I remember a patient, let’s call him David, looking at the plastic gadget I’d just handed him after his abdominal surgery. He gave me a look that said, “You want me to do what with this thing?” I get it. It looks a bit like a toy you might find in a cereal box. But that simple, handheld device is an incredibly important tool. An incentive spirometer is essentially a workout machine for your lungs, and it plays a huge part in helping you heal strong and avoid complications.
It’s all about getting your lungs back in shape, especially after they’ve been through a lot, like with surgery, a bad case of pneumonia, or even a chest injury. Taking slow, deep breaths is one of the best things you can do for your recovery.
What Is an Incentive Spirometer, Anyway?
Think of it this way: when you’re in pain or have been lying in bed for a while, your breathing naturally becomes shallow. You’re not using your full lung capacity. This can lead to problems, like fluid and mucus building up, which can sometimes set the stage for pneumonia. The little air sacs in your lungs (called alveoli) can also get lazy and deflate a bit, a condition we call atelectasis.
An incentive spirometer gives you a visual target. It encourages you to take those deep, cleansing breaths that:
- Help fully expand and inflate your lungs.
- Strengthen your breathing muscles.
- Loosen and clear out any mucus hanging around in your chest.
- Help your body process and clear out any leftover anesthesia after surgery.
There are two main types, though you don’t really need to worry about the distinction—we’ll always give you the right one for your needs. One is a flow-oriented type, which makes you work a bit harder, and the other is a volume-oriented type, which focuses more on the amount of air you can pull in.
Why Might You Need One?
We recommend these devices in many different situations. It’s not just for after major surgery. Here are some of the common reasons we’ll send a patient home with one.
| Situation or Condition | How the Spirometer Helps |
|---|---|
| After Surgery (especially chest or abdominal) | Helps clear anesthesia, prevents lung collapse (atelectasis), and reduces the risk of pneumonia. |
| Pneumonia | Assists in loosening and clearing the fluid and mucus from your lungs so you can breathe easier. |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | While it can’t reverse lung damage, it can help manage symptoms by keeping lungs as active and clear as possible. |
| Rib Fractures or Chest Injury | It hurts to breathe deeply with a broken rib, so this device encourages you to do it safely to prevent complications. |
| Prolonged Bed Rest | Keeps your lungs active and clear when your body is not moving around much. |
| Certain Conditions like Cystic Fibrosis or Sickle Cell Anemia | Can be a tool to help manage the lung-related symptoms of these chronic diseases. |
How to Use Your Incentive Spirometer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using it correctly is key. It might feel a little strange at first, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. The goal is to do about 10 breaths every hour you are awake.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Get Positioned | Sit up straight, either on the edge of your bed or as upright as you can manage. Hold the spirometer upright. |
| 2. Exhale Normally | Breathe out completely. Then, place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it. |
| 3. Inhale SLOWLY | Breathe in as slowly and deeply as you can. Watch the piston rise inside the main chamber. Try to keep the little indicator in the “best” or “better” zone. |
| 4. Hold Your Breath | Once you can’t inhale anymore, hold your breath for at least 5 seconds. This gives your lungs time to fully expand. |
| 5. Exhale Slowly | Remove the mouthpiece and breathe out slowly. Let the piston fall back to the bottom. Rest for a few moments. |
| 6. Cough It Out | After each set of 10 breaths, it’s important to cough. If you have a surgical incision, hold a pillow firmly against it for support. This helps clear any mucus you’ve loosened. |
| Set your goal! Use the little marker on the side to mark your best effort. It gives you something to aim for each time. | |
If you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded, just stop for a bit and take some normal breaths. Let your doctor or nurse know if it keeps happening.
A Few Important Things to Keep in Mind
While this is a safe device, there are a couple of things to be aware of.
- Cleaning: If you’re using it at home, it’s a good idea to clean the mouthpiece daily with soap and water. Just let it air dry completely before using it again.
- Don’t Share: These are single-person devices. Deeply breathing in and out can spread germs, so never share your spirometer with someone else. It’s best to use it in a space by yourself if you’re feeling unwell.
- When to Stop: Usually, once you are up and walking around regularly, your lungs are getting enough exercise on their own. We’ll let you know when you can stop using it.
Take-Home Message
- An incentive spirometer is a simple device to help you exercise your lungs, especially after surgery, illness, or injury.
- The main goal is to encourage slow, deep breaths to prevent lung complications like pneumonia and atelectasis (collapsed air sacs).
- Aim to use it about 10 times every hour you’re awake, or as instructed by your care team.
- After each set of breaths, it’s crucial to cough to clear out any loosened mucus. Use a pillow to brace any incisions.
- If you feel dizzy, stop and rest. Always let us know if you have concerns.
It might seem like a small, simple task, but using this little gadget faithfully is a huge step in your recovery. You’re taking an active role in getting better, one deep breath at a time. And you’re doin’ great.