Our Respiratory Therapy department provides inpatient and outpatient diagnosis and treatment for patients with breathing disorders or cardiovascular conditions. For more information about respiratory services call 573-883-7778.
Diagnostics
ABG Arterial blood gases (ABG) are a blood test drawn by a respiratory therapist that identifies patients in chronic or acute respiratory compromise.
ECG An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is a noninvasive procedure that can identify the rate, rhythm and the location of injury to the heart. It is performed by placing electrodes on the arms, legs and across the chest.
Overnight Oximetry A test that measures the patient’s oxygen level at home with a small machine. This test helps to identify patients who may have sleep apnea or need home oxygen.
Pulmonary Function Test A full pulmonary function with diffusion test can determine obstructive vs. restrictive lung disease and its severity. The procedure can identify lung damage early in patients on certain cardiac, cancer and arthritis medications.
Additional Services and Treatments
Invasive or Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
The ventilation systems help patients who experience serious cardio/pulmonary conditions and need assistance breathing. These respiratory devices assist or completely control the patients breathing depending on their needs.
Medical Gases/Heliox Treatment
Treatments of oxygen, heliox or other medical gases are available to be administered through various respiratory devices. A patient’s oxygen levels can be monitored continuously or as needed.
Aerosol Treatments
Respiratory Therapy uses some breathing medications in aerosol form for inhaling directly to the lungs to provide quick relief with fewer side effects. Patients who do not respond to conventional therapy use these medications continuously. The medicines decrease side effects such as muscle tremors and nervousness that may be experienced during a treatment. Anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics also come in a mist form called nebulizers.
Lung Expansion Therapy
Lung therapy is used to prevent a condition called atelectasis (collapse of part or the entire lung) which can be common during recovery after surgery.
Patients experiencing respiratory problems or pain after surgery often do not breathe deeply. The inadequate expansion of the lungs due to these conditions can cause them to collapse.
The goal of lung therapy is to maintain alveolar recruitment or to correct any atelectasis that has occurred. The procedure uses a combination of respiratory therapy techniques to combat the condition. CPAP or BiPAP are other treatments for patients who are unable to maintain adequate alveolar recruitment.
Chest Physiotherapy
Chest Physiotherapy is physical treatments to remove excess fluid from the respiratory system. Patients with bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and pneumonia often benefit from this type of treatment.
Nebulizers
Oxygen Therapy
Pep and Mucus Clearance Therapy
SGCMH Sleep Studies
Diagnostic and CPAP Titration Study Sleep is essential to your good health. However, too little, or falling asleep at the wrong time, can be a symptom of a serious health problem called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Central Sleep Apnea. An overnight sleep study can diagnose and identify the severity of OSA along with other problems such as restless leg syndrome.
In addition to our full in-lab sleep study service, SGCMH now offers Home Sleep Testing (HST). While HST may be more convenient, it may not be the best option for everyone. The "Gold Standard" is still a formal in-lab sleep study versus a home sleep test. Talk to your doctor about the option that is best for you. Be sure sure to tell your doctor about all of the symptoms you are experiencing.
Our multidisciplinary approach to care provides every patient access to our team of highly experienced pulmonologists.
Drs. Gary Goldstein and Casey Stahlheber are accepting patients at Pointe Basse Family Health Care. Request an appointment online or call 573-883-2782.
