Using an incentive spirometer after surgery will help you to keep your lungs clear and active throughout the recovery process. Here's how to do it:
- Sit on the edge of your bed or sit up as high as you can in bed.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it.
- Breathe in slowly and as deeply as you can. You'll see both the piston and the small ball rise as you do this.
- Try to keep the small ball in between the two indicators as you inhale. Hold your breath here for at least five (5) seconds then remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and exhale normally.
- Rest for a few seconds then repeat at least five to ten times after every hour.
- After each set of five to ten breaths, cough to make sure your lungs are clear. If you have an incision, support your incision while coughing by placing a pillow firmly against it.
Basic oral care measure can also help you to reduce your chance of getting pneumonia after surgery. Here's how to do it:
- Brush your teeth and tongue using a soft-bristled toothbrush and plaque-removing toothpaste for one to two minutes.
- If you wear dentures, remove them and brush your gums, palate, and inside your cheeks and tongue. Then carefully brush your dentures with warm water only.
- Swish and spit using an alcohol-free antiseptic oral rinse.
- Perform oral care at least twice a day; in the morning and before bed.