Deep Breathing and Incentive Spirometry

Deep breathing with or without an incentive spirometer is an important component of bronchial hygiene. The incentive spirometer provides a visual or numerical goal, which may assist some patients in achieving a sustained maximal inspiratory effort. To be effective, both incentive spirometry and simple deep breathing exercises rely on a cooperative, motivated, and well-instructed patient. The goal of these maneuvers is to expand the lungs and open airways, thereby preventing atelectasis and facilitating clearance of bronchial secretions. Several trials have shown that deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry can decrease pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery.^{[30] [31] [32]} The efficacy of incentive spirometry compared to other forms of bronchial hygiene therapy is controversial.^{[33] [34] [35]} However, because incentive spirometry is safe and inexpensive, it is frequently used in the hospital to prevent or treat atelectasis.