Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by difficult breathing.  Symptoms occur when the air tubes become narrow from swelling or inflammation and constriction of the breathing muscles around the tubes.  Some of the more common symptoms of asthma are:

• Frequent coughing
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Tightness feeling in the chest
• Interrupted sleep because of cough or difficult breathing
• Frequent colds that appear to last longer than 10 days

If you or your child has two or more of these symptoms ask your doctor about asthma screening. To make an appointment, call (415) 641-6850.

Physician referral is required. If you do not have a physician, call: (415) 821-DOCS (3627) or Find a Doctor.

• Asthma Education Program
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Management
• Community Outreach & Education
• Pulmonary Education Program for COPD
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Respiratory Diagnostics & Therapy

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Asthma Education Program

The National Asthma Education & Prevention Program (NAEPP) Clinical Practice Guidelines view education as the cornerstone of any asthma management program.  The partnership between patient, physician and educator can improve the quality of life for the person with asthma by reducing hospitalizations, emergency department visits and days lost from school or work.

St. Luke’s Asthma Education Program follows the National Institutes of Health Guidelines and is staffed by certified asthma educators.  Sessions are available for adults and children.

Participants will learn:

• Basic asthma information
• Proper use and understanding of asthma medications
• Trigger identification and avoidance
• Peak flow meter training
• Lung function testing, if meets age requirement

Asthma control means you can expect to:

• Be free of symptoms all or most of the time
• Enjoy normal, daily activities without interruptions from asthma
• Have normal or near-normal lung functions

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Management

Many lung diseases can be prevented.  Some lung diseases require early intervention to prevent damage to the lung tissue.  The Pulmonary Education Porogram at St. Luke’s Hospital addresses common respiratory problems like asthma emphysema and chronic bronchitis in the hospital as well as in the outpatient setting.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma can be classified as obstructive lung diseases or COPD.  These diseases can occur alone or together.

What is Chronic Bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes which can be caused by smoking or constant exposure to dusts and other substances in certain occupations. Symptoms of bronchitis are persistent coughing, mucus production and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

What is Emphysema?

Emphysema occurs when the air sacs in the lungs break down and interfere with the flow of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream.  Emphysema can be caused by smoking, regular exposure to pollutants or irritants in the air, and less often in people with an inherited lung condition.  Symptoms include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, increased mucus production and curtailing activities to accommodate breathlessness.

Regular medical care, smoking cessation, respiratory therapy and physical therapy can reduce complications from undiagnosed or untreated COPD.

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Community Outreach & Education

St. Luke’s prides itself in reaching out to the community we serve.  The Pulmonary Education Program provides lung health information, community classes about asthma, COPD and other lung health issues upon special request.  Program staff is actively involved in asthma related programs and organizations outside the hospital setting and represents St. Luke’s Hospital on the San Francisco Asthma Task Force, a legislative body of the Board of Supervisors.  The staff is:

• Licensed in respiratory care (RCP)
• Registered with the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Nationally certified in asthma education (AE-C)
• Trained faculty of the American Lung Association’s (ALA) All About Asthma-Workshop for Childcare Providers
• Trained faculty of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America’s (AAFA) Asthma & Allergy Essentials for Child Care Providers

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Pulmonary Education Program for COPD

Pulmonary education programs can greatly improve quality of life for people diagnosed with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  St. Luke’s Pulmonary Education Program provides patients with the tools to control their symptoms, increase independence and improve their sense of well being.  These goals are achieved by working with patients in the following ways:

• Individualized counseling and education
• Re-enforcement of physician prescribed treatment, including medications, oxygen use and smoking cessation
• Assessment of barriers to adherence to treatment plan
• Lung function testing
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath) management and energy conservation
• Appropriate exercise plan
• Controlling exacerbations or flare-ups
• Support for patients and their families
• Telephone follow-up

Our program follows the guidelines of the Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease (GOLD).

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Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function tests measure how well your lungs are working and give your doctor information about their function.  For patients with breathing difficulties, accurate Pulmonary Function Testing can determine the extent and severity of lung disease and monitor changes in the lungs for those with known lung disorders.  Results may:

• Determine how smoking may have affected your lungs
• Help your doctor diagnose lung problems like asthma or emphysema
• Differentiate between cardiac & pulmonary causes of shortness of breath
• Provide lung assessment prior to a planned surgical procedure
• Provide occupational lung assessment
• Assist in planning or evaluating the effectiveness of treatment

Pulmonary Function Testing is provided by licensed staff.  Results are interpreted by a pulmonologist (lung specialist) and reports are sent to the patient’s physician

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Respiratory Diagnostics & Therapy

Lung problems can worsen and may require hospitalization.  St. Luke’s Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Respiratory Care provides:

• 24 hour hospital based and emergency room service by licensed personnel
• Therapeutic bronchodilator treatments
• Hydration and airway clearance techniques
• Pulmonary function testing
• Pulmonary education & training
• Non-invasive ventilation (BiPap, CPAP)
• Continuous Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Specialty staff in Critical Care, Sub Acute, Skilled Nursing, Pediatric and Nursery departments
• Personnel trained in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and neonatal resuscitation (NRP)

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