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Respiratory Therapy

Our Respiratory Department provides an array of tests and therapies for those individuals suffering from breathing problems. The Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) Laboratory, a part of Respiratory Care Services, uses routine and sophisticated diagnostic services for guiding therapeutic and management decisions for patients with lung disorders. The department has an active Pulmonary Rehab program that has been used by many patients in the Ord area to help them cope with a chronic lung disease.

Pulmonary Rehab

The Valley County Health System Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed for patients with chronic pulmonary diseases.

What can Pulmonary Rehabilitation do for people with pulmonary diseases?

• Increase endurance
• Increase independence
• Increase confidence
• Decrease the number of hospitalizations
• Decrease fatigue and feelings of shortness of breath
• Improve quality of life
• Help patients breathe properly and conserve energy

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is designed to control, reduce and alleviate the symptoms and complications of chronic pulmonary disease. The program will teach patients how to reach the highest possible level of independent functioning for activities of daily living within the limitations of their pulmonary disease. The program also teaches patients to self-manage their daily living consistent with their pulmonary disease process.

Program Design

Program participants meet two times a week for 10 weeks. The exercise program is based on the results of a six-minute walk test and pulmonary functions test, as well as medical history and personal needs or goals.

Educational topics include:

• Lung disease
• Breathing techniques
• Relaxation
• Nutrition
• Medications
• Stress management
• Bronchial hygiene
• Home exercise
• Travel

Getting Started

All services are provided on an outpatient basis. Talk to your physician - Those interested in participating in Valley County Health System’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program must receive approval from their physician. Call to make an appointment for a Pulmonary Rehabilitation interview.

Sleep Clinic

Located inside Valley County Health System, the Sleep Clinic features state-of-the-art equipment and is under the professional direction of respiratory therapist Jackie Gates who is certified in performing sleep studies.

What is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study is a seven to eight-hour (overnight) recording of physical changes that occur while a person sleeps. The person’s brain activity, heart rate, leg movements, oxygen levels and breathing are tracked during a sleep study. At Valley County Health System’s Sleep Clinic, sleep studies are performed in a comfortable, private sleep room. The room is set-up and decorated attractively to ensure patients feel as comfortable as possible. Sleep studies are covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. A sleep study is performed to evaluate possible sleep disorders such as insomnia, hypersomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, breathing difficulties during sleep, behavior sleep disturbances such as sleep walking, bedwetting or snoring and night terrors.

Do I need a sleep study?

If you’re tired during the day or aren’t able to get a good night’s sleep, a sleep study could help determine the cause. The study can find out if snoring or episodes of restricted or obstructed breathing are waking you up during the night. It can also help identify specific medical reasons that may be causing you to experience poor sleep and remain tired throughout the day

Learn More.

For more information, view the Sleep Clinic Brochure or call 308.728.4200.