Incentive spirometry

Serial deep breaths (breathing as deeply as possible 10 times in a row, every 30 minutes - except during sleeping hours - either using an apparatus (tri-flo) that monitors the flow rate or without, in the aim to prevent collapse of the alveoli and hypoxemia in sickle cell patients who risk to develop or who already present acute chest syndrome.

Description
Incentive spirometry is designed to mimic natural sighing or yawning by encouraging the patient to take long, slow, deep breaths. If repeated on a regular basis, incentive spirometry helps maintain airway patency and prevents and reverses lung atelectasis. Alternative procedures, such as the use of blow bottles do not mimic the sigh and have been linked to the reduction of lung volumes.