Patient Education

We would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need. We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

We offer a full range of medical services including the following:

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a respiratory disorder that occurs as a result of asbestos inhalation. Asbestos, which was commonly used in construction until the mid 1970's, can cause the formation of scar tissue within the lung, resulting in difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

Symptoms of asbestosis typically include: ...

Asthma

Asthma is a condition where the lungs become inflamed and airways become constricted, blocking air from flowing. These blockages can result in mild coughing to a full blown asthma attack. Asthma affects millions of people each year.

Causes of Asthma

The specific cause of asthma is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as: ...

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory tract infection that often occurs in children under the age of two. The infection causes congestion and inflammation in the airways leading to the lungs. The reason infants are at greater risk for this disease is that their airways, commonly known as the bronchial tubes or bronchi, are narrow, allowing them to become blocked more easily than those of older patients. Risk factors for bronchiolitis may include premature birth and not being breastfed. ...

Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy is a test performed to view and diagnose problems in the bronchial tubes or related to lung disease. The procedure is performed using a bronchoscope, a device used to see the interior of the lungs. The doctor inserts this long tube through the nose or mouth, into the trachea and then into the patient's lungs. A bronchoscopy is usually recommended when the patient shows signs of lung disease. ...

Chest Tube Placement

Chest tube placement is a surgical procedure in which a tube is inserted into the chest to act as a drain. The chest tube drains blood, fluid or air from the pleural space, the area between the inner and outer linings of the lung, allowing the lungs to fully expand. It can be performed either as a independent procedure or in conjunction with heart surgery. ...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a lung disease that obstructs airflow. It is a progressive condition involving a constant obstruction of the airways, which results in difficulty breathing. COPD usually includes emphysema or chronic obstructive bronchitis or both. Seventy five percent of those afflicted with COPD are cigarette smokers. In some cases, however, COPD can be caused by other environmental irritants, such as air pollution and chemical fumes. This condition affects nearly 12 million people and is the third most common cause of death in the United States. ...

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease of the secretory glands, the glands that produce mucus and sweat. Normally, mucus is a moist, slippery substance but, in patients with cystic fibrosis, mucus is thick and sticky.This thick mucus clogs the lungs, air passages, and digestive ducts, resulting in serious respiratory and digestive problems. In addition, CF affects the sinuses and reproductive organs. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease, but advances in health care have greatly improved the life expectancy of patients with the disease, as well as offering them increased symptom relief. ...

Lung Biopsy

A lung biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the lung to be examined microscopically in order to determine the presence or absence of damage or disease. There are several types of lung biopsies, each useful depending on medical circumstances. Bronchoscopic and needle biopsies are usually done under mild sedation whereas open biopsies, VATS, or mediastinoscopy, since these require incisions, are performed under general anesthesia. ...

Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It occurs when the walls of the air sacs in the lungs become damaged. Damage to the lungs is usually caused by smoking, which is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of the cases of emphysema. Over time, the damage causes the lungs to be less elastic and less able to function in the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen. ...

Flu Shot

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious virus that appears seasonally. The flu can start as early as October and usually subsides by May. The flu affects between 5 to 20 percent of the people in the United States each year and can lead to serious complications. There are more than 200,000 people hospitalized as a result of the flu, with an estimated 49,000 deaths attributed to the flu each year. ...

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. However, although most lung cancer deaths can be prevented through lifestyle changes, lung cancer kills more people each year than colon, prostate, lymph and breast cancers combined. Lung cancer is always treatable, however, regardless of its size and location, and whether or how far it has spread. ...

Nebulizer Treatment

A nebulizer is a breathing machine used to treat asthma. The nebulizer converts a liquid medication, usually a bronchodilator like albuterol, into a mist that can be easily and painlessly inhaled.

