What is Pulmonary Medicine?

Pulmonary medicine is a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract. A pulmonologist has expertise in the evaluation of patients with breathlessness, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness, as well as abnormalities of the chest x-ray, chest CT scan and other chest imaging studies. Disorders frequently diagnosed and managed by a pulmonologist include:

• Asthma
  
• Emphysema
  
• Chronic Bronchitis
  
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  
• Sarcoidosis
  
• Occupational Lung Disease
  
• Pneumonia
  
• Lung Cancer and Tumors
  
• Pulmonary Hypertension
  
• Respiratory Failure
  
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  

An initial visit to the pulmonologist begins with a thorough review of the patient's medical history and pulmonary symptoms followed by a detailed physical examination with special attention to the respiratory system. The pulmonologist reviews all other available information such as prior laboratory or imaging studies. Next, the pulmonologist usually renders a preliminary opinion to the patient as to what disease processes may be present. Further diagnostic testing may be requested and treatment recommendations may be made.
If necessary, follow up visits may be required to review results of diagnostic testing or assess response to new therapies. The pulmonologist works closely with the patient's primary care provider to assure optimal management of diseases of the respiratory tract.

For a referral to a pulmonologist, contact HealthLink at 800-515-0044 or click here for our directory of physicians.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is now being offered by Upper Chesapeake Health in the Ambulatory Care Center in Bel Air, Maryland. Supervised by physicians specializing in pulmonary medicine, the services are provided by respiratory therapists and exercise physiologists.

This low-cost program benefits individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Services include education and counseling, exercise, nutritional guidance, techniques to improve breathing, and emotional support. The 10-week program teaches individuals about how their lungs work, how to exercise and do activities with less shortness of breath, and how to "live" better with their lung condition.

Classes are held two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) in the ACC Rehabilitation gym on the garden level of the Ambulatory Care Center. A physician referral and pre-screening for the exercise program are required.

Pulmonary rehabilitation combines a number of different therapies to help reduce an individual's symptoms, improve quality of life, and encourage active participation in treatment. It will not reverse the damage to the lungs already caused by pulmonary disease. Instead, it will help individuals improve their ability to carry out daily tasks, such as dressing, grocery shopping, and walking, within the limits of their disease.

Patients are accepted on a continuous basis. For more information about the program, please call 443-643-3764.

Pulmonary Function Laboratory

Location
Ambulatory Care Center
520 Upper Chesapeake Drive
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Phone
443-643-3750

Hours of Operation
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Pulmonary Function Testing to help physicians diagnose the causes of shortness of breath, such as asthma, bronchitis or fibrosis.

Please call ScheduleFirst at 443-843-7000 to schedule the following tests:

• Arterial Blood Gases
  
• Lung Function Tests
  
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test
  
• Metabolic Test (Indirect Calorimetry)

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