What should you know about spirometer use after surgery?

Pain, anaesthesia, fatigue, and time in bed can make breaths shallower. A breathing exerciser encourages you to take controlled breaths, while a clinical spirometer can measure airflow when your team needs more information. It works alongside pain control, walking, coughing guidance, and other recovery instructions.

The device should not be used to push through sharp wound pain or marked breathlessness. Your surgical team may adjust the technique around chest, abdominal, or upper-body incisions. Hold a pillow against the wound only if your team has shown you how.

Sit as upright as your condition allows, support your incision if advised, and make a gentle seal around the mouthpiece. Breathe in slowly to the instructed target, hold only as directed, then breathe out normally. Coughing afterward may help clear mucus, but follow the method taught by your nurse or physiotherapist.

Use the schedule in your discharge plan and combine it with safe movement. Keep the device clean, do not share it, and tell the ward team if pain prevents a deep breath. Avoid changing medicines or activity limits without guidance.

Get emergency help for sudden severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, or strong chest pressure. Contact your surgical team urgently for worsening breathlessness, new chest pain, coughing blood, high fever, a wound problem, or pain that is preventing breathing and movement.

Ask how often to practise, what target to aim for, how to protect your incision, and when walking or coughing should be added. Confirm who to call if the device causes dizziness, pain, or a falling reading.