5 Signs You May Benefit from Respiratory Therapy

Breathing is something most of us do without thinking, until it becomes difficult. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms that affect your lungs or make everyday tasks harder, it may be time to consider respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapy helps individuals manage and improve conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and other chronic or acute lung diseases.

Here are five signs you may benefit from professional respiratory care and helpful information on outpatient and inpatient respiratory therapy services at Spooner Health. 

1. Shortness of Breath with Minimal Activity

Do you find yourself winded after walking across the room or climbing a few stairs? Shortness of breath that occurs during simple, low-effort activities is a red flag. It may signal a decrease in lung capacity or an underlying respiratory issue that needs to be addressed. A respiratory therapist can assess your lung function and help you build strength through targeted breathing exercises and therapies.

2. Frequent Respiratory Infections

Recurring bronchitis, pneumonia, or other lung infections could be a sign that your lungs aren’t functioning optimally. Chronic lung inflammation or mucus buildup can make you more susceptible to illness. Respiratory therapy helps clear airways, improve oxygen exchange, and reduce the risk of future infections.

3. Wheezing or Chronic Cough

Persistent wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness, especially when these symptoms worsen at night or during activity, are common signs of respiratory distress. Whether these symptoms stem from asthma, COPD, or another lung condition, a respiratory therapist can provide tools, treatments, and education to help you breathe easier.

4. Trouble Sleeping Due to Breathing Issues

Waking up gasping for air, experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, or feeling constantly tired despite a full night’s sleep may indicate breathing problems during rest. A respiratory evaluation can help identify any nighttime breathing disturbances and determine if equipment like a CPAP machine or specialized therapy may help.

5. Difficulty with Daily Activities

If breathing challenges are interfering with your ability to do things you enjoy like gardening, shopping, playing with grandchildren, it may be time for support. Respiratory therapy can help restore your independence by improving lung efficiency and energy levels.

Outpatient Respiratory Therapy at Spooner Health

Spooner Health offers a full suite of outpatient respiratory services designed to help patients manage chronic lung conditions, improve breathing, and gain knowledge about their disease and treatment.

Key outpatient offerings include:

• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs): Non-invasive testing to measure lung capacity and assess response to medications. These tests support diagnosis and tracking of conditions like asthma and COPD.
  
• Disease & Medication Education: One-on-one guidance about managing respiratory diseases, using inhalers or nebulizers correctly, and understanding treatment options.
  
• Smoking, Vaping & Smokeless Cessation Programs: Support and counseling for youth and adults to quit tobacco or vaping products.
  
• Oxygen Assessments & Qualification: Testing to determine if supplemental oxygen is needed based on blood oxygen levels or clinical symptoms.
  
• EKGs: Heart monitoring applied when cardiac factors intersect with breathing difficulties.
  

Outpatient services require a physician’s order and are ideal for patients experiencing chronic respiratory symptoms, needing diagnostics, or lifestyle support. Scheduling can be arranged by calling 715-939-1536.

Inpatient Respiratory Therapy at Spooner Health

For patients admitted to the hospital, Spooner Health offers comprehensive respiratory support as part of inpatient care. These services are delivered by a licensed respiratory therapist working collaboratively with nursing staff, hospitalists, and physicians.

Inpatient treatments include:

• Nebulized Medication Therapy: Delivering medication directly to the lungs to open airways and ease breathing.
  
• Ventilation Support: Mechanical ventilation or breathing assistance in cases of respiratory failure or distress.
  
• Oxygen Therapy & Hyperinflation: Techniques to improve oxygen levels and lung inflation to help clear mucus and prevent complications.
  
• Bronchial Hygiene Therapy & Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Testing: Airway clearance methods and blood sampling to monitor oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels.
  

These inpatient services aim to stabilize patients, support recovery, and return breathing to each person’s baseline.

Take a Breath of Relief

If you’re dealing with breathing difficulties like shortness of breath, frequent lung issues, or needing support navigating your condition, start with your physician and ask about a referral. Outpatient services are accessible with relatively short wait times and can help reduce future hospital visits. In the event of hospitalization, the inpatient respiratory team is ready to support you through critical interventions.

Your lungs work hard for you every day—make sure you’re giving them the support they need.