Incentive Spirometer Essay

Introduction

An incentive spirometer is a tool that measures how well you are filling your lungs with each breath. Using this tool can help you keep your lungs clear and active by learning to take long, deep breaths. This may help reverse or decrease the chance of developing breathing (pulmonary) problems, especially infection. You may be asked to use a spirometer:

After a surgery.

If you have a lung problem or a history of smoking.

After a long period of time when you are unable to move or be active.

If the spirometer includes an indicator to show your best effort, your health care provider or respiratory therapist will help you set a goal. Keep a log of your progress as told by your health care provider.

What are the risks?

Breathing too quickly

may cause dizziness or cause you to pass out. Take your time so you do not get dizzy or light-headed.
If you are in pain, you may need to take pain medicine before doing incentive spirometry. It is harder to take a deep breath if you are having pain.
How to use your incentive spirometer
Sit up on the edge of your bed or on a chair.

Hold the incentive spirometer so that it is in an upright position.

Breathe out normally.

Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Make sure your lips are closed tightly around it.

Breathe in slowly and as deeply as you can through your mouth, causing the piston or the ball to rise toward the top of the chamber.

Hold your breath for 3–5 seconds or for as long as possible.

Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and breathe out normally. The piston or ball will return to the bottom of the chamber.

Rest for a few seconds and repeat the steps at least 10 times. Do this every 1–2 hours when you are awake. Take your time and take a few normal breaths between deep breaths so that you do not get dizzy or light-headed.

If the spirometer includes an indicator to show your best effort, use this as a goal to work toward during each repetition.

After each set of 10 deep breaths, cough a few times. This will help ensure that your lungs are clear. If you have an incision from surgery, place a pillow or a rolled-up towel firmly against the incision to reduce pain when you are coughing.

General tips

Once you are able to get out of bed, walk around often and continue to cough to help clear your

lungs.
Keep using the incentive spirometer until your health care provider says it is okay to stop using it.
Contact a health care provider if:
You are having difficulty using the spirometer.
You have trouble using the spirometer as often as instructed.
Your pain medicine is not giving enough relief while using the spirometer.
You have a fever.
You develop shortness of breath.
Your incision feels warm to the touch.
Get help right away if:
You develop a cough with bloody sputum.
You have pus or a bad smell coming from an incision.
You have redness, swelling, or pain around an incision.
You have fluid or blood coming from an incision site.
Summary
An incentive spirometer is a tool that can help you keep your lungs clear and active by learning to take long, deep breaths.
You may be asked to use a spirometer after a surgery, if you have a lung problem or history of smoking, or if you have been inactive for a long period of time.
Use your incentive spirometer as instructed every 1–2 hours while you are awake.