Pulmonary Lab

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

If climbing a few stairs or even walking a short distance causes you to be short of breath, you know that breathing is something that you can’t take for granted.

Breathe E-Z
Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a form of lung disease that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. If you have been diagnosed with COPD, Alle-Kiski Medical Center’s Breathe E-Z program can help you manage your condition and take control of your life. This outpatient education and exercise program is conducted at the Pulmonary Laboratory and Rehabilitation center at Allegheny Valley Hospital and is designed to help you regain your strength, endurance and confidence.

Because of its slow onset, COPD can be present before symptoms are evident. Successful completion of the Breathe E-Z program can be part of the answer to reducing the severity of respiratory symptoms. Breathe E-Z will help patients cope with the challenges of the disease and gain a brighter outlook for the future.

How Breathe E-Z Works
Each patient’s program is tailored to meet his or her individual needs. The program consists of three weekly 90-minute sessions, depending on insurance approval, for a
period of eight weeks. Components of the program include:

• Breathing techniques and exercises
• Education about the disease through
videos, lectures and literature
• Exercise sessions monitored by our
team specialists
• Instructions about medications
• Other services, which may include
home health, social services and
financial advisement
Starting and Completing the Program
To enroll in the program, patients must be referred by their physician and authorized by insurance. An initial diagnostic evaluation
will be performed, which may include
pulmonary function tests to measure lung mechanics, chest X-rays, blood tests and
a clinical evaluation by a physician.

Progress will be continually assessed, and a final report will be sent to the patient’s physician upon completion of the program.

Staff and Facilities
Breathe E-Z is coordinated by a registered respiratory therapist under the direction of a pulmonologist, which is a physician who specializes in lung disorders. The Pulmonary Laboratory and Rehabilitation center features a modern exercise suite with treadmills, exercise bicycles and weight equipment. Locker rooms and shower areas are available as well.

Special Services
Pulmonary Laboratory and Rehabilitation
Alle-Kiski Medical Center
1301 Carlisle Street
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone: 724-226-7344

 

Last Updated: December 20, 2007