An incentive spirometer helps to improve lung function.
An incentive spirometer is a piece of medical equipment designed to help patients perform deep breathing exercises to improve respiratory function. Exercises with a spirometer are often prescribed after surgery to avoid complications that may result from extended immobility. The spirometer is designed with clear plastic and brightly colored balls or pistons that move up and down to indicate the depth of inhalation or volume of exhalation. The patient's ability to visually monitor his progress helps improve compliance with the prescribed treatment.
Instructions
1. Slide the blue pointer on the left side of the spirometer to the volume level prescribed by your doctor.
2. Sit as upright as possible. Hold the spirometer in an upright position or place it upright on your bedside table.
3. Exhale normally and place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
4. Inhale slowly, raising the blue piston in the column. Try to elevate the piston to the level of the sliding indicator or above.
5. When you cannot inhale any more, remove the mouthpiece and try to hold your breath for about 10 seconds or more.
6. Exhale normally or try to cough during exhalation, depending upon your doctor's orders.
7. Slide the mouthpiece into the round notch on the side of the spirometer after use to keep it clean.
Tips Warnings
Perform your spirometry exercises as often as your doctor suggests. Record the times of your treatments.
If you have had chest or abdominal surgery, use a pillow across your abdomen while performing the spirometry exercises to splint your incision.
Perform the spirometry exercises at least as often as prescribed by your doctor to prevent complications such as pneumonia.
Do not share your spirometry device with anyone else to avoid cross-contamination.
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