What should you know about use of incentive spirometer for pneumonia?

Pneumonia can make deep breaths uncomfortable and may leave parts of the lungs less well expanded. The handheld device provides visual feedback as you breathe in. It is a breathing exercise, not an antibiotic and not a replacement for treatment of the infection.

A clinician may recommend it after illness, surgery, or a period of reduced movement. Your target should be set by the care team rather than copied from another person. The device cannot show whether pneumonia has cleared, so symptoms and clinical review remain important.

Sit upright and seal your lips around the mouthpiece. Breathe out normally, then inhale slowly through the mouthpiece so the marker rises steadily. Hold the breath briefly if your clinician has advised this, then remove the mouthpiece and breathe out. Rest between attempts if you feel light-headed.

Use the frequency and target recommended for you. Coughing gently afterward may help clear mucus, but stop and recover if you develop chest pain, marked dizziness, or worsening breathlessness. Keep the mouthpiece clean as instructed and do not share it.

Seek emergency care for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, collapse, or chest pain that is severe or persistent. Contact your clinician promptly if fever returns, breathing becomes harder, you cannot keep fluids down, or your cough and weakness are worsening rather than settling.

A spirometer reading or effort alone cannot confirm recovery. Your clinician may listen to your chest, check oxygen levels, or arrange further assessment. For device background, see [Spirometer](/technology/spirometer/) and [Spirometry](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/spirometry/).

Ask how often to use the device, what target is suitable, how long to continue, and what to do if coughing or pain interrupts an attempt. Ask whether you need a review of oxygen levels, medicines, hydration, or other breathing exercises.