Pulmonary Disease Specialist
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Compassionate Health Medical Center
Family Medicine & Urgent Care located in Miami, FL & Hialeah, FL
Long-term breathing problems can be the result of alveolar damage in the lungs, often from smoke and other inhaled chemical irritants. At Compassionate Health Medical Center in Miami and Hialeah, Florida, Julio Gonzalez, MD, provides individualized treatment for pulmonary disease that may help you avoid surgery. To book an appointment, call the office or schedule online today.
Pulmonary Disease Q & A
What is pulmonary disease?
The term “pulmonary” refers to your lungs. Pulmonary disease is a condition that affects your lungs and other parts of your respiratory system, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. Severe pulmonary disease makes it hard to get the oxygen your tissues and organs need to function.
You develop pulmonary disease from breathing in harmful chemicals and other substances. Over time, these substances damage your lungs and can cause symptoms like:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Shortness of breath
You also might find it increasingly difficult to exercise, running out of breath quickly during aerobic exercise. You could have periods of time when your symptoms intensify, which are called exacerbations.
Who is at risk for pulmonary disease?
Pulmonary disease is a risk for individuals in certain occupations and those who smoke. Also, you may be unaware of environmental chemicals in your area that are damaging your lungs.
Your risk for pulmonary disease might be particularly high because of:
- Smoking
- Secondhand smoke
- An infection
- Asbestos
- Radon
- Other forms of air pollution
- Asthma
- Your genetics
Tobacco smoking is the highest risk factor for pulmonary disease. Smoking cessation significantly reduces your risk, though you should visit Compassionate Health Medical Center so your provider can evaluate your lungs.
How is pulmonary disease treated?
Compassionate Health Medical Center assesses your lung function with various tests, like pulmonary function tests and chest X-rays. The results of these tests indicate the severity of your condition and help your provider make personalized recommendations for treatment.
Beyond quitting smoking, multiple options can help improve your breathing if you have pulmonary disease.
Your provider might recommend:
- Bronchodilators
- Inhaled steroids
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
In severe cases that don’t improve with nonsurgical care, surgery is sometimes necessary for pulmonary disease. Some surgeries reduce the volume of your lungs, while others work by destroying large spaces in your lungs that prevent smooth breathing.
If you have symptoms or risk factors of pulmonary disease and would like to get an assessment, call Compassionate Health Medical Center or book an appointment online today.
