Respiratory Care

Respiratory therapy serves patients with pulmonary needs. This department administers everything from delivering oxygen and traditional treatments for asthma and COPD to invasion ventilation. We also provide diagnostic testing to assist physicians in caring for your medical needs. Tests offered include:

• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): determines breathing capacity and adaptation to various circumstances.
• Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): This is a more physiologic way of keeping air passages open. It is very effective in the treatment of sleep apnea or serious snoring.
• Breathing treatments such as aerosol medications that open clogged or constricted airways.
• Chest Percussion: By vibrating against the chest wall, respiratory secretions are loosened, making breathing more comfortable.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Because this treatment helps to keep small lung passages open, it is a very useful procedure for sleep disorders.
• Mechanical Ventilation: This treatment helps patients who would otherwise not be able to breathe on their own.
• Pulmonary Function Testing: This procedure encompasses a diagnostic test of different lung capabilities such as how much air a patient’s lungs can hold and how hard he or she can blow out that air.
• Pulse Oximetry Testing: This is a non-invasive indicator of oxygen in the blood stream.

Outpatient testing is offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (828) 681-2192.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order a pulmonary function test?
Answer: Call the Respiratory Care department at 681-2192.

What are the special instructions for a pulmonary function test?
Answer: No inhaled bronchodialators that day. Other medicines can be taken as ordered.

How do I get an outpatient blood gas done?
Answer: Call the Respiratory Care department at 681-2192.