Benefits of Nebulizer Treatment

Nebulizers are frequently used in infants and young children who are unable to use inhalers on their own. When a patient uses a nebulizer, a small mask is put over the face while the patient breathes normally. It is not necessary for patients to be able to hold their breaths or to inhale deeply in order to benefit from a nebulizer treatment. This is especially beneficial when the patient is a baby, a young child, or an elderly patient with dementia. ...

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that is caused by either a bacteria, virus or fungus. More than one million people were hospitalized in the United States in 2009 with pneumonia, with more than 50,000 fatalities. Pneumonia affects people of all ages but tends to focus on the following groups: ...

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of one or more arteries in the lungs. It is most often caused by a blood clot that traveled to the lungs from another part of the body. Blood clots usually form in the veins of the legs or arms, but can dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. While a pulmonary embolism is not usually fatal, it is a complication of deep vein thrombosis and can be life threatening. ...

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung condition that develops as a result of damaged or scarred tissue in the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis is the result of exposure to occupational and environmental elements, radiation, medication, GERD or other factors. The damaged tissue builds up and stiffens the air sacs in the lungs making breathing more difficult. When pulmonary fibrosis develops with no specific cause it is classified as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. ...

Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is a test that measures the amount of oxygen present in the blood. This diagnostic test uses a medical device known as a pulse oximeter to measure the levels of oxygen in the blood, as well as the pulse rate, without having to take a blood sample. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that causes no pain or discomfort. A pulse oximeter is often used in a hospital setting when a patient is admitted to the emergency room for diagnostic purposes, or during surgery, to monitor pulse rate and oxygen levels. A pulse oximetry test is commonly used to evaluate or diagnose various medical conditions that affect the function of the heart and lungs. ...

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the cells of any organ in the body. Sarcoidosis is thought to be a common disease and can affect people of any age, race or gender. It commonly affects African Americans, specifically African American women, and people of Scandinavian descent. ...

Silicosis

Silicosis is a disabling lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline-sized silica dust. People who work in the fields of construction, mining, sandblasting or other jobs with exposure to mineral-based ores are at risk for developing silicosis. Silicosis can often be fatal.

Types of Silicosis

The three types of silicosis are: ...

Subglottic Stenosis

Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the subglottic airway, the portion of the trachea below the voice box and the vocal cords. The condition affects both soft tissue and cartilage support in the region. Subglottic stenosis is either a congenital disorder or a medical condition that develops later in life. Although subglottic stenosis is relatively rare, it can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. ...

Tracheotomy

A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure used to make an opening in the windpipe (trachea) to remove an obstruction or allow air to pass through to the lungs. An incision is made below the vocal cords, and a plastic or metal tube is inserted to keep the incision open. The tube is usually connected to a ventilator machine that helps with breathing, although, depending on the patient's condition, a ventilator may not be needed. A tracheotomy is usually performed to alleviate breathing problems, and is often performed in emergency situations after more conservative methods have failed. ...

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a bacterial infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. While tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs, it can also attack other parts of the body including:

Kidney
Spine
Brain
Joints and bones
Muscles

There are two classifications of tuberculosis: latent TB infection and TB disease. People with latent TB infection are not infectious. If the TB bacteria does become active in those people with latent TB infection they will then become infected with the active disease. The number of reported cases of tuberculosis, in the United States, has declined annually. Less than 10,000 cases of tuberculosis were reported in 2012. ...

XOLAIR

XOLAIR (omalizumab) is an asthma medication that has been demonstrated to decrease the frequency of asthma attacks in moderate to severe asthmatics, and to reduce or eliminate the need for other asthma medications. XOLAIR is not used to treat other types of allergies.

It works to lessen asthma symptoms by decreasing the amount of an immunoglobulin known as IgE in the blood, and by decreasing the number of mast cells and basophils. All three of these substances are parts of the immune system, meant to destroy pathogens, but all can malfunction, causing dangerous inflammatory reactions. By decreasing these levels, XOLAIR decreases inflammation and hyper-reponsiveness of the airways, two causes of severe asthma. ...

