Pulmonology at USA Health
Pulmonologists diagnose and treat diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. Conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) that affect the lungs and breathing can disrupt our quality of life.
USA Health offers complete diagnostic evaluations for patients with a wide variety of lung diseases. Afterward, we develop a specific treatment plan for your individual needs. We provide a multidisciplinary approach for your optimal health.
Our pulmonologists treat a range of lung diseases including:
- Asthma
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Lung cancer
- Windpipe and bronchial obstructions
- Lung fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis
Acute Respiratory Distress
Acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS, is a condition in which not enough oxygen can be transferred to the blood from the lungs. ARDS causes fluid to build up in the lungs to prevent them from expanding. ARDS has several causes including trauma, aspiration and pneumonia.
Asthma
Asthma occurs when your airways become swollen and make breathing difficult. Asthma is triggered by many causes including allergies, exposure to poor quality air and genetics.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
There are two types of COPD: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both of these conditions make breathing difficult. The main cause for both types of COPD is exposure to damaging substances such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals or dust. COPD symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease, causes the mucus that your body produces to become thick and sticky. This mucus clogs your airways and makes it difficult to breathe. While there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, treatment options include physical therapy, respiratory therapy and medication.
Endobronchial Ultrasound
Our clinical team uses an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) to see structures within and next to the airway wall. EBUS provides diagnostic information that previously could only be learned through surgical procedures. Having accurate diagnostic information is especially important when treating conditions such as lung cancer, when accurate staging is key to establishing the most appropriate treatment plan.
Lung Cancer
While there are a number of causes of lung cancer, smoking is the number one cause. The success of treatment depends on how early the cancer is detected and may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue is repeatedly scarred over time. Scar tissue causes the lungs to harden, making it hard for them to expand. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis often feel as if they can’t catch their breath. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by medications, environmental factors and disease. Treatments include oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and medication.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension occurs from high blood pressure in the arteries that lead to your lungs. It can cause your arteries to harden and narrow, making it harder for your heart to pump blood to your lungs. Over time, this increased effort weakens your heart and can lead to heart failure.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disordered breathing, or apnea, occurs when you stop breathing while sleeping. There are three kinds of apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, happens when the airway is blocked by excess tissue. Central sleep apnea, or CSA, is a central nervous disorder associated with brain injury or heart failure. Mixed apnea occurs when patients show signs of both CSA and OSA.
Windpipe and Bronchial Obstructions
If your airway becomes blocked, it can be hard to breathe. Blockages can be caused by an allergic reaction, a foreign body such as food, infections, injuries, asthma and cancer. Treatment depends on the type of blockage and can include removal of foreign bodies, intubation or tracheostomy.
