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Lapeer Regional Medical Center Pulmonary Rehab
Department
1375 N. Main St.
Lapeer, MI 48867
(810) 667-5675
 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung condition that makes
it more and more difficult to breathe, and is the fourth leading cause of death
in the United States – affecting more than 16 million people. The death rate for
COPD continues to rise, and approximately 110,000 to 115,000 Americans die of
COPD each year. – most of which could have been prevented with early
intervention. Too often the condition is not diagnosed until the disease is far
advanced.
Although the early detection of COPD is perhaps the most important indication
for spirometry, there are many others that have proven to be helpful in the
diagnosis of disease.
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Exercise-induced coughing, dyspnea or wheezing
- Smokers over 45 years of age (NLHEP recommendation)
- Obesity
- Pre-operative testing
- Occupational exposure to dust and/or documentation of
pulmonary disability
- Asthma diagnosis
- Pre-existing pulmonary disease
- Frequent colds
- Assessment of congestive heart failure
Services offered by the Pulmonary Function/Rehabilitation Department
- Complete pulmonary functions testing including
plethysmography for thoracic gas volume and airway resistance bronchial
provocation testing
- Pulmonary function stress testing
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Smoking cessation program
- Asthma education
- Support group for those with chronic lung diseases. (Meets the
3rd Tuesday of each month.)
The treatment of chronic lung disease is frequently complicated, confusing
and frustrating for both the patient and those who care for them. Lapeer
Regional Medical Center provides a comprehensive outpatient pulmonary
rehabilitation program that serves the needs of chronic lung disease patients in
our area. Our goal is to improve the comfort, function and understanding for
patients who struggle with lung disease.
Who is a Candidate for Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
- Any patient with symptomatic chronic lung disease is
a candidate for a pulmonary rehab program, but appropriate patients are:
- Those who recognize that they have symptoms due to lung disease,
perceive some impairment or disability related to that disease, and are
motivated to be active participants in their own care to improve their
health status.
- Patients should generally be stabilized on standard
medical therapy before beginning a program. The assessment and treatment plan
can then be based on the patient’s optimal baseline level of function.
- They should not have other disabling or unstable
conditions that would limit their ability to participate fully in rehab.
- The ideal patient for pulmonary rehab is one with moderate to moderately
severe lung disease who is stable on standard medical therapy, not distracted
or limited by other serious or unstable medical conditions, willing and able
to learn about his/her disease, and is motivated to devote the time and effort
necessary to benefit from a comprehensive care program.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Lapeer Regional Medical Center is for
patients with Chronic Respiratory Disease (COPD, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis,
Pulmonary Fibrosis and other conditions). The program combines education with
therapeutic exercise and functional activities into a comprehensive eight-week
program. The goal is to help the patient understand and cope with the disease
and function more comfortably and independently at home.
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