Pulmonary care

Pulmonary disease specialists in Idaho Falls

One of the most common reasons patients come to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) is for breathing disorders. Because of this, we have taken special care to offer the most advanced treatment available in respiratory therapy. From breathing treatments to advanced ventilator care, our pulmonologists and other pulmonary care experts can address your specific condition.

Our dedicated team of respiratory therapists is credentialed through the National Board for Respiratory Care. These therapists come from various backgrounds and encompass critical care specialists, neonatal specialists and emergency care practitioners.

Our team receives medical direction from the most experienced pulmonary medicine physicians, as well as active training in advanced equipment and cutting-edge technology.

For more information on pulmonary rehabilitation, call (208) 529-6195.

Pulmonary rehabilitation

If you have a pulmonary condition such as asthma, emphysema, COPD, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis, our pulmonary rehab program can help you breathe easier. Established in 1985, our program is designed to help rehabilitate you to your fullest physical, mental, emotional, social and vocational capacity.

Our team of board-certified experienced pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, social workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and dietitians are available to ensure your individual needs are met.

We also offer a support group for people who are experiencing chronic lung diseases.

Program overview

With upper and lower body strengthening, our program consists of a balanced approach to exercise. As you work out, we monitor your heart, blood pressure and oxygen levels to ensure you're receiving the maximum benefit from your rehabilitation regimen. The pulmonary rehab program consists of three phases:

Phase one starts with education in pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing, anatomy, physiology and training of the muscles. You will learn important principles in pharmaceutical treatment, diet, energy conservation, relaxation and freedom from smoking.

Phase two is a period of time consisting of up to 36 visits, during which you exercise three times a week while undergoing cardiopulmonary monitoring.

Phase three consists of sustaining your exercise without cardiac monitoring for as long as you wish to continue the program.

Through our program, we aim to help you:

• Successfully address the physical and emotional states related to our pulmonary disorder
• Maximize your strength and improve your feeling of well-being
• Expand your social and psychological horizons
• Alleviate and control any acute symptoms
• Enhance your capacity to carry out daily activities and reduce your reliance on others
• Establish your goals and express your own expectations, while at the same time reducing your healthcare costs

Easy Breathers Club

The Easy Breathers Club offers the opportunity to learn ways to better cope with COPD and other chronic lung diseases while getting the support of others who share these struggles. The club meets regularly for one to two hours to provide support, education and socialization to people with lung disease, their family members and caregivers.

A facilitator coordinates the meetings, brings in featured speakers and collects information and feedback from participants. Members themselves can provide ideas for meeting topics, organize communication networks and even help them plan special events.

For more information, please call (208) 529-6195.

Inpatient pulmonary care

Our respiratory therapists (RTs) work in all facets of the hospital. They participate in labor and delivery, care for critically ill patients and ensure excellent bedside care for all our patients. As part of EIRMC's dedication to our patients' healing, RTs also provide education in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tracheotomy care post-discharge.

Additionally, our pulmonary care team works alongside the EIRMC neonatal transport team. This advanced-level care team can take critically ill babies in our region and provide stabilization and transport to EIRMC, where they can be treated in our neonatal intensive care unit.