Pulmonary Program

Comprehensive Services

When every breath is an effort, nothing is easy. People with respiratory disease lose sleep, miss work and school, and limit their activities. Now, hundreds of pulmonary patients are breathing easier because of a six-pronged approach at Silver Cross Hospital.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is for adults with chronic pulmonary or breathing problems, such as COPD (Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease) and emphysema. The eight-week program improves the patient's quality of life through respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, exercise planning, nutrition counseling, stress management, and pharmaceutical advice. A physician's referral is required to attend the program.

Pulmonary Support Group

A free Pulmonary Support Group for adults with asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis or other respiratory diseases meets monthly at Silver Cross Hospital. Special speakers discuss the disease, treatment options and lifestyle changes. There is also time for mutual support and socializing.

Asthma Workshop for Children and Their Families

The Asthma Workshop for Children and Their Families helps children and parents cope with the disease through multi-sessions with a variety of speakers, such as a pediatric allergist, a respiratory therapist, a pharmacist and a nurse. The clinic offers a general overview of asthma and the breathing process, treatment, and medications, as well as correct use of an inhaler and peak flow meter.

Asthma 101

To help children and their parents deal with the disease, the hospital offers Asthma 101, a free 45-minute program for school personnel to provide a basic understanding of the disease. School personnel learn how to respond to an asthma episode, what to do when a child experiences difficulty breathing.

Pediatric Asthma Hotline

Silver Cross also offers a Pediatric Asthma Hotline at (815) 740-1234, ext. 7397, to ask general questions regarding pediatric asthma care. Topics addressed include inhaler use, peak flow meter use, and a home action plan in case of an asthma attack. the hotline is not for emergencies and voice mail is available.

Asthma Counseling

Finally, the hospital offers one-on-one Asthma Counseling to help patients and their families gain a better understanding of asthmas and its treatments. A patient's individualized needs are assessed and interventions for better treatment are outlined.

To learn more about the pulmonary programs available at Silver Cross Hospital, call 888-660-HEAL.