What is the purpose of using the Spirometer?

Question

I had my surgery on the 26th. And then they gave me the spirometer I was wondering is it to loosen up mucus? I know to prevent pneumonia.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi karlamiranda,
The incentive spirometer is a device that encourages slow, deep breaths--which in turn help to keep your lung bases open.
Patients who have had tummy tucks may prefer to take shallow instead of deep breaths because of pain. But only slow, deep breaths will recruit the lung bases to stay open--which will improve how much oxygen you receive.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The incentive spirometer is a great tool that is used to help the patient promote deep breathing after surgery.  This can prevent pneumonia and other concerns such as pulmonary embolism.  After abdominal surgery patients may take small, shallow breaths due to discomfort, positioning, or sleepiness from medication.  The incentive spirometer helps a patient to exercise the lungs and promote healthy healing.  Your surgeon will show you how it's used.  Many feel the measurement is when you EXHALE into the device.  It's actually measuring when you INHALE using the device.  Another option to use in case an incentive spirometer is not provided is for patients to blow up balloons. Good luck with surgery!

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
If a long anesthetic is required, if there is a history of pulmonary disease, if you are a smoker, if there are "crackles" on chest examination, or if the anesthesiologist is conservative, a spirometer may be utilized to promote effective breathing in order prevent the development of atelectasis ( collapse of the lung's alveolar walls) which may later develop into pneumonia. It is a relatively inexpensive method to prevent a significant complication.
Best wishes...

What is the purpose of using the Spirometer?

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