Pulmonary Testing & Treatments
For those with a breathing condition or impairment, the result is can be constant debilitation. But it doesn’t have to be. St. Elizabeth’s highly accredited Pulmonary Services team offers different solutions for each individual patient.
Pulmonary Testing
Pulmonary Function Breathing Tests
The St. Elizabeth Pulmonary Function Testing Labs offer several types of breathing tests. This can help your physician diagnose a lung disease or condition. Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe in and out. This test can be very important to help assess Lung Conditions such as:
Spirometry also measures other lung volumes that might include other gases. These are important for patients that have COPD. There are three common methods for measuring lung volumes. These methods include:
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
This test allows your doctor to learn how your lungs, heart and muscles react to exercise. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests may be performed on a treadmill.
Lung Screening
St. Elizabeth offers low dose lung cancer CT screening examinations to patients who are referred by their physician. The goal of the program is to provide early detection of asymptomatic disease when it is most treatable.
Pulmonary Rehab
This unique program is specifically designed for anyone suffering from a lung condition. The pulmonary team creates an exercise and diet plan for each individual enrolled through the program. Not only will this program help prevent any future hospitalizations, but it will improve your quality of life. Visit our Pulmonary Rehab page to learn more.
Pulmonary Function Tests Lab
The Pulmonary Function Tests Lab is part of a highly qualified Pulmonary Team that includes Respiratory Therapists and Pulmonary Physicians. There are four St. Elizabeth locations to have your Pulmonary Function Test completed:
Dearborn:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (859) 301-5757
Edgewood:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (859) 301-5757
Florence:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (859) 301-5757
Ft. Thomas:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (859) 301-5757
Grant:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (859) 301-5757
Methacholine Challenge Test
During the Methacholine Challenge Test, you will be asked to inhale doses of methacholine, a drug that can cause narrowing of the airways. The doses will gradually increase, and a therapist will closely monitor your lung function. If your airway narrows and your lung function drops by at least 20%, it could indicate asthma.
Methacholine may make you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, but rest assured the therapist performing the Methacholine Challenge Test will watch you closely. When the test is complete, your therapist will lead you out and answer any questions.
Pulmonary Treatments
Bronchial Thermoplasty
Bronchial Thermoplasty is an outpatient bronchoscopy procedure that is performed by our specialized St. Elizabeth Pulmonary team. This procedure uses heat to help decrease the amount of muscle in the airways. By decreasing the amount of muscle in the airways, this will help reduce the number of asthma attacks a patient will experience. This treatment is recommended for asthma patients that are 18 years or older.
If you are an asthmatic that is not able to enjoy life due to the severe limitations of your lung condition; it might be time to talk to your doctor about other alternatives. The St. Elizabeth Pulmonary team has been specially trained to provide this service to their most needed patients.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Considering This Procedure
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a device that is worn when you have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. CPAP is the most common type of treatment for the sleep disorders obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. The CPAP device is prescribed by your St. Elizabeth pulmonologist based on the results of your sleep study.
The CPAP device is a nasal mask or face mask that is connected by tubing to a machine that sits at your bedside. The machine uses a continuous flow of air to help keep the upper airway from closing. Your sleep disorders team, comprised of respiratory therapists, polysomnographic technologists, and pulmonologists, will help you with your CPAP device. This includes helping you find the right fit and size CPAP mask and providing one-on-one education.
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St. Elizabeth offers a variety of resources and programs for each of these conditions. If you have been diagnosed or believe you may have one or more of these conditions, please contact St. Elizabeth Pulmonary Services at (859) 301-5750.
