Pulmonology-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center diagnoses and treats
diseases affecting the lungs and chest. This includes:
Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cystic fibrosis
Interstitial lung disease
Lung cancer
Pneumonia
Pulmonary tuberculosis
Sarcoidosis of the lungs
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes swelling in your airways. You may
have one or more of these symptoms:
Chest tightness (a squeezing or sitting sensation)
Lingering coughing that is worse in the evening and the morning
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Asthma can come and go but cannot be cured. With proper lifestyle changes,
education, and treatment, it can be controlled.
What Is COPD?
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD in the U.S. According to the American
Lung Association, smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of cases. Other causes
are exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, and occupational dust
or chemicals.
When we breathe, air travels through the airways in our lungs to millions
of air sacs. Air moves easily in and out of healthy lungs. COPD makes
it difficult to get air through these airways and in and out of our air
sacs, as well.
COPD includes two serious lung issues:
Chronic bronchitis – Inflamed airways cause extended periods of coughing and mucus production.
Emphysema – Air sacs don’t work properly because they are damaged or
the breathing tubes in our lungs collapse.
Coughing that may produce mucus, shortness of breath, and fatigue are common
symptoms of COPD—all of which can get progressively worse without
treatment. If you have symptoms of COPD, contact your healthcare provider
immediately so you can begin managing the disease. Making lifestyle adjustments,
such as quitting smoking, is a powerful first step to improving your lung health.
Becoming a Patient
Most patients come to Pulmonology-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center
by referral from their primary care providers. However, it is possible
to become a patient without a physician referral. Please call the clinic at
319-768-3240. Staff will ask you for information about your health history. A provider
will review the information, and you will receive a return call.
Bring these to your appointment:
Insurance card so our staff can photocopy it and file documents with your
insurance company
List of medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, supplements, and cold remedies. Be sure to update
your medicine list every time there is a change, and bring a copy to each
appointment.
Photo ID
During your appointment, your provider will review your medical history
and laboratory results with you. Following your first appointment, your
care may involve laboratory and other diagnostic tests to assess your
pulmonary condition.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Get Help with Breathing Problems in Southeast Iowa
If you have a pulmonary (lung) problem, there is a program at our West
Burlington campus that can help you breathe more comfortably so you enjoy
life more.
Learn more
OUR PULMONARY REHABILITATION PROGRAM CAN HELP YOU:
Breathe easier
Maintain independence
Prevent infections and flare-ups.
IT COMBINES:
Breathing exercises
Supervised exercise sessions
Education
Our staff includes nationally certified and registered respiratory therapists
who provide respiratory care and education to patients who have breathing
difficulties. We work closely with your healthcare provider to communicate
the details of your health and diagnosis.
LEARN HOW TO:
Conserve energy and reduce fatigue.
Control panic episodes
Eat well with lung disease.
Effectively clear mucus from your lungs
Manage episodes of increased mucus and coughing.
Reduce stress
Relax
Use oxygen safely
PATIENT REFERRAL:
A provider referral is required for Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Please talk
to your physician or advanced practice provider about the benefits of
our program.
Our hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information,
call us today at 319-768-4100.
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