Pulmonary care

The goal of pulmonary testing is to measure the proper function of the lungs and oxygenation to other parts of the body. Some of our pulmonary tests include:

• Arterial blood gas (ABG) test — This is a blood test that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH levels in the artery. ABG tests are used to identify oxygenation, ventilation and metabolic insufficiencies.
• Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) — This is a diagnostic test that uses a bronchoscope to identify lung disease or perform a biopsy.
• Pulmonary function test — This test focuses on assessing how well the lungs are performing. Lung volume, capacity and flow rates are measured and can be used to diagnose certain types of lung conditions.

We offer a variety of pulmonary treatment and services to restore your respiratory health. Depending on your diagnosis and unique condition, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following:

• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) — This treatment offers a noninvasive method of ventilation for patients with sleep apnea, COPD, high carbon dioxide levels, congestive heart failure and oxygenation deficiencies.
• Nebulizer treatment — A nebulizer is a medication delivery device used to administer medicine as a treatment for patients with asthma or COPD.
• Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy — This therapy helps keep the airways from closing by aiding the lungs in expanding. PEP therapy is useful when a patient is experiencing broken ribs or a collapsed airway.
• Ventilator treatment — A ventilator is a breathing machine that assists a patient in breathing or breathes for the patient.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting both men and women in the U.S. Early detection and diagnosis are vital to successfully treating lung cancer.

Your doctor may recommend a lung cancer screening if you:

• Are 55 years and older
• Are a current or former smoker (quit within the past 15 years)
• Have chest pain that worsens with coughing or deep breathing
• Hold a heavy smoking history (30 pack-year)
• Experience chronic coughing or cough up blood

Our skilled specialists provide low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans to diagnose patients with or without symptoms.

Everyone deserves a clean bill of health, and our expert respiratory therapists pride themselves on evaluating, treating and caring for patients with various breathing disorders.

Your pulmonary care team may include:

• Cardiothoracic surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Physical therapists
• Pulmonologists
• Radiologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Respiratory therapists

These professionals work with patients of all ages and are qualified to perform intensive, critical care and neonatal procedures, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.