Pulmonology

What is pulmonology?

Pulmonology includes medical care for patients struggling with lung conditions or diseases. It’s a subspecialty of internal medicine. Pulmonary Medicine Associates’ specialists have the expertise, skills, and specialized knowledge required to achieve superior diagnoses and treatments for common lung issues. 

The Pulmonary Medicine Associates physicians are highly trained and have been in practice for more than 50 years.

Which conditions can pulmonology address?

The Pulmonary Medicine Associates experts offer treatments for an array of lung conditions, including:

• Emphysema
• Lung cancer
• Asthma
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Asbestosis
• Chronic coughing
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Tuberculosis 
• Pneumonia 
• Cystic fibrosis
• Lung collapse 
• Bronchitis 

The practice’s skilled pulmonologists may diagnose and treat any disease that impacts your pulmonary (lung) health.

What may increase my risk of lung diseases?

Factors that can increase your chance of lung problems include:

• Tobacco smoking
• Allergens
• Outdoor or indoor air pollution
• Family history of lung diseases
• Occupational exposure to chemicals, fumes, burning fuels, or dust
• Genetic predisposition 

The best way to avoid lung issues and breathing difficulty is to avoid smoking or breathing in dirty air.

What happens during pulmonology appointments?

During pulmonology visits to Pulmonary Medicine Associates, your specialist checks your vital signs and reviews your medical history. They inquire about your symptoms, lifestyle habits, medications, and more.

During a physical exam, they assess your overall wellness by examining your eyes, ears, throat, neck, heartbeat, and more. 

Your provider also listens to your breathing and may recommend lung function (breathing) tests, blood testing, sweat tests, bronchoscopy, chest X-rays, CT scans, or other imaging procedures to make a final diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Your pulmonology treatment may include:

• Not smoking
• Lifestyle changes
• Oral medications
• Inhalers
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Noninvasive ventilation therapy 
• Surgery

Lifestyle changes and home remedies you might try include eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, not smoking, reducing exposure to air pollution, and keeping your home and indoor air quality clean. Follow up with your pulmonologist regularly to achieve your health goals.

Schedule a pulmonary appointment at Pulmonary Medicine Associates by phone or request one online today.