Overview *

An incentive spirometer is an instrument that helps patients expand and clear their lungs. Patients recovering from major surgeries, pneumonia, or patients who were on a respirator tend not to breathe very deeply. This causes parts of the lungs to collapse, making it difficult to breath and increasing the chances of contracting a lung infection. An incentive spirometer measures how deep a patient can breather and challenges the patient to breathe even deeper. You will be shown how to use the incentive spirometer by your healthcare professional, and for how long a period of time you must use it each day. It is important to follow these instructions when you are discharged from the hospital for as many days as you are required. This will hasten your recovery and prevent potentially serious complications.

In-Depth

Introduction | Incentive Spirometer
Why Use It | How to Use It
Conclusion

Multimedia

Last reviewed: 2/21/2007