How to use an Incentive Spirometer | Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Did you have a recent surgery or you have a lung disease? You might need to use an incentive spirometer to improve your breathing and lung capacity.

The use of a spirometer is usually advised to people who just had a recent surgery where an anesthesia is given. When anesthesia is given, atelectasis which is partial or complete lung collapse usually happens.
It is also commonly recommended for patients who have a lung illness such as pneumonia, asthma and COPD and needs pulmonary rehabilitation.

So what does the incentive spirometer do? It helps strengthen your lungs and keep your lungs fluid free. It teaches you how to take slow deep breaths as well.

What are the parts of an incentive spirometer?
A mouthpiece is connected to a flexible tubing. To the side you have the indicator to show if you were doing good, better or best. Then you have the marker that you use to indicate your goal. Then you have the piston in the chamber which goes up when you inhale and goes down when your rest or exhale.

How do you determine your goal?
This is usually determined by your doctor or your therapist or nurse.
They usually compute this by your age and by your height. Say for example you are a female who is 5’3” and is 60 years old, Your goal is 2100 mL inspired volume. Now if you are a male who is 5’8 and 65 years old your goal is about 2600 mL inspired volume.

How to use an incentive spirometer.

First you need to sit straight from your bed or on a chair. If you had surgery on your chest like when you had an open heart surgery, put a pillow over that surgical site. Hold the spirometer in an upright position where you can see the indicator and the goal marks.
Exhale normally without putting your lips on the mouthpiece. Then place your lips around mouthpiece and inhale slowly to raise the piston in the chamber. When inhaling, maintain the top of the yellow flow cup in the best flow range. Continue inhaling until you reach the prescribed volume level using the top of the piston. After a complete inhalation remove the mouthpiece and hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds. Then exhale normally then repeat the process 10 times. Most of the time your doctor or therapist or nurse will recommend that she use this 10 times every waking hour. So for example you are awake from 9 am to 9 in the evening, so you will do this 12 rounds at 10 repetitions each.
You might feel dizzy or lightheaded and that is fine. Just take a break and then continue.

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Disclaimer:
This video should not replace the necessity of visiting your doctor or getting your occupational therapy session done. Please consult your primary care physician before doing any of this. The video is for educational purposes only.

By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Skills and wellness will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our fitness program.

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