Respiratory Therapy
Source: https://www.kh.org/respiratory-therapy
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
Respiratory Therapy
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Respiratory Therapy
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Respiratory Therapy
Kootenai Health’s team of registered respiratory care practitioners (RCPs) care for all patients, from the smallest newborn to those at the end of life. Our therapists have a broad knowledge of the pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary system to diagnose lung diseases and breathing disorders. By incorporating bedside assessment, lab/imaging interpretation, invasive, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation management and protocols, our patients receive the best practice we can provide.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are breathing tests to determine how well your lungs move air and oxygen through your body. PFTs typically involve breathing in different patterns – deep breaths, panting, holding your breath, etc. – to assess different aspects of your lung function. The test is performed at Kootenai Health by Respiratory Care Practitioner who is specially trained in these types of testing.
PFTs are performed for a variety of reasons:
Compare your lung function to known standards
Measure the severity of chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, or Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Identify early changes in lung function that may benefit from treatment
Help determine if treatment with certain medications, like bronchodilators, would be beneficial
Show whether exposure to substances or chemicals in your home or workplace have harmed your lungs
Determine your ability to tolerate surgery or other medical procedures
How to Prepare
Do not use inhaled medications for at least 4 hours prior to testing. Consult your physician if you have questions about which medications you should hold the day of testing.
Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 4 hours prior to testing.
Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours prior to the test.
Do not exercise heavily for at least 30 minutes prior to the test.
Do not wear tight-fitting clothing that restricts your ability to take a full breath
Do not eat a large meal within 2 hours prior to the test
Do arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to check-in with Registration at the North Entrance of Kootenai Health. Please bring your ID and a copy of your current insurance card.
Do bring a copy of your current medications for the technician to review
Please indicate if you have any of the following conditions:
cold or flu-like symptoms
recent surgery of any kind
coughing up blood or colored mucus
unstable blood pressure
pneumothorax
aneurysm
recent heart attack or stroke
What to Expect
After checking in with the registration department, the Respiratory Care Practitioner will escort you from the lobby to the pulmonary function laboratory.
They will review your medical history, current medications, and any respiratory symptoms relating to your test.
Depending on which tests were ordered by your healthcare provider, the testing may take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
During the test, you will be asked to breathe in various patterns, including deep breaths in, rapid breathing, panting, and holding your breath. The tests are conducted in a clear booth, similar to a phone booth. If you are claustrophobic or get anxious sitting in a confined space, please alert them prior to testing.
Some PFTs include the administration of bronchodilators or other breathing medications. It is important to tell them if you have any allergies to medications.
After the testing is complete, the Respiratory Care Practitioner will escort you back to the lobby. The data from your test will be interpreted by a Pulmonologist then sent to your health care provider(s).
Care for COPD
Kootenai Health established the first COPD Navigation program in the region. This program provides education to patients on their disease process, medication use, lifestyle improvement, and out of hospital resources. The Respiratory Therapy Department also provides a complete pulmonary diagnostics laboratory for both outpatient and inpatient needs.
Locations
Kootenai Health Respiratory Therapy
2003 Kootenai Health Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone:
(208) 625-6675
Fax:
Hours:
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Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar
Skip to footer
Respiratory Therapy
Home
Respiratory Therapy
Kootenai Health’s team of registered respiratory care practitioners (RCPs) care for all patients, from the smallest newborn to those at the end of life. Our therapists have a broad knowledge of the pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary system to diagnose lung diseases and breathing disorders. By incorporating bedside assessment, lab/imaging interpretation, invasive, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation management and protocols, our patients receive the best practice we can provide.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are breathing tests to determine how well your lungs move air and oxygen through your body. PFTs typically involve breathing in different patterns – deep breaths, panting, holding your breath, etc. – to assess different aspects of your lung function. The test is performed at Kootenai Health by Respiratory Care Practitioner who is specially trained in these types of testing.
PFTs are performed for a variety of reasons:
Compare your lung function to known standards
Measure the severity of chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, or Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Identify early changes in lung function that may benefit from treatment
Help determine if treatment with certain medications, like bronchodilators, would be beneficial
Show whether exposure to substances or chemicals in your home or workplace have harmed your lungs
Determine your ability to tolerate surgery or other medical procedures
How to Prepare
Do not use inhaled medications for at least 4 hours prior to testing. Consult your physician if you have questions about which medications you should hold the day of testing.
Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 4 hours prior to testing.
Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours prior to the test.
Do not exercise heavily for at least 30 minutes prior to the test.
Do not wear tight-fitting clothing that restricts your ability to take a full breath
Do not eat a large meal within 2 hours prior to the test
Do arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to check-in with Registration at the North Entrance of Kootenai Health. Please bring your ID and a copy of your current insurance card.
Do bring a copy of your current medications for the technician to review
Please indicate if you have any of the following conditions:
cold or flu-like symptoms
recent surgery of any kind
coughing up blood or colored mucus
unstable blood pressure
pneumothorax
aneurysm
recent heart attack or stroke
What to Expect
After checking in with the registration department, the Respiratory Care Practitioner will escort you from the lobby to the pulmonary function laboratory.
They will review your medical history, current medications, and any respiratory symptoms relating to your test.
Depending on which tests were ordered by your healthcare provider, the testing may take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
During the test, you will be asked to breathe in various patterns, including deep breaths in, rapid breathing, panting, and holding your breath. The tests are conducted in a clear booth, similar to a phone booth. If you are claustrophobic or get anxious sitting in a confined space, please alert them prior to testing.
Some PFTs include the administration of bronchodilators or other breathing medications. It is important to tell them if you have any allergies to medications.
After the testing is complete, the Respiratory Care Practitioner will escort you back to the lobby. The data from your test will be interpreted by a Pulmonologist then sent to your health care provider(s).
Care for COPD
Kootenai Health established the first COPD Navigation program in the region. This program provides education to patients on their disease process, medication use, lifestyle improvement, and out of hospital resources. The Respiratory Therapy Department also provides a complete pulmonary diagnostics laboratory for both outpatient and inpatient needs.
Locations
Kootenai Health Respiratory Therapy
2003 Kootenai Health Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone:
(208) 625-6675
Fax:
Hours:
Primary Sidebar
Footer
Menu
Medical Professional Resources
Medical Professional Resources
Career Center
Medical Staff Services
Kootenai Care Network
Family Medicine Residency
Nursing
Pharmacy Residency
Education Courses
Patients and Visitors
Patients and Visitors
Pay My Bill
Maps, Parking, and Directions
Medical Records
Price Transparency
Guest Services
Online Patient Portal
Restaurants
Family Support Services
Transportation Services
Send an E-Card
Recognize an Employee
Provider Star Ratings and Reviews
About Kootenai Health
Careers
Mission, Vision and Values
History of Kootenai Health
Leadership
Awards and Recognition
Nursing Excellence
Volunteer Services
Student Services
Community Involvement
Kootenai Health Foundation
Newsroom
Pay My Bill
Make an Appointment
Find a Job
Maps and Directions
Online Patient Portal
Popular Resources