Breathing Disorders

Shortness of breath, chronic cough, and chest pain are common warning signs of a breathing disorder. Dennis Kellar, MD, Amanda Law, FPA-APRN, CNP, and the skilled team at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Algonquin, Illinois, specialize in treating the full spectrum of breathing disorders — from asthma to tuberculosis. If you’re unsure whether you have a breathing disorder, the practice provides an array of diagnostic tests onsite. Get the care you need today. Call or book a consultation online.

What are the common types of breathing disorders?

Breathing disorders come in many forms. Infections, smoke, and other factors bring on these conditions.

Breathing disorders include:

• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Pneumonia and pneumonitis
• Lung infection or nodules
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pleural effusions
• Cough sarcoidosis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Occupational lung disorders
• Asbestosis
• Bronchiectasis

Lung cancer and tuberculosis are also types of breathing disorders.

How are breathing disorders diagnosed?

Your practitioner at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine takes a complete medical history and performs a physical exam, focusing on your symptoms. They may order diagnostic tests such as:

• Pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry and peak flow
• Cardiopulmonary stress testing
• Chest X-ray
• Six-minute walk test
• Bronchoscopy, a lung exam through a scope
• Thoracentesis (lung fluid drainage)
• Metabolic cart (measures oxygen use and energy expenditure)

These tests help your practitioner to evaluate how well your lungs and airways are working.

How are breathing problems treated?

Once your condition is diagnosed, your practitioner creates a care plan tailored to the needs of your respiratory issue. There are multiple treatment options you may undergo if you have asthma, emphysema, COPD, and chronic bronchitis.

Asthma

Treatment may include short-term and longer-term medications tailored to the cause of your asthma, its severity, and your lung functioning. You’ll learn how to use a peak flow meter at home to prevent you from being surprised by an asthma flare-up.

Emphysema

If you’re still smoking, treatment may include medications or counseling to help you quit. You may be prescribed oxygen or medications to help you breathe or, in severe cases, be a candidate for lung reduction surgery.

COPD

Treatment may include medications to make it easier to breathe, a respiratory therapy program, or help of a breathing tube or breathing devices. If your condition is serious, you may benefit from surgery.

Chronic bronchitis

Your practitioner may prescribe inhaled medications or recommend oxygen to help you breathe. They also may recommend a respiratory therapy program, which includes breathing exercises and physical activity.  

If you’re seeking relief from a breathing problem, Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine can help. Call today or book a consultation online.