Pulmonary Disorders

Early detection of pulmonary disorders is the best way to manage acute and chronic lung conditions. At Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Dennis Kellar, MD, Amanda Law, FPA-APRN, CNP, and the team offer personalized testing and treatment for all types of pulmonary disorders so you can breathe easier. Located in Algonquin, Illinois, the team provides care in the office, local hospitals, and senior care facilities for your convenience. To book an exam, call or schedule an appointment online today.

What are pulmonary disorders?

Pulmonary disorders are medical conditions that affect your lungs and your ability to breathe. Different pulmonary disorders may make breathing in enough oxygen to fill your lungs difficult, while other disorders may make it difficult to expel carbon dioxide from your lungs. The most common types of pulmonary disorders include:

• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Lung cancer
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Interstitial lung disease
• Occupational lung disorders
• Tuberculosis

The team evaluates all lung symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, to determine the cause of your symptoms.

What are the signs of a pulmonary disorder?

Since pulmonary disorders may be acute or chronic and can vary widely in severity, many signs and symptoms can indicate different pulmonary disorders. The most common signs of a pulmonary disorder include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Trouble catching your breath or easily getting out of breath when walking or exercising
• Productive cough with thick mucus or blood
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

The symptoms may also vary depending on your lifestyle and daily activity level. Certain factors, such as allergies or exposure to environmental pollutants, may also worsen your symptoms.

How are pulmonary disorders diagnosed?

To diagnose a pulmonary disorder, the team completes a thorough physical exam and pulmonary function tests. During your exam, your provider listens to your lungs with a stethoscope and performs percussion on your lungs by tapping your back to listen for signs of hollowness or echo.

Pulmonary function tests are then performed to measure how much air you can breathe in and out and how well the structures in your lungs function when exchanging oxygen with carbon dioxide. Additional tests, including X-rays or a CT scan, may be needed to make a diagnosis in some cases.

How are pulmonary disorders treated?

Some types of pulmonary disorders respond well to medications, such as antibiotics or steroids, which can completely eliminate or reduce your symptoms. Other treatments may include breathing devices, such as CPAP machines, or pulmonary function training to improve the ability of your lungs to expand and contract when you breathe and exhale.

To find out the cause of your lung issues and get appropriate treatment, set up an appointment by phone or the online tool with the team at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine now.