How To Use An Incentive Spirometer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An incentive spirometer, or IS, is a device used to measure how much air can go into your lungs. It is made up of a breathing tube, an air chamber, and an indicator. The breathing tube is connected to the air chamber and has a mouthpiece at the end. The indicator is found inside the device. An IS helps prevent lung problems by exercising the muscles used for breathing. For IS, you will need to breathe slowly and deeply. Breathing deeply helps open your airway and fill your lungs with air. The incentive spirometer shows how well your lungs inflate (expand) by measuring how deep your breathing is.
  
  
• An incentive spirometer is commonly used in those who are at risk of having airway or breathing problems. People who smoke, and patients with lung diseases may improve their lung function by using an incentive spirometer. IS may also be used before or after having head, neck, chest, or abdominal (stomach) surgery. People who are inactive or cannot move well may also need to use an incentive spirometer.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Before using the incentive spirometer:

• Sit up straight as comfortably as you can. Keep your neck centered and do not bend forward or backward.
  
  
• Hold the incentive spirometer in an upright position.
  
  
• Place the target pointer to the level that you need to reach or your caregiver has suggested.

When using the incentive spirometer:

• Exhale (breathe out) normally.
  
  
• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth with your lips tightly sealed around it.
  
  
• Inhale (breathe in) slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece to raise the indicator. Try to make the indicator rise up to the level of the target pointer. This is the goal level you need to reach. Note the highest level that the indicator has reached.
  
  
• When you cannot inhale any longer, remove the mouthpiece and hold your breath for at least three seconds.
  
  
• Exhale normally.
  
  
• Repeat these steps 5 to 10 times every hour when awake.
  
  
• After each session, try to cough out the sputum (mucus) from your lungs. This is done by inhaling deeply and pushing the air out of your lungs with a deep, strong cough.

After using the incentive spirometer:

• After each use, clean the mouthpiece with water and shake it to dry. If the mouthpiece you are using is disposable, do not use it for more than 24 hours.
  
  
• Keep track of your progress by writing down the highest level that you are able to reach. This will help caregivers see if your lung function is getting better over time. Writing down the level that you have reached may help you remember to do your exercises, and encourage you to do better each time.

For more information:

Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You feel dizzy or light-headed.
  
  
• You have a wound which is painful every time you breathe deeply.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have chest pain, sweating, or greater trouble breathing.
  
  
• You faint (pass out).

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.