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Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a respiratory disorder that occurs as a result of asbestos inhalation. Asbestos, which was commonly used in construction until the mid 1970's, can cause the formation of scar tissue within the lung, resulting in difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

Symptoms of asbestosis typically include: ...

Asthma

Asthma is a condition where the lungs become inflamed and airways become constricted, blocking air from flowing. These blockages can result in mild coughing to a full blown asthma attack. Asthma affects millions of people each year.

Causes of Asthma

The specific cause of asthma is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as: ...

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory tract infection that often occurs in children under the age of two. The infection causes congestion and inflammation in the airways leading to the lungs. The reason infants are at greater risk for this disease is that their airways, commonly known as the bronchial tubes or bronchi, are narrow, allowing them to become blocked more easily than those of older patients. Risk factors for bronchiolitis may include premature birth and not being breastfed. ...

Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy is a test performed to view and diagnose problems in the bronchial tubes or related to lung disease. The procedure is performed using a bronchoscope, a device used to see the interior of the lungs. The doctor inserts this long tube through the nose or mouth, into the trachea and then into the patient's lungs. A bronchoscopy is usually recommended when the patient shows signs of lung disease. ...

Chest-Tube Placement

Chest-tube placement (thoracostomy) is a surgical procedure in which a tube is inserted into the chest to act as a drain. The tube drains blood, fluid or air from the pleural space (the area between the inner and outer linings of the lung), enabling the lungs to fully expand. It can be performed as an independent procedure or in conjunction with heart surgery. ...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a lung disease that obstructs airflow. It is a progressive condition involving a constant obstruction of the airways, which results in difficulty breathing. COPD usually includes emphysema or chronic obstructive bronchitis or both. Seventy five percent of those afflicted with COPD are cigarette smokers. In some cases, however, COPD can be caused by other environmental irritants, such as air pollution and chemical fumes. This condition affects nearly 12 million people and is the third most common cause of death in the United States. ...

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease of the secretory glands, the glands that produce mucus and sweat. Normally, mucus is a moist, slippery substance but, in patients with cystic fibrosis, mucus is thick and sticky.This thick mucus clogs the lungs, air passages, and digestive ducts, resulting in serious respiratory and digestive problems. In addition, CF affects the sinuses and reproductive organs. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease, but advances in health care have greatly improved the life expectancy of patients with the disease, as well as offering them increased symptom relief. ...

Lung Biopsy

A lung biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the lung to be examined microscopically in order to determine the presence or absence of damage or disease. There are several types of lung biopsies, each useful depending on medical circumstances. Bronchoscopic and needle biopsies are usually done under mild sedation whereas open biopsies, VATS, or mediastinoscopy, since these require incisions, are performed under general anesthesia. ...

Emphysema

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It occurs when the walls of the alveoli (the air sacs in the lungs) become damaged, resulting in the development of large pockets. When this happens, respiratory function is impaired and the level of oxygen in the bloodstream decreases. Emphysema is usually caused by smoking or other environmental factors. Although it can be managed with treatment, it cannot be cured because the damage to the alveoli is irreversible. ...

Flu Shot

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious virus that appears seasonally. The flu can start as early as October and usually subsides by May. The flu affects between 5 to 20 percent of the people in the United States each year and can lead to serious complications. There are more than 200,000 people hospitalized as a result of the flu, with an estimated 49,000 deaths attributed to the flu each year. ...

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. However, although most lung cancer deaths can be prevented through lifestyle changes, lung cancer kills more people each year than colon, prostate, lymph and breast cancers combined. Lung cancer is always treatable, however, regardless of its size and location, and whether or how far it has spread. ...

Nebulizer Treatment

A nebulizer is a breathing machine used to treat asthma. The nebulizer converts a liquid medication, usually a bronchodilator like albuterol, into a mist that can be easily and painlessly inhaled.

