Surgery can change the way you breathe temporarily, which can put you at higher risk of pneumonia or lung infection.
For a while after surgery, anesthesia can affect how deeply you breathe since it can make your breathing muscles a little weaker and can make it harder to keep your airway open. Pain can also cause you to avoid deep breaths or coughing.
Additionally, lying in bed can cause mucus to settle and make your lungs less expanded, and shallow breathing and lying flat can allow small areas of the lungs to collapse due to gravity.
Deep breathing after surgery can help expand your lungs and reduce the risk of lung complications after surgery.
What is an incentive spirometer?
An incentive spirometer is a small handheld breathing device that helps you take slow, deep breaths after surgery. Your health care team may recommend you use it in the hospital or at home after surgery, especially after chest, belly or major procedures.
“A spirometer gives you information about how deeply you are breathing,” said Jordan Vandenberg, a surgical specialist with Banner Health. It is not the same as a lung function test in a doctor’s office.
How a spirometer helps your lungs recover
Using a spirometer is one of the most effective breathing exercises after surgery. It encourages deep breathing, which can:
- Help expand the lungs
- Open small air sacs
- Help clear mucus or fluid
- Remind you to breathe deeply during recovery
Using a spirometer can help you reduce your risk of complications like:
- Atelectasis, when small areas of the lung can collapse
- Pneumonia
- Hypoxia, which is low oxygen levels after surgery
- The need for re-inserting a breathing tube
Using a spirometer is one part of lung care, not the only step.
How to use an incentive spirometer
Your care team will explain exactly how to perform post-surgery breathing exercises using an incentive spirometer. They will instruct you to:
- Sit upright if you can
- Hold the spirometer upright
- Breathe out normally
- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece
- Breathe in slowly and deeply
- Try to raise the marker or piston to the goal set by your care team
- Hold your breath for a few seconds, if instructed
- Breathe out slowly
- Rest and repeat as directed
- Cough afterward, if your care team tells you to
“The spirometer can be a great tool to help decrease respiratory complications after surgery since it can track your progress based on the number you reach. But being deliberate about taking 10 deep breaths an hour can have the same benefits,” Vandenberg said.
How often should you use it?
Frequency may vary based on your surgery type, health history and lung risk. Follow the instructions from your care team. Many people use it for 10 breaths every one to two hours while they are awake.
Keep the device nearby where you can see it and set reminders if you forget.
Tips to make it easier after surgery
It can help to:
- Take pain medicine as prescribed so you can breathe deeply
- Support your incision with a pillow when coughing, if instructed
- Sit up in a chair when possible
- Walk as soon and as often as your care team recommends
- Use the spirometer before resting or after walking if that helps you remember
- Take slow breaths
- Ask for help if you are not sure about the technique
Common mistakes to avoid
- Breathing in too fast
- Using it while slouched or lying flat, unless instructed
- Forgetting to use it once you feel better
- Stopping because it feels too simple
- Skipping it because coughing is uncomfortable
- Not asking for help if the marker does not move
When to call your care team
Call your provider if you have:
- Fever
- A cough that is getting worse
- Yellow, green or bloody mucus
- Shortness of breath that is new or worsening
- Chest pain
- Trouble using the spirometer because of pain
- Dizziness, fainting or severe weakness
- Oxygen levels lower than your care team told you to expect
- Symptoms that are getting worse instead of better
Bottom line
A spirometer can play an important role after surgery. It helps you take slow, deep breaths so your lungs can expand, clear mucus and support your recovery after anesthesia. Using it as directed, along with walking, coughing and good pain control, can help lower the risk of lung complications during surgical recovery.
If you are recovering from surgery and having trouble breathing deeply, coughing or using your spirometer, contact your care team or a Banner Health provider to help you understand what is normal and when your symptoms need care.
FAQs about using a spirometer after surgery
Why do I need a spirometer after surgery?
A spirometer helps you take deep breaths after surgery, which can help expand your lungs and lower the risk of complications like atelectasis or pneumonia.
Does a spirometer prevent pneumonia?
Using a spirometer can help prevent pneumonia after surgery when combined with coughing, walking, pain control and following your care team’s instructions.
Is it normal to cough after using a spirometer?
Yes, coughing may happen because deep breathing can help loosen mucus. Follow your care team’s instructions.
What if using the spirometer hurts?
Some discomfort can happen after surgery but severe pain can keep you from breathing deeply. Tell your care team so they can help with pain control or technique.
How long do I need to use a spirometer after surgery?
Follow your surgeon’s instructions. Some people use it only during the hospital stay, while others are told to keep using it at home for a short time.
