How To Use An Incentive Spirometer

What is an incentive spirometer?

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 spirometry, 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.

Who may need to use an incentive spirometer?

An incentive spirometer is commonly used in those who are at risk of having airway or breathing problems. Using an incentive spirometer may help people who smoke, and patients with lung diseases. 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.

How do I use an incentive spirometer?

Sit up straight and as comfortably as possible. Keep your head and neck centered and not bent 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. Exhale (breathe out) normally, and then do the following:

• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth with your lips tightly sealed around it. Do not let your tongue block the mouthpiece.
  
  
• 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 that 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, or as often as caregivers tell you to.
  
  
• 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.

Where can I find 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
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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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.