What to Expect When Seeing a Pulmonologist?

Pulmonologists specialize in chronic lung conditions and diseases of the respiratory system. They have the knowledge and training needed to treat a wide variety of conditions that range in severity. Some conditions that can be treated by a pulmonologist include the following:

• Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common pulmonary conditions that occur when your airways become too narrow to breathe properly. Asthma attacks can be anywhere from mild to severe and can be controlled through prescribed inhalers.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that makes it increasingly difficult for air to reach your lungs. Without the proper treatment, this condition can worsen over time and become fatal. Medications that can reduce inflammation such as inhalers, oral steroids, and antibiotics have proven to be effective treatment options.

• Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic condition that affects many systems in the body including the respiratory system. Although there is no current cure for cystic fibrosis, symptoms can be controlled through antibiotics and medications that can widen your airways, reduce inflammation, and clear mucus build-up.

• Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects your ability to breathe properly while asleep. Patients with sleep apnea stop and start breathing over and over again which can make it difficult to get quality rest.

• Lung Cancer
Cancer that begins in the lungs can be treated by a pulmonologist and oncologist. Typically this type of cancer is caused by smoking; however, there are other contributing factors such as age, genetics, and lifetime exposure to certain chemicals. In the early stages of lung cancer, you can expect to be treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Other conditions that can be treated by a pulmonologist include bronchitis, coronavirus, pulmonary hypertension, emphysema, and more.

You would need to see a pulmonologist if you have any of the above chronic lung conditions or if you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness. Most people first seek care from their primary care physician who can then refer them to a specialist. If you or a loved one has a lung condition or is struggling with uncomfortable symptoms, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Luis J. Mesa.

A pulmonologist will be able to provide long-term support and treatment for serious conditions. Some symptoms of a respiratory illness that should be consulted by a pulmonologist include:

• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Extreme fatigue
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Frequent chest infections
• Lip and face discoloration
• Excess phlegm
• Shallow breath

During your visit to a pulmonologist, your specialist will first ask you questions about your medical history. Then they will perform a physical examination where they will listen to your breathing and ask questions about the symptoms you’ve been dealing with. They will then run screening tests such as blood analysis, chest x-ray, CT scan, spirometry, bronchoscopy, sleep study, and/or a series of pulmonary function tests. Once your condition has been correctly diagnosed, you will receive long-term support from your pulmonologist.

If you have any additional questions about what to expect when visiting Dr. Luis J. Mesa, please contact our friendly reception anytime during our business hours. Our team would love to help set you up with an appointment and make sure you feel fully prepared. Alternatively, you can request an appointment with Dr. Luis J. Mesa through our website. We look forward to your visit and can’t wait to help you breathe and sleep healthily again! We serve patients from Hallandale Beach FL, Aventura FL, Hollywood FL, Golden Glades FL, Miramar FL, Hialeah FL, Fort Lauderdale FL, and BEYOND.