With almost 234 million surgeries being performed in the world every year and that too major one, there is no surprise if someone in your close group or even you has gone through a surgical process recently. Although, going through surgery is itself a daunting task but you have to take care of the recovery part as well if you wish to get back to normal life.
One of the most common issues people have to deal with after surgery is the accumulation of mucus and other fluids in the lungs. If this simple aspect of recovery is left unaddressed, it can slowly snowball and become the main culprit behind another disease. Well, there are many ways to deal with this issue but most doctors will recommend you use a spirometer.
If you are not from the medical field or if you haven’t seen anyone recovering from surgery, the word spirometer might sound like an alien term to you. But that is going to change after you finish reading this article.
In this blog post, we will cover every aspect of a spirometer, right from its purpose to how to use it properly.
What is a spirometer?
It is a simple device made entirely out of plastic that is used to exercise the lungs. In most cases, a doctor recommends using a spirometer after surgery, injury, or any kind of illness that attacks the lungs. A spirometer is also known as a deep breathing exerciser in many parts of the world and it is the common panacea for issues related to the lungs, especially when it comes to improving lung health.
What is the purpose of using a spirometer?
A spirometer is basically used to avoid the chances of any kind of lung infection. The main purpose of a spirometer is to expand the lungs which improves the strength of the muscles and this is what keeps the lungs inflated. Because of such exercise, all the different kinds of secretions along with mucus are easily cleared from the lungs.
Even if a person is dealing with low oxygen levels because of an illness or after surgery, a spirometer can be used to improve the oxygen level by enhancing the function of the lungs. When a spirometer is used on a regular basis, it helps you to maintain the strength of the lungs as it expands the lungs to facilitate deep and full breathing instead of short breaths.
When is a spirometer advised by the doctor?
A breathing exercise spirometer is mostly used after a medical procedure. If you have undergone lung-related surgery, it is obvious that the doctor is going to prescribe the use of a spirometer. Also, it is used in the case of patients who are recovering from any kind of cardiac surgery.
Even patients who have been under the influence of anesthesia or have been confined to the bed because of a medical condition for a long time are prescribed the use of a spirometer. Apart from this, this useful device is even used in the case of rib damage and pneumonia. However, even people with no medical condition use it. For example, all the musicians who use any kind of wind instrument use a breathing exercise spirometer to improve the function of their lungs.
How to use a spirometer?
Using a spirometer is a cakewalk since most modern-age spirometers come with a convenient handle. First of all, you have to put the mouthpiece in the mouth and ensure that there is a proper seal formed from your mouth around the mouthpiece. Then all that you have to do is exhale normally before inhaling slowly.
The main objective while using a deep breathing exerciser is to raise the plunger as high as possible. If the use of a spirometer has been prescribed by a doctor, there will already be a goal marked for you. There is also an additional chamber with a ball or disk. This ball or disk is there to speed up the pace of your breathing and it should always be in the middle of the chamber.
The one thing that you always need to avoid while using a spirometer is you should never inhale and exhale slowly because in such a case, the ball is never going to rise and the main purpose of using the spirometer will be lost. If you are not sure about how to use a spirometer, you can always ask the doctor for a demonstration.
Doesn’t matter whether you are recovering from lung surgery or just suffering from a disease like pneumonia, a spirometer can prove to be a life-saver for you. Using a spirometer is a cakewalk and it can be used without worrying about any risk, especially when your doctors prescribe it to you.
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