Step-By-Step Instructions for Exercising Your Lungs
Anincentive spirometeris a handheld medical rig.
that helps retrain your lungs to take slow, deep breaths.
An incentive spirometer can be usedafter surgery.
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How Incentive Spirometers Are Used
An incentive spirometer teaches you how to take slow, deep breaths.
You may need a prescription if you want to file an insurance claim for the rig.
Most of the time,spirometrycan be done every hour or two.
Your provider may recommend more or less frequent use, depending on what your needs are.
How to Use an Incentive Spirometer
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using an incentive spirometer.
If you do not reach your goal, do not get discouraged.
You will improve with practice and as you heal.
Normal Incentive Spirometer Readings
You’ll see some lines and numbers marked on your incentive spirometer gadget.
Your provider will tell you which mark is your goal to hit or which range you should aim for.
Your provider will use these factorsto calculatewhat your goal will be.
Do Incentive Spirometers Have Risks?
There are few risks or complications from regular incentive spirometer use.
However, you should pay attention to how you’re feeling when you’re using it.
If you feel lightheaded while you’re using your incentive spirometer, take a break.
Wait more than 24 hours before reusing a disposable mouthpiece on your spirometer.
You’ll probably feel some discomfort as you work on strengthening your lungs with an incentive spirometer.
Some people find it helpful tohold a pillow tightly against their incisionwhen they’re taking deep breaths.
Using an incentive spirometer can help strengthen your lungs and prevent infections like pneumonia.
You may get a spirometry machine when you’re discharged home from the hospital after surgery.
The gadget helps you inhale at a slow, steady pace to help build lung strength and capacity.
An incentive spirometer is not the same as adiagnostic spirometerused forpulmonary function tests.
The body of the rig is made of clear plastic.
National Library of Medicine.Incentive Spirometer and Inspiratory Muscle Training.
Eltorai AEM, Baird GL, Eltorai AS, et al.Perspectives on Incentive Spirometry Utility and Patient Protocols.Respiratory Care.
2013 Jul;58(7):e77-9.
doi:10.4187/respcare.02130
Jat KR.Spirometry in children.Primary Care Respiratory Journal.
2013;22(2):221-229.doi:10.4104/pcrj.2013.00042
