Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) occurs with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, both of which are a narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Eventually, the conditions result in limited air flow to and from the lungs, which leads to shortness of breath. COPD is triggered when gas, often from smoking cigarettes, causes inflammation in the lungs.
Lung Abscess
Lung abscess is a necrosis of pulmonary tissue or formation of cavities, usually caused by necrotic debris or fluid that forms because of a microbial infection. The cavity is pus-filled and can be caused by aspiration that occurs when a patient is unconscious. Patients suffering from alcoholism are at high risk for lung abscesses.
Lung Disease
Lung disease is a term used to describe several pathological conditions that affect the tissue and organs responsible for breathing. Problems can range from mild to life-threatening and include pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and lung cancer.
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid forms in the fluid-filled space surrounding the lungs. It can impair breathing because lungs are unable to expand during ventilation.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that mostly affects the alveoli. It can be caused by an infection from viruses or bacteria, or occasionally microorganisms, as well as some drugs and autoimmune diseases.
Pulmonary Procedures
Pulmonary function
Pulmonary function tests are several different tests use to measure the efficiency of the lungs to exhale and inhale and to transfer oxygen into the blood.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is used for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. A bronchoscope is inserted through the nose, mouth, or tracheostomy into the airway. The camera on the scope provides a view of the internal airway and allows doctors to detect bleeding, foreign bodies, tumors, and inflammation.
Lung volume measurement
Lung volume measurement determines if a person is suffering from a restrictive lung disease. Patients are unable to inhale sufficient amounts of air, which can be caused by inflammation or scarring of lung tissue, as well as abnormalities in the skeleton or muscles in the chest wall.
Pleural biopsy
Pleural biopsy is used to distinguish between non-cancerous diseases and cancer. A small piece of tissue is removed from the chest during the procedure and tested for cancer cells, or the presence of a viral, fungal, or parasitic disease.
Spirometry
Spirometry measures the lung’s ability to exhale. This information helps doctors diagnose lung conditions and is useful for patient’s suffering from obstructive lung diseases, such as COPD and asthma.
Six Minute Walk Test
Six Minute Walk Test examines a patient’s therapeutic response and physical function when they are suffering from chronic lung disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Testing of the diffusion capacity (DLCO)
Testing of the diffusion capacity (DLCO) shows how efficiently the lungs transfer oxygen to the bloodstream.
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is used to remove excess fluid that forms in the pleural space. There is usually some fluid in this area, but tumors, heart failure, and lung infections can trigger excess fluid buildup. This is a condition known as pleural effusion and can put pressure on the lungs and impair breathing.