Pulmonologist in Topeka, KS
At the University of Kansas Health System, we are committed to helping the members of our Topeka community breathe easier. Our pulmonologists treat patients of all ages who struggle with lung conditions and respiratory issues. We offer comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including treatments for asthma, bronchitis COPD, and emphysema. We also offer pulmonary therapy, as well as smoking cessation programs to help you quit smoking and take steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Our pulmonary clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Pulmonary conditions we treat
Our pulmonologists offer care for a wide range of pulmonary conditions and respiratory issues, including:
- ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Chronic cough
- CPOD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Hemoptysis
- Lung cancer
- Sarcoidosis
- Solitary pulmonary nodule
- Tuberculosis
Pulmonary care services
Whether you need screening services or therapy for a pulmonary condition, we’re here to help. Our pulmonary care services include:
- Breathing treatments
- Exercise oximetry
- Pulmonary therapy
- Pulmonology testing
- Smoking cessation education
- Spirometry
Pulmonary Therapy
We offer personalized outpatient pulmonary therapy to help patients with pulmonary disorders achieve and maintain a high level of activity and independence. We accomplish this by providing you educational resources and a range of strengthening, flexibility and endurance exercises. We also offer instruction in deep breathing techniques to increase your lung function.
The treatments you receive and the duration of your therapy will depend on how quickly a patient progresses towards independence. Patients typically can complete all the education, as well as monitor their vital signs with increasing activity level, within 2-4 weeks. During your initial visit, we will conduct an evaluation to obtain your history. You will also undergo a physical assessment so your doctors can establish a baseline level of endurance, strength, range of motion, balance and coordination. This assessment includes a six-minute walking test to assess your tolerance to physical activity.
During your treatment, you will be seen by licensed physical therapists where your vital signs will be monitored before, during, and after exercise. Our doctors will walk you through warm-up and cool-down exercises. Compliance is the key to managing your pulmonary condition, and patients who are committed to adapting the lifestyle changes learned through our program will benefit the most from our therapy services.
Providing education and exercises to improve your lung function is a key part of our program. You will learn about:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Deep breathing techniques
- Diet and nutrition
- Energy conservation/work simplification
- Home exercise program
- Signs and symptoms of infection/when to call your doctor
- Smoking cessation
- Stress management
- Use of inhalers
Goals of pulmonary therapy
Improving your lung function and increasing your independence and activity level are key parts of our pulmonary therapy program. Our primary goals are to:
1. Educate, motivate and rehabilitate the patient to his or her maximum potential in self-care and mobility.
2. Decrease a patient’s frequency and duration of hospitalizations.
3. Improve the quality of life for the patient.
4. Renew interest of the patient in vocational and leisure-time activities.
5. Educate and involve the patient’s family in their pulmonary home program.
6. Improve the emotional ability for the patient and family to cope with symptoms.
We offer outpatient pulmonary therapy at our Fairlawn outpatient and Mulvane Medical Building locations. A physician’s order is required to start our therapy program. For more information, please call (785) 295-8025.