Respiratory Care

Respiratory disease is a common problem and may take the form of asthma, bronchitis, or lung cancer. Another very common respiratory condition is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is now ranked as the 3rd leading cause of death and disability in the United States. These disorders can affect patients at any stage of life, and trouble breathing can be a scary experience, but the expert team at Wabash General Hospital is available 24/7 to help you.

We offer numerous services to help diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of lung and respiratory disorders. These services are provided in the inpatient, outpatient, and emergency service settings. Our respiratory therapists are key members of every emergency response team in the organization where they lend their experience and knowledge of patient assessment, lifesaving, and life-sustaining interventions. They have experience in delivering these services to patients of all ages from the newborn to the geriatric patient and show a genuine care and concern for all patients they treat.

Respiratory Conditions We Treat

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

A condition in which fluid builds up in the air sacs, causing difficulty breathing.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

A genetic condition that may result in serious lung disease in adults. It often goes undetected for years. It can be treated but cannot be cured without a liver transplant.

Asthma

A condition when airways narrow and swell and produce excess mucus which can make breathing difficult. It is often associated with coughing and wheezing.

Bronchiectasis

A long-term problem when airways (bronchi) are thickened from infection and inflammation. This condition makes it hard to clear mucus and produces a chronic cough.

Bronchitis

Inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often caused by a viral infection.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that block air passages and make breathing difficult.

Cough

Coughing could indicate a lung problem. If you have a severe cough that is not improving, you should seek medical attention.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by thickened mucus formed in the lungs that blocks the airway, causing lung damage and difficulty breathing.

Emphysema

This lung disease involves blocked air passages, which causes shortness of breath.

Interstitial Lung Disease

A group of lung diseases causing progressive scarring of lung tissue. There are several causes often linked to exposure or an autoimmune disease. Lung scarring is typically irreversible.

Lung Cancer

The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that begins in one or both lungs. There are two major types of lung cancer, non-small cell, and small cell.

Pleural Effusion

This lung condition is caused by fluid buildup between tissues lining the lungs and the chest.

Pneumonia

Infection in one or both lungs causing difficulty breathing due to fluid or pus in the air sacs. Those at greatest risk are infants, children, and those over age 65.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

A condition in which tissue deep in the lungs becomes scarred. The scarring is called fibrosis. The condition cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

Pulmonary Hypertension

A type of high blood pressure that affects the lungs and the heart. It worsens over time.

Reactive Airway Disease

A group of lung conditions that involves reversible airway narrowing that is caused by external stimulation. Usually results in wheezing.

Respiratory Failure

The symptoms of this condition include difficulty breathing, coughing up mucus, wheezing, and fatigue.

Restrictive Lung Disease

A group of diseases that restrict lung expansion which reduces lung volume and makes breathing more difficult.

Sarcoidosis

The growth of small collections of inflammatory cells that can form lumps in the lungs.

Shortness of Breath

An intense tightening in the chest or a feeling of suffocation. A common symptom of lung problems.

Contact Us

To contact our Respiratory Care Department, please call (618) 263-6358.