Respiratory therapy helps those struggling with issues like asthma, sudden respiratory failure, COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia and other issues that cause one’s lungs and airways to fail or operate ineffectively. Respiratory issues can be especially problematic at high-elevation locations like Big Bear, where breathing is generally considered to be more difficult, especially for those who are not acclimated.
Respiratory therapy can involve a number of different tests and treatments ranging from pulmonary function testing to full intubation. At Bear Valley Community Healthcare District, we offer both in-patient (full in-service Emergency Department and acute care) as well as outpatient services.
You’ll want to schedule time to talk to a respiratory therapist if you’ve recently experienced issues like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood or if you’ve received abnormal x-ray or blood oxygen test results. These issues could be caused by a temporary illness (such as pneumonia) that is impacting your ability to breathe, or it could be caused by a chronic issue like COPD and other types of lung disease. Conditions that commonly require the assistance of respiratory specialists include:
The following are common services your care provider may offer if you are dealing with a respiratory issue: blood oxygen level tests; pulmonary function testing; oxygen therapy; airway management (clearing airways of mucus buildup, etc.); prescription inhalants; intubation and mechanical breathing support.
Common outpatient tests offered at BVCHD include:
Pulmonary Function Testing: This test can measure how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast you can move air. This test also measures the severity of disease, and how well lungs deliver oxygen to the blood.
Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test checks for issues with the electrical activity of the heart.
ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) testing: This test measures the acidity (PH) and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. The results show how well a person’s lungs can move oxygen into blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.
ECAT: The ECAT monitors, records and provide continuous cardiac monitoring, over an extended period of time. It is used to capture cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations, slow or irregular heartbeats.
Many experiencing sudden breathing symptoms may choose to visit our Emergency Department for immediate care. To deal with a chronic condition, such as COPD, consider making an appointment with a member of BVCHD’s pulmonology team.
SALIM HARIANAWALA, MD
RESIDENCY:
Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center (Internal Medicine)
FELLOWSHIP:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Critical Care Medicine)
Graduate Hospital Tenet Health System (Pulmonary Disease)
EDUCATION:
Jawahar Medical Foundations (India)
OTHER PAST EXPERIENCE:
Assistant Clinical Professor, University of California, Riverside
BOARD CERTIFIED:
American Board of Internal Medicine: Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine
AHMED EL-BERSHAWI, MD
RESIDENCY:
Medical College of Wisconsin (Internal Medicine)
FELLOWSHIP:
Kansas University Medical Center (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine)
University of New Mexico (Sleep Medicine)
INTERNSHIP:
Texas Tech – Medical Center
EDUCATION:
Cairo University Medical Center
BOARD CERTIFIED:
Critical Care Medicine; Pulmonary Disease; Sleep Medicine; Internal Medicine
Call (909) 878-8246 to make an appointment or visit our Emergency Department (open 24 hours a day) in case of respiratory emergency.