Respiratory Conditions
Lung disease is a common problem in the U.S. In fact, it is the number three killer in America, responsible for one in seven deaths, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).
Breathing problems and allergies are also increasingly common among American children, including asthma and RSV. Lung disease and other breathing problems are the No. 1 killer of babies younger than one year old, the ALA says.
Today, more than 35 million Americans are living with chronic lung disease such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Respiratory conditions, or lung disease, include a wide range of breathing problems, from flu to bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, to lung cancer.
Mercy’s Respiratory Therapists work with patients of all age groups hospitalized with breathing problems. This includes learning how best to live with and control ongoing, chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema or recurring bronchitis. Respiratory therapy assists with all high-risk deliveries, chronic and acute lung conditions, emergency response, and bronchoscope in patients ranging from neo-natal to geriatrics.
Mercy also offers a Respiratory Care Support Group for those living with chronic respiratory problems. For more information, call 319-398-6651.
Learn more about these respiratory conditions here:
NOTE: With any of these respiratory conditions, if you notice signs of a chronic condition or suspect you or your child are developing a respiratory problem, contact your physician for more instructions or a referral to a pulmonary specialist. With asthma or COPD, if you experience continuous shortness of breath for 24-48 hours that is not addressed by current medication, contact your physician. Early treatment is better than late treatment. Contacting your physician may eliminate the need for hospitalization.
For more information on respiratory conditions from the American Lung Association, click here www.lungusa.org.
