From the first moments of life, most of us have enjoyed the ability to breath
without effort or forethought. But for some, breathing can be hindered for a
variety of reasons. Those who experience difficulty may now breath a little
easier, thanks to a wide array of community programs and state-of-the-art diagnostic
services offered by Hanover Hospital.
If you experience shortness of breath, difficulty climbing stairs, a stubborn cough, or wheezing, you may have a respiratory disorder, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or an environmental or occupational disease. Treatment and rehabilitation of these conditions is available at Hanover Hospital, where you will encounter licensed Respiratory Therapists and Registered Nurses under the direction of a Pulmonary Medical Physician.
Why Your Lungs May Not Be Working At Their Best
When you have a breathing problem, movement of air, into and out of your lungs,
is restricted and difficult. You are working too hard to take in too little
air, and it feels as if you are breathing through a straw.
Why? This is what a thorough examination will find out, but, basically, it could
be one or more of the following:
1. The normal flow of air is blocked by excess mucus and inflammation (chronic bronchitis).
2. The bronchial airways have collapsed (emphysema).
3. The muscles around the airways have tightened (acute asthma)
4. The lung tissue is scarred (pulmonary fibrosis)
What you feel is shortness of breath. What you may be doing is coughing, wheezing, or generally feeling weak. It is not related to your age. It is a disorder that can be diagnosed and treated. So, you can enjoy your life as fully and comfortably as possible.
Smoking Cessation - Community Program
Smoking (nicotine) is as addictive as any hard drug, such as heroin or morphine.
But, if you want a chance at breathing easier and living a full, quality of
life, you have no choice. You have to quit now. And you can do it.
Hanover Hospital offers a quarterly "Freedom from Smoking" group
clinic. This class creates a friendly and safe environment to explore the world
of tobacco use. It is a self-empowering 7-session course that teaches behavior
modification, stress management and examines lifestyle issues as they relate
to smoking. It also utilizes the "buddy system" to incorporate peer
support during the quitting process, and is facilitated by an American Lung
Association certified smoking cessation educator. Various Nicotine Replacement
Therapies will also be reviewed.