If you have any kind of breathing problem, whether it's a nagging cough or a condition like asthma, you can get the expert care you need, close to home.
At Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), we offer a full range of routine pulmonology tests and treatments. We also offer advanced lung procedures typically only found at larger centers.
When you need a pulmonologist
There are many reasons why you might need to see the highly trained and experienced pulmonology doctor at IRMC. Here are just a few:
Symptoms of a lung condition. These symptoms may include things like a chronic cough or shortness of breath. To help find the cause, the pulmonologist may recommend that you get breathing or imaging tests in the pulmonology office or nearby in the hospital.
Spots on the lungs. Our pulmonologist investigates when imaging tests reveal abnormal lung scans.
Ongoing care for a lung disease. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis and complicated chest infections are some of the conditions our pulmonologist treats. The pulmonology team will help you understand your disease and educate you on how to get the most from your treatment plan.
We may also recommend pulmonary rehabilitation, a program of exercise and lung disease education.
Sleep problems. If you have symptoms such as loud snoring or nightly breathing pauses, you could have a sleep disorder. Our pulmonologist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a sleep study, if needed. Afterward, the doctor will interpret the results of your sleep study and recommend a treatment plan. Learn more about IRMC's Sleep Disorders Center.
Reviewed 3/6/2023
What happens during an asthma attack
Find out what happens when your asthma flares up
Breathing is one activity that should be so easy that you don't have to think about it. You inhale, you exhale. It should be automatic. But that's not how it always works when you have asthma.
ASTHMA TRIGGERS
With asthma, your airways (tubes through which air flows in and out of your lungs) are supersensitive. They tend to be in a chronic state of redness and inflammation, and the tiniest things can aggravate them—things like pollen, dust, smoke, fumes and pet dander can trigger a full-blown asthma attack.
When you inhale one of your asthma triggers, it sets off a series of events.
First, the inflammation and redness in your airways worsen.
In reaction, the muscles that surround your airways tighten. Your airways—already narrowed by swelling—become even smaller. Airflow is restricted.
Another reaction to the aggravating trigger: Cells in your airways start producing more mucus than usual, further restricting the flow of air. You're now in the midst of an asthma attack.
An asthma flare-up can cause asthma symptoms to occur or worsen. These symptoms may include:
Wheezing. You may notice a whistling or squeaking sound that occurs when you breathe.
Coughing. You might cough more at night. You might also cough up mucus.
Shortness of breath. You may feel like you can't catch your breath or get air out of your lungs.
Chest tightness. It might feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.
It's important to treat these symptoms as soon as you notice them.
HOW CAN YOU AVOID ASTHMA FLARE-UPS?
- Identify your asthma triggers. Allergy tests can help with that. Once you know your triggers, you and your doctor can work out ways to avoid them.
- Work with your doctor to make an asthma management plan. This plan will spell out what your medications are, when to use them and what to do when your asthma is worsening.
A peak flow meter is an important tool for asthma management. By using it regularly, you can stay on top of your symptoms and work to reduce them before they get out of control.
LEARN HOW TO USE A PEAK FLOW METER
Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Lung Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
State-of-the-art lung procedures
In addition to the many routine treatments and procedures we offer, IRMC's pulmonologist can also perform advanced procedures, such as:
- EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) bronchoscopy. This advanced biopsy technique may spare patients the need for surgery when diagnosing and determining the extent of lung cancer. Our pulmonologist is the only one in Indiana County who offers this procedure.
- PleurX catheter system for lung cancer palliative care. Tubes are placed in the lungs of people with advanced lung cancer to drain fluid and ease symptoms.
Make an appointment with a pulmonologist
You don't need a referral for routine office visits, though you may need one for specific diagnostic tests like EBUS.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call 888.452.4762.