Lung Care

The health of your lungs and respiratory tract is crucial to your overall health. According to the National Institute of Health, lung disease is the number three killer in the U.S., responsible for one in seven deaths. Lung disease and other breathing problems are the number one killer of babies younger than one year old. Today, more than 30 million Americans are living with chronic lung diseases and pulmonary disorders.

Northern Nevada Medical Center has physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of lung and respiratory disease. They are board certified in Pulmonary Medicine and Internal Medicine and provide advanced care for a wide range of conditions.

Conditions We Treat

Asthma

Asthma is defined as a chronic condition in which the air passages in the lungs become inflamed and swollen. While it's known that pollutants and other factors are triggers, no definitive cause or cure for asthma has been discovered. Any irritation of these overly-sensitive air passages can lead to an asthma attack with symptoms including chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing or feeling of inability to catch one's breath. Asthma can become critical or even fatal if ignored. Don't wait to seek emergency care when symptoms of respiratory distress appear:

• Shortness of breath when walking or talking
• Feeling of constant fatigue
• Inability to sleep or eat
• Inability to tolerate regular activities without breathing difficulty

One or more of the symptoms above, especially with a family history of asthma, signal emergency attention. Treatment for asthma can involve medications including IVs, heart monitoring and multiple breathing aids including inhalants.

COPD (Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that makes it harder for you to breathe. There are two types of COPD: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Each type can cause many symptoms including a cough that produces mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. While there is no cure for COPD, treatments can help relieve symptoms. Treatment options include medication, oxygen therapy, surgery and lung transplant.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or by inhaling a liquid. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Pneumonia can be a serious condition, especially in young children, older adults and people with other health issues. Vaccines are available to help prevent some types of pneumonia.

Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Millions of people get sick from the flu every year. Symptoms are generally worse than the common cold and can include body aches, chills, fever, headache and sore throat. While most people will recover from the flu on their own, the condition can cause serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control recommends annual flu shots.

Other lung conditions we treat include lung nodules/lung cancer, sleep apnea, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, HIV/AIDS related conditions and interstitial lung disease.

Diagnostic Tests

Lung CT Scan

A lung CT scan, or chest CT scan, is a painless imaging test that takes detailed pictures of your lungs. The images can show the size and shape of your lungs and how they are positioned in your chest. A CT scan can help a doctor determine the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain. They can also help detect if you have a tumor, excess fluid around the lungs, or other conditions such as a pulmonary embolism, emphysema, tuberculosis, or pneumonia.

Pulmonary Function Test

A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a breathing test to evaluate your ability to move air in and out of your lungs, and how effectively oxygen enters your body. We can perform other diagnostic tests, including bronchoscopy, chest fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or X-ray.

More Information

For more information on lung and pulmonary diseases, visit the American Lung Assocation.