Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with diseases affecting the pulmonary system, also known as the respiratory system.

Common symptoms affect the lungs, bronchi, trachea, larynx, pharynx and even the nose, can cause problems breathing or sleeping.
The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Cook County Health has a rich tradition of providing high quality health care services to the residents of Cook County. Our division brings together professionals from many disciplines to form a united team of physicians, nurses, and physiology technicians to care for our patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. 

What are the Warning Signs of Lung Disease?

Lung diseases are among the most critical to treat, and early detection could help from it becoming life-threatening.
Many early warning signs can seem like mild or even day-to-day symptoms. Knowing the signs and symptoms of lung disease can ensure you or a loved one receives immediate medical care before the condition worsens. Common symptoms include: 
  • Chronic chest pain
  • Chronic cough
  • Chronic mucus production
  • Coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

Common Conditions

At Cook County Health, we are proud to care for individuals who have lung and breathing diseases, such as: 
  • Asthma 
  • Bronchietasis 
  • Chronic Bronchitis 
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) 
  • Cough
  • Emphysema
  • Interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis 
  • Occupational Lung Disease 
  • Pneumonia
  • Pneumoconiosis
  • Tuberculosis 
  • Pulmonary hypertension 
  • Sarcoidosis 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, CPAP and sleepiness 

Testing and Studies

To ensure our patients receive comprehensive care to treat their condition, we provide a number of testing and studies to outline the best treatment plan. 
These include (but not limited to):  
  • Blood pressure monitoring 
  • Electrocardiography (ECG) testing 
  • Exercise testing 
  • Home oxygen evaluation 
  • Pulmonary function testing 
  • Sleep studies 

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

The pulmonary rehabilitation program helps patients increase their strength through a monitored 10-week exercise program.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed for patients with lung disease and patients that have shortness of breath when walking short distances, climbing stairs, or during daily activities. 
We approach rehabilitative wellness through the following techniques: 
  • Exercise: All exercise begins with a warm-up, stretches and weight training. Patients walk on a treadmill, ride a stationary bike, and use an arm-exercise machine.
  • Education: Each session includes lung disease education, oxygen therapy and much more. We have an on-site lung health educator that covers topics including: lung health, smoking cessation, inhaler uses and asthma.
  • Nutrition: Good nutrition is important for good health. Our dietitians provide advice on how to maintain a healthy diet and weight. To schedule an appointment with one of our dietitians, contact (312) 864-0200.
  • Social Services: Our on-site social workers provide services based on each patient’s needs

Locations

The Division operates clinics at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital and Provident Hospital of Cook County, as well as the Oak Forest Health Center

A doctor’s referral is not necessary to make an appointment. 

Chest Clinic

John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County

1969 W. Odgen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 864-6000

Monday and Thursday from 1 - 4 pm
Friday from 8:30 am to 12 pm

Pulmonary Clinic - Clinic F

John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County

1969 W. Odgen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 864-6000

Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12 pm

Sleep Clinic - Clinic G

John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County

1969 W. Odgen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 864-6000

Monday from 8:30 am to 12 pm
Wednesday from 12 - 4 pm

Asthma Clinic

Provident Hospital of Cook County

500 E. 51st St.
Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 572-2000

Monday from 12 - 4 pm
Thursday from 8:30 am to 12 pm

Chest Clinic

Provident Hospital of Cook County

500 E. 51st St.
Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 572-2000

Monday from 9 am to 12 pm

Pulmonary Clinic

Provident Hospital of Cook County

500 E. 51st St.
Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 572-2000

Tuesday from 8:30 am to 12 pm
Thursday from 12 - 4 pm

Sleep Clinic

Provident Hospital of Cook County

500 E. 51st St.
Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 572-2000

Tuesday from 9 am to 4 pm

Chest Clinic

Oak Forest Health Center

15900 S. Cicero Ave.
Oak Forest, IL 60452
(708) 687-7200

Tuesday from 8:30 am to 12 pm

Sleep Clinic

Oak Forest Health Center

15900 S. Cicero Ave.
Oak Forest, IL 60452
(708) 687-7200

Tuesday from 8 am to 12 pm

Asthma and Pulmonary Clinic

Oak Forest Health Center

15900 S. Cicero Ave.
Oak Forest, IL 60452
(708) 687-7200

Monday and Wednesday from 8 am to 12 pm

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