After lung surgery, you will be sent home with a spirometer breathing device. A spirometer, or incentive spirometer, is a small, handheld device consisting of only a few parts. There is a piston below a yellow indicator, a mouthpiece connected to a hose that fits into the side of the spirometer and a coach indicator above the mouthpiece. You will need to watch the indicators while using the exercise for feedback that you are doing the exercises correctly.
Benefits
During recovery, breathing may cause you pain and will not be as easy. The incentive spirometer device will help you get your lungs working properly after surgery, according to "A Patient's Guide to Lung Surgery" by the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Spirometer exercises will increase your lung capacity and help you cough up secretions to get them out of your lungs.
Incentive Spirometer Breathing Exercise
To use an incentive spirometer is a relatively simple process, though it may be challenging for your weak lungs. To begin, sit on the edge of a bed and hold the incentive spirometer in front of you in its upright position. Breathe out and then put the mouthpiece in your mouth and make a seal around it with your lips, as if giving CPR. The yellow coach indicator on the side of the spirometer near where the mouthpiece connects to the device should go into the blue outlined area at the top of the column when you breathe in. Try to retain your breath for five seconds, which will let the piston fall to the bottom of the column. Take a few seconds to rest and relax between breathing into the device.
Huff Coughing
You should always cough after doing the spirometer breathing exercise. Huff coughing is an exercise that will clear your lungs of mucus. To perform this exercise, simply say the word "huff" as you cough. This keeps your throat open so the mucus can get out. Take a deep breath before coughing and retain your breath for three seconds. When you cuff, force the air out by contracting your abdominals. Although your exhalation should be forceful, you need only to whisper "huff." This exercise should be taught to you by your respiratory therapist.
Frequency
The exercises should be done every day. Perform the spirometer breathing exercise followed by coughing 10 times each hour that you are awake, as recommended by the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
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