Mahaska Health Partnership Shares the Importance of Lung Health

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – Breathing, like many other bodily functions, can often be taken for granted, until it becomes a problem. Unfortunately, there are many people who struggle daily with getting enough air. Mahaska Health Partnership shares some of the common causes of breathing difficulties and available treatment options.

“Breathing is an essential function of our bodies, which most of us don’t pay much attention to since it occurs naturally,” MHP Director of Cardiopulmonary Services Christie Concepcion, RT, MA, explained. “Your lungs work with dozens of other body parts to help you take in air. However, if you are unable to get enough oxygen to your body with each breath, multiple health complications can quickly arise and possibly be life-threatening.”

As a Respiratory Therapist, Concepcion sees many individuals with a wide variety of breathing challenges. “We see patients that have both long-term and short-term conditions that require therapy to help improve their quality of life. Some patients are seek therapy due to a diagnosis or might be looking to improve their exercise performance, reduce their frequency of hospital visits or improve their daily quality of life. Whatever their need, we tailor therapy to help meet their goals.”

People are often referred to a Respiratory Therapist after a diagnosis involving the lungs. “We see patients with COPD, asthma, emphysema and even temporary illnesses like pneumonia or those who have experienced a traumatic injury. People of all ages and abilities come through our doors, so it’s important for us to assess each patient carefully to develop a plan of care.”

In order to assess a person’s breathing capabilities, an extensive evaluation is done to determine the best treatment options. “Respiratory therapy is an all-encompassing treatment that involves interviewing you, your primary care provider and other specialty providers you have seen. Once we figure out what your condition involves, we can perform tests that measure your lung capacity and then develop your care plan. We work with you to make sure you not only understand your condition, but your treatment options as well.

“Breathing issues are often scary and can be overwhelming for newly diagnosed individuals,” Concepcion continued. “We are here to help! We can offer nutritional information, exercises and other treatment options to make living with your condition less scary. You have to breathe, so making sure you can do it to the best of your ability is our number one goal.”

As Director of Cardiopulmonary Services, Christie Concepcion leads a team of Respiratory Therapists, Sleep Technologies and Cardiac Rehab professionals to provide care throughout MHP. A Respiratory Therapist by trade, Christi understands the importance of this role, especially in a critical access hospital. She and her staff are integral in MHP’s ability to respond to patients in both emergent and routine needs related to heart, lung and sleeping deficiencies. For more information regarding Cardiopulmonary Services, call 641.672.3174.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.