Most people take breathing for granted. It’s second nature, an involuntary reflex. Yet, millions of Americans suffer with chronic and temporary breathing problems. For them, just being able to breathe is a major accomplishment.
Scotland County Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary (heart & lungs) Department is the healthcare discipline that specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function and health, plus relief for your asthma, treatment for COPD and other respiratory & lung illnesses. Respiratory Therapists apply scientific principles to prevent, identify and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of lung diseases. Respiratory Care is specifically focused on the prevention, assessment, treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, education, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system.
If you or someone you know has symptoms such as chronic coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), see your physician, which may refer you to our Cardiopulmonary Department for a simple breathing test. By taking steps now, and talking with your doctor or healthcare provider about treatment options, you can breathe better and enjoy a more active life. The SCH Cardiopulmonary Department’s knowledge of the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology enables them to effectively assess, educate, and treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a serious lung disease which makes it hard to breathe. Also known by other names, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, COPD is now the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States and also causes long-term disability. The number of people who have COPD is on the rise — more than 12 million are currently diagnosed with it. And it is estimated that another 12 million may have COPD but not realize it.
To help people with COPD and those at risk for COPD, Scotland County Hospital helps with early diagnoses, and a personal plan to better understand this disease and live better with it. In the Scotland County Hospital Cardiopulmonary Department, people rely on the open, honest, and helpful respiratory therapist professionals to improve their breathing and to help make a real difference in their quality of life.
Asthma (AZ-ma) is another chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. In the United States, more than 22 million people are known to have asthma. Nearly 6 million of these people are children.
At Scotland County Hospital your Respiratory Care is always practiced under the medical direction of a physician plus a multiple-disciplined healthcare team.
In Scotland County Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Department, critical thinking, patient/environment assessment skills, and clinical practice guidelines enable respiratory therapists to develop and implement effective care plans and airway management programs.
While people with chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema certainly need respiratory care, other people who have had heart attacks, been involved in accidents, or were born prematurely, also need respiratory care to help them breathe easier. Also sleep disorders can require respiratory care to bring about a solution.
Scotland County Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Department provides respiratory care by respiratory therapists for people of every age who require help & assistance – from premature infants to the