Pulmonary Disease
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Islamorada Medical Center
Family Medicine located in Tavernier, FL & Marathon, FL
If you have a chronic cough or difficulty getting a full breath of air, these bothersome symptoms may be due to pulmonary disease. At Islamorada Medical Center in Tavernier and Marathon, Florida, the skilled family medicine specialists offer individualized treatment for pulmonary diseases to help you breathe easier and reduce the risk of complications. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary disease?
The term “pulmonary” refers to your lungs. Pulmonary disease is a condition that affects the lungs and other parts of your respiratory system, making it increasingly difficult to get a full breath of air or enough oxygen for proper tissue and organ functioning.
You might develop pulmonary disease from breathing in harmful chemicals or other toxic substances. Over time, such substances can damage your lungs and lead to the following symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent respiratory infections
You might find it increasingly difficult to be physically active, running out of breath quickly during aerobic exercise. Pulmonary disease can make these or other symptoms intensify over time.
Who may develop pulmonary disease?
Environmental and genetic factors increase your risk of pulmonary disease. Certain occupations and smoking are common causes. You may be unaware of environmental chemicals in the workplace or even in or near your home that can damage the lungs.
Your risk for pulmonary disease can increase because of:
- An infection
- Asbestos
- Smoking
- Secondhand smoke
- Asthma
- Your genetics
- Radon
- Other forms of air pollution
Tobacco smoking dramatically boosts your risk of developing pulmonary diseases. While smoking cessation helps you avoid pulmonary disease, you should still visit Islamorada Medical Center to have your lungs evaluated.
What are the common treatments for pulmonary disease?
Your Islamorada Medical Center provider assesses lung function using various tests, such as chest X-rays and pulmonary function (breathing) tests. The results of these tests indicate the severity of your condition and help your specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Beyond quitting smoking, other solutions can improve your breathing if you have pulmonary disease.
Your Islamorada Medical Center provider might recommend:
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Bronchodilators
- Inhaled steroids
In severe cases that don’t resolve with nonsurgical care, surgery may be necessary for treating pulmonary disease. Surgery can improve lung functioning, help you breathe easier, and reduce the risk of severe complications.
If you have symptoms or risk factors of pulmonary disease and need an assessment, call Islamorada Medical Center or use the online scheduler today.
