An incentive spirometer is a handheld medical device designed to help patients perform deep breathing exercises to maximize lung capacity. This apparatus is distinct from the diagnostic spirometer used in a doctor’s office, as its purpose is therapeutic, not solely for measurement. It functions by providing visual feedback, encouraging users to take slow, sustained inhalations. The device is commonly recommended for individuals recovering from surgery, particularly abdominal or chest procedures, or during recovery from respiratory illnesses where deep breathing may be difficult or painful.
Understanding the Incentive Spirometer’s Purpose
The device’s primary function is preventing pulmonary complications caused by shallow breathing, which often follows anesthesia or pain. Encouraging deep breaths helps fully inflate the alveoli, the air sacs within the lungs. This action prevents atelectasis, the collapse of these tiny air sacs, which can lead to reduced oxygen exchange.
Sustained maximum inspiration also helps clear excess mucus or secretions accumulating in the lungs’ lower airways. Clearing these secretions reduces the risk of secondary infections, such as pneumonia. Regular use assists in improving the efficiency of the diaphragm and promotes a quicker return to normal respiratory health.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Proper Technique
To begin using the spirometer, first find a position that allows for maximum lung expansion, such as sitting upright in a chair or on the edge of a bed. Hold the device at eye level to ensure the volume indicator, often a piston or ball, is visible. Before placing the mouthpiece in your mouth, take a normal breath out to empty your lungs completely.
Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to ensure no air escapes through the sides. Take a slow, deep breath inward, similar to sipping a thick milkshake through a straw.
Watch the flow indicator, a smaller component on the side of the device, to ensure the inhalation is slow enough. The flow indicator must remain within the marked range, usually between two arrows, to confirm a sustained deep breath.
As you inhale, the main piston will rise, indicating the volume of air drawn into the lungs. Continue inhaling as deeply as possible until you can no longer take in more air or the piston reaches your set goal level.
Once maximum inhalation is reached, hold your breath for a period of three to five seconds. This allows the air to fully distribute and expand the alveoli.
Finally, remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and exhale slowly and naturally, allowing the piston to fall back to the bottom. Rest for a few seconds before beginning the next repetition to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness. Remember that the objective is to inhale slowly and deeply to achieve the greatest possible lung volume, not to inhale quickly.
Monitoring Results and Usage Frequency
The incentive spirometer features a sliding marker on the volume column used to set and track your inhalation goal. Your healthcare provider will initially determine a starting goal based on your age, height, and lung function. After each successful repetition, move the sliding marker to the highest volume the piston reached, establishing a new target for the next breath.
Monitoring the volume indicator helps track progress and notice gradual improvements in lung capacity. The device is meant to be used frequently throughout the day, with a common recommendation being 10 slow, deep breaths every hour while awake. This schedule ensures the lungs remain active and expanded regularly.
Maintain this routine and do not wait until you feel symptoms to use the device. If you consistently cannot reach your established goal, or if you experience increased pain, fever, or shortness of breath while attempting the exercise, contact your healthcare provider. Adjusting the frequency or technique may be necessary to continue your recovery safely.