Respiratory Therapy
At Clarinda Regional Health Center, our Respiratory Therapy team provides comprehensive care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. From inpatient support and emergency care to outpatient testing and chronic disease management, our skilled therapists work closely with physicians and nurses to help you breathe easier and live better.
Respiratory Therapy Services
Outpatient & Diagnostic Services:
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) - A series of breathing tests that measure how well your lungs take in and release air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into your blood.
- Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) - Assesses endurance and oxygen levels during activity to evaluate lung and heart performance.
- Home Oxygen Evaluation - Determines whether a patient qualifies for and benefits from oxygen use at home.
- Sleep Apnea Screening & Referral - Identifies symptoms of sleep apnea and connects patients with appropriate diagnostic testing or specialist care.
- Home Sleep Study - Allows patients to complete a sleep apnea test in the comfort of their own home using portable monitoring equipment.
- In-Lab Sleep Study - Provides comprehensive overnight monitoring to diagnose sleep disorders in a controlled environment.
- Zio Patch Monitoring - A comfortable, wearable device that continuously records heart rhythm for up to 14 days to detect irregularities.
- Holter Monitoring - Tracks heart rhythm over 24–48 hours to identify potential cardiac issues that may affect breathing or oxygen levels.
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs) - A quick, non-invasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity to help detect abnormalities.
- Exercise & Chemical Stress Testing - Evaluates how well your heart functions during physical activity or simulated stress. During the test, your heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure are monitored while you walk on a treadmill or receive medication that mimics exercise. This helps providers detect heart-related issues, assess fitness levels, and guide treatment for cardiac or respiratory conditions.
- OSHA Mask Fit Testing -
Ensures healthcare and industrial workers’ respirators fit properly to provide safe and effective protection.
Meet CRHC's Respiratory Therapy Manager, Susan!
Our Respiratory Therapy Department is led by Susan, a dedicated and experienced respiratory therapist who is passionate about helping patients improve their breathing health and overall well-being. Susan and her team provide compassionate, high-quality care for patients of all ages, whether they’re receiving inpatient treatment, outpatient testing, or ongoing respiratory support.
► RT Phone: (712) 542-8275
► Department Hours:
Monday - Friday from 8 am - 4 pm
Understanding your Breathing Health and...
Why Your Breathing Health Matters
Breathing is something we often don’t think about until it becomes difficult. Your lungs play a vital role in supplying oxygen to your body and removing carbon dioxide. When something affects that balance, it can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, or serious illness. Maintaining good lung health is essential for overall wellness, heart health, and energy levels.
When to See a Respiratory Therapist or Provider
- Persistent coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness
- Shortness of breath, even at rest or during mild activity
- Frequent respiratory infections or pneumonia
- Loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or poor sleep quality
- Dependence on inhalers or oxygen therapy
- Difficulty recovering from illness or surgery due to breathing issues
Ready to talk to a provider about your breathing concerns?
Schedule a visit with your primary care provider. In most cases, your provider will need to do a physical exam and talk to you about your symptoms. Then your PCP will need to set up a referral for any testing in RT.
Common Conditions
We Can Help Manage
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
Sleep Apnea
A condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, affecting oxygen levels and overall health. Learn More about how we can help you with your Sleep Health here.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
A condition that causes scarring in the lungs, making it harder for oxygen to move into the bloodstream.
Asthma
Causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it hard to breathe.
Pneumonia & Respiratory Infections
Infections that inflame the lungs and can require oxygen therapy or airway support.
Chronic Bronchitis
Long-term inflammation of the airways causing coughing and mucus buildup.
More CRHC Services
More Information on RT Services
Zio Patch
This monitor is a wearable device that continuously records heart rhythms for up to 14 days to detect irregularities.
Holter Monitor
This device is worn for a shorter amount of time than a Zio Patch, typically 24 - 48 hours, in order to identify potential cardiac issues that may affect breathing or oxygen levels.
Exercise Stress Test
This diagnostic test determines how well your heart functions during physical activity while you walk on a treadmill or receive medication that mimics exercise.
In-Lab Sleep Study Area
A dedicated space within our Respiratory Therapy Department where we conduct Sleep Studies to collect and analyze your sleep habits to help us diagnose sleep issues.
In-Home Sleep Study Device
A take-home device that you'll be trained how to use, that you will apply to yourself before you go to bed, and bring back after data is collected during your sleep.
Pulmonary Function Test
Commonly referred to as a PFT, and is a device inside our Respiratory Therapy Department that we'll use to measure how efficiently your lungs are working.
