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Pulmonology

Breathe in, breathe out. If you have trouble breathing or are worried about a lung condition, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From preventive care and beyond, our pulmonology team is skilled in screening, rehabilitation and treating chronic lung diseases. We treat both children and adults.

Adult lung and breathing conditions we treat:

  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Chronic coughing
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)
  • Emphysema
  • Interstitial lung disease including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • Lung cancer
  • Lung nodules
  • Occupational lung disease
  • Pneumonia
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Shortness of breath
  • And more

Lung cancer screening program

If you’re a current or former smoker, you’re at risk for lung cancer. It’s recommended that you have a yearly lung cancer screening if you:

  • Are age 50-77
  • Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history
  • Are currently smoking or quit within the past 15 years

Studies have shown that annual screening with low dose CT can find lung cancer early when it is easier to treat and more likely to be cured.

Your health and well-being are very important to us. If you meet the above criteria, we encourage you to make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss the importance of annual lung cancer screening and follow-up care.

Learn how to avoid asthma flare-ups.

An asthma attack means your symptoms are worsening. See what happens. Reviewed 3/6/2023

What happens during an asthma attack

Find out what happens when your asthma flares up

Breathing is one activity that should be so easy that you don't have to think about it. You inhale, you exhale. It should be automatic. But that's not how it always works when you have asthma.

ASTHMA TRIGGERS

With asthma, your airways (tubes through which air flows in and out of your lungs) are supersensitive. They tend to be in a chronic state of redness and inflammation, and the tiniest things can aggravate them—things like pollen, dust, smoke, fumes and pet dander can trigger a full-blown asthma attack.

When you inhale one of your asthma triggers, it sets off a series of events.

First, the inflammation and redness in your airways worsen.

In reaction, the muscles that surround your airways tighten. Your airways—already narrowed by swelling—become even smaller. Airflow is restricted.

Another reaction to the aggravating trigger: Cells in your airways start producing more mucus than usual, further restricting the flow of air. You're now in the midst of an asthma attack.

An asthma flare-up can cause asthma symptoms to occur or worsen. These symptoms may include:

Wheezing. You may notice a whistling or squeaking sound that occurs when you breathe.

Coughing. You might cough more at night. You might also cough up mucus.

Shortness of breath. You may feel like you can't catch your breath or get air out of your lungs.

Chest tightness. It might feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.

It's important to treat these symptoms as soon as you notice them.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID ASTHMA FLARE-UPS?

 

  • Identify your asthma triggers. Allergy tests can help with that. Once you know your triggers, you and your doctor can work out ways to avoid them.
  • Work with your doctor to make an asthma management plan. This plan will spell out what your medications are, when to use them and what to do when your asthma is worsening.

A peak flow meter is an important tool for asthma management. By using it regularly, you can stay on top of your symptoms and work to reduce them before they get out of control.

LEARN HOW TO USE A PEAK FLOW METER

Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Lung Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Learn more about lung cancer screening.

Helping kids breathe easier

Kids want to run and play outside. But sometimes issues like asthma or other respiratory illnesses get in the way of having fun. The ability to breathe easily should never be taken for granted. When issues arise, our pediatric pulmonology team can help.

Pediatric pulmonary conditions we treat:

  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Cough
  • Noisy breathing
  • Congenital anomalies
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Chronic lung diseases
  • Recurrent pneumonia
  • Sleep-disordered breathing
  • Technology-dependent pulmonary services
  • And more

Let us help you breathe easier

To learn more or make an appointment, find a pulmonologist or call 888.396.3729.

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