Pulmonary Care

Pulmonary Care at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital

Breathing issues can affect your daily life, energy levels, and overall health. At Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, our Pulmonary Care Program provides specialized testing, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of lung conditions. Led by board-certified pulmonologists, our team offers expert care to help you breathe easier and improve your quality of life.

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

Our state-of-the-art Pulmonary Function Testing Lab offers a comprehensive range of tests to evaluate lung function, including:

• Lung Volume Testing – Measures how much air your lungs can hold.
• Airflow Resistance Testing – Assesses how easily air moves through your airways.
• Gas Exchange Analysis – Evaluates how well your lungs absorb and release oxygen and CO2.
• Bronchodilator Responsiveness Testing – Determines how well your airways respond to breathing medications.
• Methacholine Challenge Test – A specialized test to diagnose asthma.
• Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) – Evaluates lung and heart function during physical activity.

These tests are performed by expert respiratory therapists to provide accurate and reliable results.

Conditions We Diagnose & Monitor

Our pulmonary testing services help diagnose and monitor a variety of lung and respiratory conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Chronic Bronchitis & Emphysema
• Lung infections & inflammation
• Shortness of breath & unexplained respiratory issues

What to Expect During Testing

Pulmonary function tests are non-invasive and typically involve breathing into a specialized device that measures lung capacity and airflow. Depending on the test, you may be asked to perform deep breathing, controlled exhalation, or physical activity. Your provider will explain the process and ensure you are comfortable throughout the test.