Breathe Easier

The Pulmonary Medicine Department's 23 respiratory therapists work closely with the pulmonologists and critical care specialists from Seacoast Pulmonary Medicine to provide around-the-clock pulmonary care to patients at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. This care can make breathing easier for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia and other lung diseases.

Respiratory care practitioners manage ventilators and Bipap machines. Other services include respiratory medication delivery, Arterial Blood Gases, Smoking Cessation, Pulmonary Function Tests, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Patient Education and Bronchoscopy Assistance. 

Programs and Diagnostic Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) 

A group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as Oxygen from the atmosphere into the body's circulation. These tests help diagnose Asthma, COPD and Emphysema.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

A customized program for those who have difficulty breathing because of lung disease. Through exercise and education, participants can take control of their diagnosis. Your primary care physician can start this process with a referral to the program.

Call (603) 740-2115 for more information.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) 

An Arterial Blood Gas test measures the acidity and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. This test is used to check how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. ABG's are done to check for lung disease such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Smoking Cessation

Individual smoking cessation sessions are provided by respiratory care practioners with specialized training in motivational interviewing and wellness coaching.

The Pulmonary Medicine Department at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been a recipient the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition Award from the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) since 2008. Hospitals that receive this designation meet strict safety and quality standards related to the provision of respiratory care service by qualified respiratory care practitioners.

Trusted Resources

American Lung Association
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Guide
YourLungHealth.org