YRMC offers test to detect lung disease

Health care workers at the Yuma Regional Medical Center will be on hand today to help Yuma County residents evaluate their lung health.

For Yumans who have ever experienced a shortness of breath or wheezing, smoking, or high blood pressure, respiratory therapists from Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) will be on hand to answer questions and administer a breathing test Wednesdaytoday, according to a news release from YRMC.

"A simple breathing test, called a spirometry test, can help people find out if they are one of the millions of Americans suffering from lung disease and don't know it," the release said.

This free test will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Yuma Regional Corporate Center, located at 399 W. 32nd St.

The spirometry test measures the lungs' airflow and volume, two excellent indicators of lung health. It requires the patient to take a deep breath and blow out through a mouthpiece as fast and hard as possible for six seconds.

According to the release, the results can help identify decrease lung function in its early stages so that treatment can begin soon.

The event is being held during National Respiratory Care Week.

Therapists will be available to answer questions and provide information on smoking cessation and lung diseases.