Pulmonary Function Testing or PFTs are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. It aids in the diagnosis and evaluation of lung problems, assesses the effect of medication and measures the progress in disease treatment.

PFT testing diagnosis health problems such as:

• Chronic lung conditions
• Asbestosis
• Restrictive airway problems
• Sarcoidosis
• Asthma

Respiratory Therapy is the allied health profession that cares for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. The Respiratory Therapist sees a diverse group of patients, ranging from newborns to the elderly. Disease states or conditions often requiring respiratory care include asthma, emphysema, COPD, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, infant and adult respiratory distress syndrome, and conditions brought on by shock, trauma, and post-operative surgical complications.

Services that are provided by Respiratory:

• Management - Care for acute, trauma, neonate and skilled patients
• Pulmonary Function Testing - Aids in the diagnosis and evaluation of lung problems, assess the effect of medication and measures the progress in disease treatment.
• Arterial Blood Gas Testing - Blood test performed using blood from an artery. This test is used to check how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.
• Sleep Studies
• EEGs

Additional Resources:
American Lung Association
COPD Advocate
Emphysema Foundation for Our Right to Survive (EFFORTS)
Living with COPD

Pulmonary Rehabilitation works with groups of men and women, all who are suffering from some form of chronic lung disease. The Rehab team will work not only with each individual person but also as a group. Their goal is to increase your knowledge of your disease and improve your lung capacity to its fullest potential.

Pulmonary Rehab combines exercise training, behavioral and educational programs. This design is to help patients control symptoms and improve day-to-day activities. We have a team approach - patients work with their doctor, nurses, respiratory staff, physical and occupational therapist, pharmacist, dietitians, and social workers.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation has been used primarily for patients with COPD. However, patients with the following conditions will also benefit from this program:

• Asthma
• Interstitial disease
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis
• Thoracic cage abnormalities
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Lung transplant
• Emphysema

Whether you have a chronic respiratory system disease or are experiencing disabling symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough, and/or mucus production, pulmonary rehabilitation can help. Our Pulmonary Rehab program is individually tailored and designed to optimize physical and social wellbeing and can help patients:

• Become physically stronger
• Quit smoking
• Learn about their lungs
• Increase exercise tolerance
• Decrease shortness of breath
• Cope with feelings of fear or apprehension
• Exercise for life
• Improve breathing techniques
• Understand the medication they take
• Be better able to perform activities of daily living

To get started with Pulmonary Rehab you will need to talk to your doctor.

Sleep, a vital component to good health, makes up approximately one third of our lives.

A good night of sleep is essential to the restoration of our mind and body each and every day. More than 70 million Americans suffer from one or more sleep disorders, some of which can be fatal. Astonishingly, it is estimated that 95% of these cases go undiagnosed and untreated. For these victims the night is a source of anguish, not rest. Untreated sleep disorders can have serious consequences. There are more than 80 sleep/wake disorders resulting in daytime sleepiness due to an inability to either fall asleep or maintain restful sleep. These disorders result in a significant number of health problems, traffic accidents, industrial accidents, heart failures and deaths.

Proper diagnosis is the essential first step in the successful treatment of sleep disorders. A polysomnogram (PSG), or sleep study, is the most accurate and objective method for evaluating sleep and establishing a diagnosis. A sleep study is a non-invasive recording of sleep patterns that monitors activities of the heart, brain, muscle movement, airflow, and oxygen levels in the blood.

If you can relate to any of the symptoms below you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your options and see if a sleep study is what you need.

If a sleep study is ordered, you can have your study done here in Seward at Memorial Health Care Systems. Our sleep lab rooms are private, cool, dark and quiet. They are stocked with comforts you would have at home and are complete with private bathrooms and furnished with a Sleep Number bed to facilitate a peaceful and restful night's sleep during your sleep study.

Sleep disorders may include:

• Sleep Apnea
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Parasomnias
• Circadian Rhythm Disruption