We continue to monitor COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses in our communities. Read the most current information about prevention, testing and where to go if you're sick.

COVID-19 Information
Healthy Living

Rise and Shine with Breakfast

Bored with your bowl of oatmeal? Tired of your toast and jam? Ready to step outside the (cereal) box for breakfast? Switch it up with these creative combos that are easy-to-make and will keep you shining all morning long!

Read more
Healthy Living

This Thanksgiving Eat More! (Non-starchy veggies, that is!)

Fall holidays are known for their festive meals and celebrations. So how do you enjoy the foods of the season and still keep your blood sugar in check?

Read more
Patient Story

Palliative Care: Helping Patients Live Their Best Lives

Lynn’s husband Steve was diabetic and diagnosed with end stage renal disease 11 years ago. Without warning, Steve’s condition turned critical three years ago. Desperate for guidance and strength, Lynn was connected to April and the Palliative Care team at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

Read more
Healthy Living

Losing More Than Sleep

Everybody suffers occasionally from not getting enough sleep. But a lack of sleep can do more than just make you feel tired the next day. Chronic sleep problems can be a contributing factor to more serious health problems.

Read more
Healthy Living

Are You Ready for Flu Season?

While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.

With flu season approaching, make sure you understand what the flu is and how to avoid it.

Read more
First7891012141516Last

Related Content

« Back to Neurology & Neurosurgery Stories

Find a Doctor or Make an Appointment

Our new search tool will help you choose a doctor or health care provider that is best for you or your family.

Search Now

Diagnosis and Care

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center our Respiratory Care team can perform several tests for diagnosis including:

  • Pulmonary function test (with or without bronchodilators) – This four-part exam tests for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and certain other conditions that affect breathing; vital capacity; total lung capacity; and lung diffusion. Depending on the results you may need further testing with a bronchodilator, a drug that widens the air passages of the lungs and eases breathing.
  • Methacholine Challenge or Bronchospasm Exam – Checks for asthma. The patient inhales medication and is then administered a spirometry test to determine how the lungs react.
  • Spirometry or flow volume loop – Is part of a full pulmonary function test or to periodically check how well the lungs are functioning during treatment for chronic lung conditions. It also measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how fast you exhale.
  • Arterial Blood Gases – Part of a pulmonary function test or separate, blood is taken from an artery in your wrist to test oxygen levels.
  • Six Minute Walk – Measures oxygen levels while walking for six minutes to determine your need for supplemental oxygen.
  • Lung Diffusing Testing (DLCO) – Measures how well the lungs exchange gases.
  • Vital Capacity – As part of the full pulmonary function test, this determines the amount of air a patient can inhale and exhale.
  • Max Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) – Measures the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled in one minute and your lung muscle strength.
  • Oximetry – Checks the level of oxygen in your blood without having to draw blood.