An incentive spirometer is a device that helps improve the health of your lungs.

It exercises your lungs by helping you practice deep breaths.

Here's how it works.

First, move the slider on the outside of the large column to the level that you want to reach or that your doctor recommends.

Next, sit or stand up straight and hold the spirometer in front of you, and keep it level.

Breathe out normally, then place the mouthpiece into your mouth.

Be sure you don't block the mouthpiece with your tongue.

Now breathe in slowly and as deeply as you can.

The piston or ball inside the large column will move up as you breathe in.

Try to move the piston or ball up as high as you can, or to the level recommended by your doctor.

When you can't breathe in anymore, hold your breath for 2 to 5 seconds.

Now relax, remove the mouthpiece, and breathe out normally.

Repeat these steps as many times as your doctor tells you to.

If you have a lot of mucus, try coughing a few times to loosen up the mucus and make it easier to breathe.

And if you've just had surgery on your chest or belly, hold a pillow over that area when you cough to help ease the pain.