lungs.
Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it. Inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth, watching the piston rise in the main chamber. The goal is to raise the piston as high as possible while keeping the flow indicator in its designated target zone, which ensures a sustained and effective breath.
Once you can no longer inhale, hold your breath for at least three to five seconds for full lung expansion. Then, slowly exhale and remove the mouthpiece, allowing the piston to fall. Take a few normal breaths to rest before repeating the process.
Maximizing Your Treatment
Consistent use of your incentive spirometer optimizes benefits for lung health. Healthcare providers recommend performing about 10 deep breaths with the device every hour while you are awake. This regular practice helps maintain lung activity and prevent fluid buildup.
Setting and tracking volume goals is important. Use the adjustable marker on the side of the spirometer to indicate the highest volume you achieve with each session. Over time, you can work towards increasing this marker as your lung capacity improves.
Maintain an upright posture during use to maximize air intake. After completing a set of breaths, it is helpful to cough deeply to clear any loosened mucus from your lungs. If you have a surgical incision on your chest or abdomen, you can support it by pressing a pillow firmly against the area while coughing to reduce discomfort.
Care and Common Questions
Proper cleaning is important for hygiene. Detach the mouthpiece and tubing from the main unit and wash with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with clean running water, then air dry completely before reassembling.
If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness while using the spirometer, stop immediately, remove the mouthpiece, and take a few normal breaths until you feel better. Reaching your target volume may be challenging initially; continued practice will help improve your lung strength over time.
Contact your healthcare provider if you consistently struggle to use the device, experience new or worsening pain, shortness of breath, or develop a fever. These symptoms may indicate a need for further medical evaluation.