What should you know about incentive spirometer post surgery?

Anaesthesia, lying still and discomfort can make people take shallow breaths. The device gives a visible goal for a gentle inhalation. It does not remove mucus, treat an infection or prove that the lungs are normal, and it should complement walking, coughing exercises and other instructions from the surgical team.

Pain can limit the depth of a breath. Tell the team if pain prevents you from inhaling or coughing; they can review pain relief and technique. The display is most useful when viewed alongside how you feel and the recovery plan.

Sit as upright as you can, support the area that hurts if your team recommends it, and seal your lips around the mouthpiece. Inhale slowly until the marker reaches the advised level, hold briefly if instructed, then breathe out gently. Rest between breaths and follow the schedule given at discharge.

Do not blow into the mouthpiece or strain to move the marker. Keep the device clean and bring it to follow-up if the clinician wants to review your technique. Continue other prescribed activity and breathing exercises unless the team changes them.

Seek urgent help for sudden or severe breathlessness, new blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion or sudden chest pain. Contact the surgical team promptly for worsening breathlessness, fever, coughing blood, increasing wound pain, or repeated inability to reach the target.

Ask how often to use the device, what target is expected, how to brace the incision, and which pain symptoms need a call. Ask whether Spirometry is planned later or whether another follow-up test is more appropriate.