Pulmonary Care Unit 

Alton Memorial Hospital's Pulmonary Care Unit is the area's only inpatient unit dedicated to the needs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The eight-bed Pulmonary Care Unit, next to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), takes a multidisciplinary approach to the care of each patient. Physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians and physical therapists work together to coordinate care.

The Pulmonary Care Unit features an exercise and education room to begin pulmonary rehabilitation in the Hospital. Alton Memorial also offers outpatient rehabilitation through the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Center.

Board-certified pulmonologist Trudy Shady, MD, is the medical director of the Unit. All patients admitted to the unit have a consultation with a pulmonologist.

The Pulmonary Care Unit staff prepares patients and their primary physicians for life at home with treatment plans that address therapy, home equipment and medications.

COPD is a chronic, incurable disease that individuals must learn to manage. It is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. COPD is a grouping of lung diseases -- including emphysema, asthma and bronchitis -- that develops slowly and affects breathing.

About 12 million Americans are currently diagnosed with COPD, and it's estimated that another 12 million have COPD but have not been diagnosed, even though they have symptoms. When their symptoms become severe, many of these affected individuals end up hospitalized.