Incentive spirometer



An incentive spirometer is a type of medical equipment used to help patients improve the functioning of their lungs. It is given to patients who have had any surgery that might jeopardize functioning of the lungs, lung surgery is an example, heart surgery or other surgeries involving extended periods of time under anesthesia with a lot of in-bed recovery time also commonly use this device.

The patient breathes in from the device as slowly and as deeply as possible. An indicator provides a gauge of how well the patient's lung or lungs are functioning. The patient is generally asked to do many repetitions a day while measuring his or her progress by way of the gauge.