Benefits of Nebulizer Treatment

Nebulizers are frequently used in infants and young children who are unable to use inhalers on their own. When a patient uses a nebulizer, a small mask is put over the face while the patient breathes normally. It is not necessary for patients to be able to hold their breaths or to inhale deeply in order to benefit from a nebulizer treatment. This is especially beneficial when the patient is a baby, a young child, or an elderly patient with dementia. ...

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that is caused by either a bacteria, virus or fungus. More than one million people were hospitalized in the United States in 2009 with pneumonia, with more than 50,000 fatalities. Pneumonia affects people of all ages but tends to focus on the following groups: ...

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of one or more arteries in the lungs. It is most often caused by a blood clot that traveled to the lungs from another part of the body. Blood clots usually form in the veins of the legs or arms, but can dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. While a pulmonary embolism is not usually fatal, it is a complication of deep vein thrombosis and can be life threatening. ...

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung condition that develops as a result of damaged or scarred tissue in the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis is the result of exposure to occupational and environmental elements, radiation, medication, GERD or other factors. The damaged tissue builds up and stiffens the air sacs in the lungs making breathing more difficult. When pulmonary fibrosis develops with no specific cause it is classified as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. ...

Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is a test that measures the amount of oxygen present in the blood. This diagnostic test uses a medical device known as a pulse oximeter to measure the levels of oxygen in the blood, as well as the pulse rate, without having to take a blood sample. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that causes no pain or discomfort. A pulse oximeter is often used in a hospital setting when a patient is admitted to the emergency room for diagnostic purposes, or during surgery, to monitor pulse rate and oxygen levels. A pulse oximetry test is commonly used to evaluate or diagnose various medical conditions that affect the function of the heart and lungs. ...

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the cells of any organ in the body. Sarcoidosis is thought to be a common disease and can affect people of any age, race or gender. It commonly affects African Americans, specifically African American women, and people of Scandinavian descent. ...

Silicosis

Silicosis is a disabling lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline-sized silica dust. People who work in the fields of construction, mining, sandblasting or other jobs with exposure to mineral-based ores are at risk for developing silicosis. Silicosis can often be fatal.

Types of Silicosis

The three types of silicosis are: ...

Subglottic Stenosis

Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the subglottic airway, the portion of the trachea below the voice box and the vocal cords. The condition affects both soft tissue and cartilage support in the region. Subglottic stenosis is either a congenital disorder or a medical condition that develops later in life. Although subglottic stenosis is relatively rare, it can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. ...

Tracheotomy

A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure used to make an opening in the windpipe (trachea) to remove an obstruction or allow air to pass through to the lungs. An incision is made below the vocal cords, and a plastic or metal tube is inserted to keep the incision open. The tube is usually connected to a ventilator machine that helps with breathing, although, depending on the patient's condition, a ventilator may not be needed. A tracheotomy is usually performed to alleviate breathing problems, and is often performed in emergency situations after more conservative methods have failed. ...

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a bacterial infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. While tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs, it can also attack other parts of the body including:

Kidney
Spine
Brain
Joints and bones
Muscles

There are two classifications of tuberculosis: latent TB infection and TB disease. People with latent TB infection are not infectious. If the TB bacteria does become active in those people with latent TB infection they will then become infected with the active disease. The number of reported cases of tuberculosis, in the United States, has declined annually. Less than 10,000 cases of tuberculosis were reported in 2012. ...

XOLAIR®

XOLAIR® (omalizumab) is an asthma medication that has been demonstrated to decrease the frequency of asthma attacks in moderate to severe asthmatics, and to reduce or eliminate the need for other asthma medications. XOLAIR is not used to treat other types of allergies.

It works to lessen asthma symptoms by decreasing the amount of an immunoglobulin known as IgE in the blood, and by decreasing the number of mast cells and basophils. All three of these substances are parts of the immune system, meant to destroy pathogens, but all can malfunction, causing dangerous inflammatory reactions. By decreasing these levels, XOLAIR decreases inflammation and hyper-reponsiveness of the airways, two causes of severe asthma. ...