Incentive Spirometry

   Incentive spirometry

·         Deep breath can be facilitated by an incentive spirometer which gives visual feedback

·         It consist of a mouth piece with 3-5 cylindrical chamber is been graded with markings

·         Colored balls acts as visual feed back

        

   The suggested technique is the following:

i.                     A demonstration is given using a separate device.

ii.                   Patient should be relaxed and positioned as for deep breathing, either side-lying or sitting upright, preferably in a chair.

iii.                  With lips sealed around the mouthpiece, the patient inhales slowly and deeply.

iv.                 Two out of three plastic balls should be raised and the breath sustained for some second while they are suspended.

v.                   The third ball is a control and should not be raised because this indicates high flow and turbulence.

vi.                 An inspiratory hold is sustained.

vii.                After exhalation, shoulder girdle relaxation is rechecked.

(Throughout the procedure the patient watches the incentive spirometer while the physiotherapist monitors the patient’s breathing pattern.)

·         Those on oxygen can use nasal cannulae or an incentive spirometer while entrains oxygen. 

·         People with tracheostomies can use a connecting tube.

·         Once technique is faultless, patient are asked to take 10 incentive spirometry breaths per walking hour.

·         It is also suited to children and those with learning difficulties because it can be learnt by demonstration.

·         It is not suitable for breathless patients.

Precaution

           ·          Lower chest and diaphragm breathing is emphasized

           ·          Avoid use of accessory muscles.

Advantages

           ·          Improves lung volume and capacity

           ·          Prevents collapse of lungs

           ·          Prevents post-operative pulmonary complication

           ·          Provide visual feed back

           ·          As a mean of thoracic expansion exercise and is used inspiratory muscle in case of neuromuscular disorders