COPD / Emphysema

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Emphysema is a type of COPD characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs, making it harder to exhale.

COPD causes breathing difficulties and complications

COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is typically caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and dust. Emphysema is a type of COPD that specifically affects the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to lose their elasticity and making it difficult to exhale.

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you overcome your symptoms and regain your health.

Symptoms

COPD is a progressive lung disease and while symptoms can vary, it is important to recognize the signs of the disease. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath (particularly during physical activity)
Chest tightness
Fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the disease and improve your quality of life.

Diagnosis

How diagnosis is made?

Diagnosing COPD typically involves several steps to assess lung function and rule out other potential causes of respiratory symptoms. The following are some common steps involved in diagnosing COPD:

The diagnosis is made based on the patient's medical history, physical exam, and test results.

Physical Exam

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds.

Lung Function Tests

These tests measure how much air you can exhale and how quickly, as well as the amount of air you can hold in your lungs. Spirometry is a common lung function test.

Alpha-1 (AT) deficiency test

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) test detects low levels of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin, which can lead to lung and liver disease.

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Treatment

Get the treatment done right!

While there is no cure for COPD, there are several treatments available to help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life.

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Medication

A combination of short and long acting bronchodilator medications are used with steroids are used to improve symptoms and lung function. Additional medications are then administered if necessary.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This program includes exercise, breathing techniques, and education to manage symptoms and improve lung function.

Oxygen therapy

Using supplemental oxygen can help relieve shortness of breath and improve oxygen levels in the blood.

Lifestyle Changes

Quitting smoking, avoiding irritants, and staying active can improve lung function and reduce exacerbations.

Surgery

Surgery can help improve breathing by removing unhealthy parts of the lung or placing endobronchial valves in certain patients with lung disease.

Lung Test

Sleep Test

Sleep Disorder Testing

Sleep disorder testing is a medical procedure used to diagnose and evaluate various sleep disorders.

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Lung Test

Sleep Test

Actigraphy

Actigraphy is a non-invasive method of monitoring and assessing a person's sleep-wake patterns and physical activity levels over an extended period, typically several days to several weeks.

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Lung Test

Sleep Test

Multiple Sleep Latency Testing

Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT) is a type of diagnostic sleep study that measures the time it takes for a person to fall asleep during the day.

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Lung Test

Sleep Test

CPAP

The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) test is a diagnostic test used to determine the severity of sleep apnea and to determine the appropriate level of air pressure required to treat it.

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Wanted to know more?

Find answers to your additional questions

What types of lung conditions do you treat?

Our experienced lung health care providers treat a wide range of conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pneumonia, bronchitis, and more. We work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

What services do you offer for smoking cessation?

We offer a variety of smoking cessation services to help you quit smoking and improve your lung health. Our services include counseling, medication management, and support groups. We also provide resources to help you manage nicotine withdrawal and cope with stress.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation and how can it help me?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program designed to improve lung function and overall quality of life for individuals with lung disease. Our pulmonary rehabilitation program includes exercise training, breathing techniques, and education about lung disease management. Our goal is to help you feel better and breathe easier.

Q: What diagnostic tests do you offer for lung health?

We offer a variety of diagnostic tests to assess lung function and diagnose lung conditions. These tests include spirometry, pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy, and chest X-rays. Our experienced team will work with you to determine which tests are necessary for your specific situation.

Q: How can I make an appointment with providers?

ou can make an appointment with our lung health care providers by calling our office or submitting a request through our website. We strive to provide prompt and convenient care, and we offer flexible scheduling options to meet your needs.

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Wanted to know more?

Find answers to your additional questions

What types of sleep disorders do you treat?

Our sleep health care providers diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and more. We work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

What diagnostic tests do you offer for sleep disorders?

We offer a variety of diagnostic tests to assess sleep patterns and diagnose sleep disorders. These tests include polysomnography (PSG), multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT), and maintenance of wakefulness tests (MWT). Our experienced team will work with you to determine which tests are necessary for your specific situation.

What treatments do you offer for sleep disorders?

We offer a variety of treatments for sleep disorders, including lifestyle changes, medication management, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Our experienced team will work with you to determine which treatment options are best for your specific needs.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

During your first appointment, our sleep health care providers will conduct a thorough evaluation of your sleep habits, medical history, and overall health. We may also perform diagnostic tests to help identify any underlying sleep disorders. Based on our findings, we will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.

How can I make an appointment with your sleep health care providers?

You can make an appointment with our sleep health care providers by calling our office or submitting a request through our website. We offer flexible scheduling options to meet your needs, and we strive to provide prompt and convenient care.