Breath Is Healing: Preventing Post-Op Complications with Incentive Spirometry

Dr. G explains why the simple incentive spirometer is more than a bedside toy: it forces deep breaths, prevents atelectasis, improves oxygenation, and reduces post-operative pulmonary complications. The episode outlines the typical post-op timeline (0–24 hrs, 24–72 hrs, 3–5 days), how poor lung expansion harms wound healing—especially in diabetic foot patients—and how spirometry links breathing to overall recovery.