Respiratory Therapy

More Information:
Phone (905) 895-4521
extension 2318

To Book Tests:
(905) 895-4521
extension 2573

Location
You will be advised of the location of the service or test when you are contacted by the hospital with your appointment date and time.

At Southlake, respiratory therapy services are offered by a highly qualified team of respiratory care practitioners. These individuals are experts in providing oxygen therapy, monitoring and assessing different modes of treatment for lung conditions, and teaching individuals how to effectively use medications to reduce breathlessness and/or how to take control of their asthma. They also monitor and maintain special equipment used to assess heart and lung function, provide emergency services if someone stops breathing, as well as set-up, monitor and adjust life support equipment for patients of all ages.

Respiratory care practitioners work in all areas of the hospital including the operating room, nursery, critical care areas, the emergency department and patient care units. They also support the following out-patient services and tests:

Out-Patient Services:

Adult Asthma Program
Adult Respiratory Rehabilitation Program
Paediatric Better Breathing Program

Out-Patient Tests:
A physician's referral is required for the following tests. Certain medications are not to be taken prior to these tests. Your doctor or the respiratory care practitioner will discuss medication restrictions with you before your scheduled visit.
Pulmonary Function Study
Exercise Induced Asthma
Asthma Challenge Test

Adult Asthma Program

This program is designed for asthmatic adults needing immediate "survival" skills to help monitor their asthma, to recognize the earliest warning signs that their asthma is deteriorating and to help them regain control. The program, which requires a physician's referral, includes a personalized action plan and a Pulmonary Function Test.

At your initial visit you will meet with a respiratory care practitioner and complete a series of breathing tests and receive instruction on how asthma affects your lungs. Additional education sessions are designed to include the following:

• Different types of medication, how medications work, and effective medication techniques
• Identification of 'triggers' in the home and the workplace
• Breathing exercises and lifestyle assessment
• Peak flow monitoring for better control of your asthma
• A personalized action plan in consultation with your physician to be reviewed with you during follow-up visits
  

Criteria

• You must be 18 years of age or older
• Your doctor has diagnosed you as having asthma
• You want to take control of your asthma and optimize the quality of your life

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Pulmonary Function Study

A pulmonary function study is a series of breathing tests that measure the capacity and effectiveness of your lungs in order to assess and determine if your lungs are functioning properly. These tests are an essential component of the clinical assessment of patients with respiratory complaints.

A complete pulmonary function study takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes to complete. You will be asked to breathe into a tube called a "spirometer" that records the amount of air and air rate breathed over a specified period of time.

The following four tests make up the pulmonary function study:

1. The first test measures the force of your breathing and how well air flows through your airways. You will be instructed to breathe normally into the tube and then take a big breath in and blow all of the air out as fast and as hard as you can. Then you will be instructed to breathe in as fast, hard and deep as you can. This is repeated at least twice.

2. The second test measures the volume of air in your lungs. For this test you will be instructed to tightly secure the tube with your lips. You will begin by breathing normally then feel a slight resistance as you breathe in. This resistance will lessen as you breathe deeper. You will continue breathing in this manner for up to five minutes or until the respiratory therapist advises you that the test is complete.

3. The third test measures the ability of your lungs to absorb gases in the air. This test indicates how well your alveoli - air cells of your lungs - are functioning. For this test you will be instructed to breathe in through a mouthpiece and then blow the air out. You will then be instructed to take a deep breathe in again, hold it for 10 seconds and then blow the air out. This is repeated at least once.

4. The fourth and final test measures the oxygen level of your blood by using a small sensor light that clips on your fingernail or earlobe. This light shines through your skin and can determine the approximate oxygen saturation of your blood. This is a completely painless procedure.

Occasionally, you will be given an inhaled medication upon completion of your test(s). Your physician will order this medication as part of the testing procedure. Some of the initial tests will be repeated following the medication.

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Exercise Induced Asthma

This test takes approximately 40 minutes to complete and is a safe and effective way to determine if exercise triggers an attack of wheezing, shortness of breath or coughing.

The test begins with a pulmonary function test, followed by an exercise test such as running on a treadmill or performing bicycle exercises. A respiratory care practitioner carefully controls the degree of exercise. Lung function is measured after the exercise test is complete.

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Asthma Challenge Test

An asthma challenge test takes between 45 to 80 minutes to complete and is useful when there is a strong suspicion of asthma but other asthma related tests show normal lung function.

The test begins with a pulmonary function test, followed by the patient inhaling a medicated mist at timed intervals that can cause mild bronchospasms or "twitchiness" of the airways.

For testing to be accurate, it requires optimum co-operation and effort from the patient.

New Program at Southlake Regional is changing lives

For information on resources available to you during your hospital visit or stay (for example: parking, what to bring, discharge times and other helpful information) please click on Patients and Visitors.

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