Island Health is here to help you breathe easier! With the addition of pulmonology services last year, Island Health is committed to improving lung health in our community. Our pulmonologists and respiratory therapists are here to help care for patients with lung disease or lung dysfunction in the clinic or hospital. Respiratory Therapy services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for life-threatening heart and lung issues.

Island Pulmonology’s board-certified physicians diagnose and treat conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. Our providers also specialize in sleep medicine and the treatment of asthma, COPD, emphysema, hypoxia, occupational lung disease and more.

Whether you’re under the care of a pulmonologist or working with your primary care provider, two screening tests are available at Island Health to evaluate lung function—low-dose CT lung cancer screening and pulmonary function test. Speak with your provider about these tests.

Low-dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
The low-dose CT lung cancer screening is a noninvasive test which allows for early detection of lung cancer before symptoms. Studies have shown that this screening can reduce the mortality of lung cancer for those who are at high risk and improve the rate of surviving five years or more by 60%. This screening is recommended to adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack per year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Pulmonary Function Test
A pulmonary function test (PFT) assesses the power of your lungs by measuring how much air you can inhale and exhale. Anyone who has a chronic lung problem or who has a smoking history should get a PFT. The test is painless and generally takes 45-60 minutes to perform.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation
If you’ve been diagnosed with a lung condition, your physician may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation to improve breathing and increase physical function in your daily life. Breathlessness can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, gardening and enjoying time with loved ones difficult. In the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Island Health, you will undergo 36 monitored exercise sessions and weekly education. Your customized program will help you work toward increased muscle strength, building endurance, physical conditioning and reducing respiratory symptoms to help you breathe easier. Our collaborative environment encourages patients to work toward their goals and continue their exercises after they’ve met them.

If you have a lung-related condition, ask your physician if a pulmonary rehabilitation program is right for you.

For more information, call 360.299.4242.