Pulmonary Medicine
Pulmonary medicine is a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract. A pulmonologist has expertise in the evaluation of patients with breathlessness, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness, as well as abnormalities of the chest x-ray, chest CT scan and other chest imaging studies. Disorders frequently diagnosed and managed include:
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Sarcoidosis
- Occupational Lung Disease
- Pneumonia
- Lung Cancer and Tumors
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Respiratory Failure
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
An initial visit begins with a thorough review of the patient's medical history and pulmonary symptoms followed by a detailed physical examination with special attention to the respiratory system. Our physicians review all other available information such as prior laboratory or imaging studies. Next, we usually render a preliminary opinion to the patient as to what disease processes may be present further diagnostic testing may be requested (see below) and treatment recommendations may be made.
If necessary, follow up visits may be required to review results of diagnostic testing or assess
response to new therapies. Our experts work closely with the patient's primary care provider to assure optimal management of diseases of the respiratory tract.
Our physicians have agreed to provide a comprehensive clinical evaluation, follow-up, and treatment of any pulmonary or sleep disorder at the request of the patient or their referring doctor.
