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COPD & Restrictive Lung Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the clinical term for the group of disorders that are associated with the chronic obstruction of airflow into and out of the lungs. Thousands of people suffer from breathing problems associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis (a restrictive lung disease).

Expert Chronic Lung Disease Care from Dignity Health

Chronic lung diseases cannot be cured; however, they are treatable. At Mercy General Hospital, we provide expert treatment for COPD patients. Treatment includes working with your healthcare professional, taking your medications as directed, starting an exercise program and maintaining overall good health.

Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Can Help You Accomplish Your Goals

Mercy has developed a special guideline for treatment and care of patients with COPD. These guidelines will be used by you and your caregivers to help you recover as quickly as possible.

Below is a day-to-day guide of what you may expect to occur during your stay at the hospital. This is only a guideline – your progress may vary due to your own unique situation and health status.

What you need to know: a guide for COPD patients.

Day 1 | You may expect to have:

  • An oxygen test using a small finger clip and be given oxygen to help you breathe if necessary
  • A care team member listen to your lung sounds and assist you with breathing treatments
  • Your weight measured
  • An IV started
  • Your fluid intake and urine output monitored
  • Your blood drawn for testing
  • Your sputum collected for testing
  • A chest X-ray

You will also receive instructions and be given information on what COPD is, acute vs. chronic COPD, prevention of recurrent hospitalizations and self- management skills.

Days 2-4 | You may expect to:

  • Receive additional information/instruction about COPD and your medications
  • Increase your activity as tolerated
  • Continue your breathing treatments
  • Have oxygen adjusted to meet your needs
  • Have your medications changed from IVs to pills with less frequent doses
  • Be shown methods for self-medication with metered dose inhaler (MDI); adjusting medications; control of shortness of breath; pursed-lipped breathing and coughing techniques

Services Available from Dignity Health's Pulmonary Rehabilitation

  • Optional follow-up to Pulmonary Rehabilitation / Continuing Exercise Program
  • Pulmonary Round Table or Pulmonary Pals (Better Breathers Club)
  • Smoking Cessation Program

Optional Services from the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

  • Discharge Planning (Continuum of Care Coordinator)
  • Chaplaincy
  • Social Service
  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacy

For more information about Dignity Health's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services, call 916.453.4268.