Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease is an airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lung to noxious particles or gases. The diagnosis should be considered in any patient with progressive shortness of breath, chronic cough, sputum production, and/or a history of exposure to risk factors (tobacco smoking, pollution [outdoor, indoor, or occupational.
Pulmonary function testing or spirometry is a test that is required for the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. Other test such as alpha-1 antitrypsin analysis, chest radiographs, and /or a computed tomography of the lungs may be necessary for a final diagnosis. Our clinic provides diagnosing, staging, and treatment for mild-severe lung disease. The GOLD COPD treatment guidelines are based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the National Institutes of Health (NIH); and the World Health Organization.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways causing recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. Over 22 million people suffer from asthma and it is one of the most common disease of childhood. The characteristics of this lung disorder includes increased responsiveness of the bronchi to stimuli, narrowing of the airways, acute inflammation, and plugging by thick viscous mucus.
Pulmonary function testing, a thorough history, and advanced physical examination findings all aid in the diagnoses of asthma. Allergy testing for environmental triggers may be recommended along with a chest X-ray in advanced cases. It is important to understand that asthma is treated on a step-wise approach to according to the Global Initiative for Asthma Guidelines. Therapy aims to reduce the production of inflammatory agents such as cytokines. They cause an effect that reduces eosinophil infiltration, inhibits macrophage, and eosinophil function. The anti-inflammatory properties decrease epithelium mediator cells, reduce vascular permeability, and reduce the production of leukotrienes. Our healthcare providers will diagnose, stage, and recommend an appropriate step-wise treatment regimen for initiating and controlling your asthma based on the severity of illness.
