Respiratory Care Services

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with progressive lung diseases and pulmonary conditions each year. More than 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma, and more than 14 million are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

At Sarasota Memorial, we help people with lung and pulmonary disorders breathe better. And we give those with progressive lung disease the tools and support they need to manage chronic symptoms and maximize quality of life.

From diagnosis to treatment, education and continued support, our Respiratory Care program provides a full spectrum of services for people with lung disease, pulmonary injuries and breathing disorders.

Respiratory Conditions We Treat

• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolus
• Pulmonary hypertension

Our highly-skilled respiratory care team has extensive experience in assessing and treating airway disease and pulmonary disorders in all ages, from newborns to adults. The multi-disciplinary team includes pulmonologists, cardiologists, surgeons, specially trained nurses, respiratory and cardiopulmonary therapists, critical care specialists, case managers and other medical professionals.

Treating Patients with Airway Complications

Sarasota Memorial’s diagnostic and interventional bronchoscopy program offers a full range of surgical and minimally invasive endoscopic services to diagnose, stage and treat lung cancer, as well therapies and services for those people whose conditions cannot be controlled by medication.

Inpatient & Outpatient Pulmonary Care Services include:

• Airway management
• Ventilator management
• Non-invasive ventilation
• Arterial blood gas draw and analysis (diagnostic testing)
• Pulmonary function testing
• Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
• Brachytherapy
• Bronchoscopy (navigational) and Robotic Bronchoscopy
• Bronchial thermoplasty
• Nebulizer therapy
• Pulmonary clearance
• Oxygen therapy
• Mechanical breathing assistance
• Thoracic Surgery
• Lung cancer screening with Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT)
• Lung cancer surgery

For more information about Respiratory Services at Sarasota Memorial, call 941-917-1850.

COPD Transition Program 

Sarasota Memorial’s COPD Transition Program helps our patients more easily transition from inpatient hospital care to their home while managing their COPD. Care teams work with patients after hospital discharge to improve breathing and help them manage their condition without returning to the hospital. They will help with physician follow-up appointments and stay in contact to ensure a successful recovery. The program is offered at no cost to patients.

Lung Health Clinic

Sarasota Memorial's Outpatient Lung Health Clinic empowers and helps people managing chronic lung disease to breathe better, improve their quality of life and avoid unnecessary ER visits and hospital stays. A physician referral is required. Click here to learn more or call 941-917-7777 for help with a physician referral.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

In our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program, pulmonary rehabilitation therapists provide education and individualized training for patients with chronic lung disease and those who’ve had a recent lung surgery or injury. The program helps build strength and endurance, and alleviate respiratory symptoms, such as dyspnea and fatigue. A physician referral is required. For more information or help with a physician referral, call 941-917-6139 (Sarasota) or 941-257-2850 (North Port).

Better Breathers Pulmonary Disease Support Group

Patients and caregivers can learn about different pulmonary diseases and share their challenges and experiences during our monthly Better Breathers Support Group meetings. Each month, an expert will present a different topic, and a group discussion will follow. Click here for more information or call 941-917-7777.