Incentive Spirometry part 1

Incentive spirometry is a vital component of medicine today. The technique of incentive spirometry was first developed to help bronchial hygiene before and after surgery. It was observed that many patients who underwent surgery developed fever and lung collapse (atelectasis) after the first few days of surgery. This was due to a combination of pain, lack of a cough reflex and continued shallow breathing.

The degree of atelectasis is variable- some individuals only develop mild atelectasis which is of no medical significance except a fever. In other individuals the atelectasis can be quite severe and compromise oxygenation of the lung. Thus, incentive spirometry was developed to encourage patients to take deep and slow breaths to assist in expansion of the lung after surgery.

The procedure of incentive spirometry is accomplished by use of a device that provides the patient with a visual feedback when they inhale for a minimum of 1-3 seconds. The primary goal of the procedure is to increase the lung volumes and improve the performance of the respiratory muscles so that the entire lung expands. When the procedure is performed on a regular basis after surgery, the smaller airways do remain open and collapse of the lung is prevented.

Incentive spirometry was once used only on post surgical patients but this has changed today. The device is now widely used by patients in the intensive care units, extended care facilities, long term home care and on general medical floors.