Why using an incentive spirometer is important

This simple and easy test can help you breathe easier.

The most common test for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a spirometry test. It’s painless and involves simply inhaling through a tube that’s connected to a small device called a spirometer. But a spirometer isn’t just a diagnostic tool. Using it regularly at home can help improve your lung function. Here’s what you need to know.

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What is a spirometer?

An incentive spirometer is a device that measures the amount of the air you inhale with a single breath. When you inhale through the spirometer, a tiny piston rises inside the device. Each line on the device tube designates a specific amount of air.

How a spirometer can help you breathe better

Lung damage from COPD isn’t reversible, but using an incentive spirometer can help ease your symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and chronic cough. Here’s how.

It helps you take deeper breaths. Inhaling slowly through a spirometer expands your lungs and opens your airways. As you stretch your lungs over time, you may find that you’re able to take deeper breaths with less effort, instead of shallow breaths.
It helps clear mucus from your lungs. When you take deep breaths, your lungs are better able to expel the mucus that often accompanies chronic coughs in COPD patients.
It helps prevent respiratory infections. Deep breathing helps clear out fluids in your lungs that may contribute to respiratory infections such as pneumonia.

Bonus: The indicator on the side of a spirometer shows you how much air you’re inhaling with each breath, so you can track your progress over time. The more you use your spirometer, the more efficient your lungs will become.