There may be a time when your body cannot function on its own, and you will need support from specialized equipment, as well as constant monitoring. If you have a severe respiratory problem and cannot breathe on your own, the pulmonary critical care specialists in the Sutter Health network can treat you.
We are dedicated to providing you with the best intensive care possible for life-threatening injuries and illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), unmanaged asthma, interstitial lung disease, respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer.
Multidisciplinary pulmonary critical care teams provide compassionate and comprehensive care for patients suffering from serious lung conditions in intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments and trauma centers.
We work closely with colleagues across the Sutter Health network to offer our critically ill patients the latest in novel therapies and interventional procedures. Depending on your respiratory condition and severity, your pulmonary critical care treatment plan may include:
- Diagnostic testing, including asthma and COPD
- Lung transplant or other surgery
- Postoperative care
- Pulmonary artery catheters
- Bronchoscopy
- Mechanical ventilators
- Oxygen therapy
After being discharged from critical care, your continuing treatment plan may include medications, breathing devices, pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle changes, such as changing your eating habits, quitting smoking and learning to manage your stress.
If you have lung cancer, you may also be referred to one of Sutter’s nine comprehensive cancer centers for follow-up care. These facilities have all received accreditation from the American College of Surgeons and offer a complete range of cancer services.
