FAQs
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What major illnesses do you treat at Pulmonary Consultants of Southwest Florida?
Sleep Apnea: It can cause irregular breathing patterns that happen during sleep, resulting in loud snoring, pauses in breathing and then big gasps for oxygen. Sleep apnea affects millions of people each year and can be diagnosed in one of our cutting-edge sleep study labs.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It involves several related lung illnesses: emphysema, chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma. These unique illnesses should be diagnosed and treated by board certified pulmonologists. A simple pulmonary function test can help decipher what exactly is ailing you, and there are many treatments available to help relieve the symptoms.
Pulmonary Fibrosis: The formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. It is also described as “scarring of the lung”. This condition can be categorized by worsening shortness of breath during strenuous activity, but a lung biopsy will be the best way to properly diagnose the issue.
Pulmonary Hypertension: An increase of blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, or pulmonary capillaries—together known as the lung vasculature—leading to shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, leg swelling and other symptoms. There are five major types of pulmonary hypertension. A series of tests can identify which kind you have.
What conditions lead patients to schedule appointments with our pulmonary consultants?
A majority of our patients contact us because they suffer from some or all of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, cough, congestion, abnormal chest X-ray, or blood in sputum (saliva and mucus). These are not the only symptoms—simply the most common. If you have any symptoms outside of the aforementioned ones, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately.
Do you accept all insurances?
Pulmonary Consultants of SWFL accepts most major insurances. Please call your insurance provider, the phone number should be listed on the back of your insurance card.
Do I really need to see a doctor to be diagnosed?
Yes. In order to get the most accurate diagnosis, one of our highly experienced pulmonologists must meet with you to properly assess your health situation.
Do I need to bring my physical radiology films with me when I see a doctor?
No. Most radiology facilities have a secure HIPAA-compliant website where our doctors can download and view the films. If you’re unsure if your radiologist does this, make sure to contact him or her prior to your visit with us, in order to avoid any delay in viewing your films.
What does my diagnosis mean, and can I treat myself?
Every case we deal with is unique to that particular patient, so diagnosis and treatment can vary tremendously. We have many educational resources that we can give to patients in order to help them find the answers they are looking for. If your question is outside the expertise of the printed materials we offer, we can have one of our pulmonary doctors address the issue with you.
I am feeling short of breath—do I need an oxygen tank?
Just because you’re feeling shortness of breath doesn’t necessarily mean you are in need of an oxygen tank. In order to properly diagnose the shortness of breath, we’d suggest setting up an appointment with us. We’ll be able to make sure the use of oxygen is necessary, or if there’s something else you can do to remedy the situation. Visit our contact page to find out how to reach us.
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