Respiratory Care
The Respiratory Care Department at Western Wisconsin Health provides care to patients of all ages. Certified and registered respiratory therapists provide full-service respiratory care to inpatients and Emergency Department patients with acute or chronic respiratory illnesses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Services RT provides at Western Wisconsin Health include:
- COPD program
- Smoking cessation
- Asthma education
- Home oxygen setups
- Respiratory treatment therapies
- Asthma education
- Lung function testing
- 6-minute walks
- CPAP/BIPAP services setups with outsourced DMEs and mask fittings
- N-95 mask fittings
- Sleep studies
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
Outpatient services are available Monday through Friday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Our therapists provide or facilitate these services:
Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program designed specifically for people with chronic lung conditions including, but not limited to:
- COPD
- Asthma
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
This program consists of exercise and education provided by a team of healthcare professionals such as nurses, respiratory therapists, and exercise physiologists working closely with your provider to help improve your quality of life. Prior to beginning rehab, you will need to meet with your healthcare provider to obtain a referral. Please call (715) 684-1111 for more information.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Function Testing is a detailed look at how well you breathe.
Your healthcare provider may order this test for many reasons:
- To verify if your lungs will tolerate anesthesia if you are planning on having surgery
- To diagnose asthma or other underlying lung conditions
- To explain why you might be short of breath
- To see how smoking may have affected your lungs
Sleep Studies/CPAP Or BiPAP Referrals
Diagnosis of a sleep disorder begins with a conversation between you and your provider. Your provider may order a sleep study if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Sudden awakening at night with a choking feeling or gasping for breath
- Loud snoring
- Arms or legs flailing during sleep
- Frequently waking up with a headache and/or groggy feeling
- Falling asleep while driving, at work, or in a social setting
- Feeling drowsy during the day even after a full night’s sleep
- Chronic exhaustion and personality changes such as depression or irritability
Sleep apnea is a common condition that may relate with these symptoms. People with sleep apnea actually stop breathing for a few seconds to over a minute at a time while they are asleep. Sleep apnea has been linked to issues such as heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, and depression.
Upon receiving a referral from your provider, a sleep study will be arranged on a night that is convenient for you. Following your test, your provider will determine the best method of treatment which can include behavioral therapy, weight loss, the application of continuous positive airway pressure during sleep, use of medications or in some cases surgery.
Tobacco Cessation
We would love to help you with your goal to quit smoking. Many people try several times to quit before they are successful – your next quit attempt may be your last! Call (715) 684-1111 to talk with one of our staff, or call the State of Wisconsin Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Patient Education On Self-Management Of Chronic Respiratory Diseases Such As Asthma & COPD
Respiratory Therapists serve as consultants to nurses, providers and other members of your healthcare team. Our Respiratory Care Department strives to provide the highest quality of care for you and your family.
This program consists of exercise and education provided by a team of healthcare professionals such as nurses, respiratory therapists, and exercise physiologists working closely with your provider to help improve your quality of life.