The pulmonary and respiratory health services at Mountain West Medical Center specialize in lung care. We focus on detecting, monitoring and treating lung-related issues.

Respiratory therapists at Mountain West Medical Center manage and help treat people with lung-related problems, both inpatient and outpatient. They conduct tests that evaluate and measure a patient’s lung’s ability to perform different tasks and are specially trained to read results and explain them clearly. These tests are good ways of getting valuable information about the state of your respiratory health.

Services Include:

Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

An ABG is a blood test that measures the acidity, or pH, and the levels of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from an artery. The test is used to check the function of the patient’s lungs and how well they are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide.

Pulmonary Function Testing

We use pulmonary function tests at Mountain West Medical Center to diagnose lung conditions. The tests determine the type and severity of an issue and provide useful information that helps staff members choose treatment methods and learn more about different lung conditions. Doctors may order a pulmonary function test for a host of reasons.

The Cardiopulmonary Department at Mountain West Medical Center offers a full range of pulmonary function testing Monday through Friday using progressive technology. These tests allow ordering physicians to monitor lung function, fine tune medications and instruct their patients with preventative health measures. Interpreted tests results are available to physicians within three business days of testing.

Nitrogen washout

Nitrogen washout is a test for measuring anatomic dead space in the lung during a respiratory cycle, as well as some parameters related to the closure of airways.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Care

With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), fast diagnosis is key. One of the most common lung diseases, COPD is usually caused by tobacco smoke. However, smokers are not the only ones at risk. There are two forms of COPD: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms vary, but usually include a significant amount of mucus, coughing and shortness of breath. Mountain West Medical Center evaluates and manages the condition. The goal is to have patients living and breathing better by the time they leave our care.

Cardiac Stress Testing

Cardiac stress testing allows us to stress the heart and evaluate blood flow. This can be performed as an exercise test on a treadmill or using intravenous medications for people who are unable to exercise at an appropriate level. Pictures of the heart’s response to the stress can then be obtained by either echocardiography or nuclear camera.

Holter Monitoring

A portable 24-hour digital monitoring device is worn that records each heart beat-a 24-hour EKG.

Cardiac Event Monitoring

A portable digital monitor is worn that will record only when activated with an irregular beat or rhythm.

Mobile Cardiac Telemetry

This is a cardiac monitoring method that uses a small portable device to monitor a patient’s cardiac activity. It records the patient’s heartbeat as they run errands, exercise, and sleep.