How a Pulmonologist in Chattanooga Can Help You Manage COPD
More people than ever before are living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This umbrella term covers various progressive lung conditions, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and non-reversible asthma. Unfortunately, there's no cure for COPD, but it can be managed effectively. The difference between someone with managed COPD and someone with unmanaged COPD can be vast.
November is COPD Awareness Month. Let’s look more closely at this condition, what it feels like, and when you should see a specialist.
What Does COPD Feel Like Every Day?
COPD usually shows up initially as breathlessness when doing things that used to feel easy. For example, you may get out of breath carrying groceries from the car or climbing up the stairs in your house. Sometimes it comes with a persistent cough and mucus, along with wheezing and tightness in the chest. If you get a cold, it often spreads to the chest, and you find that your energy runs out faster.
What is so insidious about COPD is how symptoms worsen slowly over time. People tend to adapt to the condition without realizing it before it begins to overwhelm them. For example, you might sleep propped up or take the elevator instead of the stairs.
In COPD, flare-ups are called “exacerbations.” These tend to be particularly severe episodes lasting several days or longer, with sharply worse breathing, followed by recovery. Unfortunately, many of these episodes can land you in the hospital and even damage lung function long term.
When to See a Pulmonologist Instead of a Primary Care Doctor
A board-certified pulmonologist in Chattanooga, TN, is usually the best place to start if you have COPD. Here's when to get in contact with them:
You're relying on oxygen to breathe, or your oxygen levels are low.
You've had one or more exacerbations in the past 12 months.
Your symptoms are continuing at the same level or getting worse despite ongoing treatment.
You want to avoid a series of prescriptions and get a long-term plan instead.
You have other issues with your lungs, including nodules, alongside COPD.
In these situations, going to a pulmonologist is usually better than going to a primary care doctor. They offer various testing procedures that go deeper than a regular physician visit.
What Do Care Plans From COPD Doctors Look Like?
Care plans from COPD doctors look quite different from those from regular physicians. At The Lung Docs, we begin all of our plans with accurate testing to measure how much air is moving in and out of your lungs and your ability to transfer oxygen. We also review your history and perform imaging if necessary.
We then may prescribe various medications depending on your symptom levels. These usually take the form of inhalers, and we may also advise lifestyle modifications, such as stopping smoking or vaping and avoiding triggers that make breathing worse.
Expert Lung Care in Chattanooga, TN
The Lung Docs are led by Dr. Mike Czarnecki, board certified by the ABIM in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Dr. Mike has researched controlling COPD exacerbations and believes in patients receiving plans that adjust as their symptoms change.
You can find The Lung Docs at three offices in the Chattanooga area, including Chattanooga, Hixson, and Jasper. Find the location nearest you and book an appointment today.
Chattanooga’s leading lung doctor, Dr. Mike Czarnecki, MD, is renowned for delivering exceptional care and innovative treatments in pulmonary medicine. Whether you need a quick check-in to discuss symptoms or want to make sure your medications are optimized, a telehealth appointment can help you stay on top of your health from anywhere you go this holiday season. Click here to contact us to book an appointment.
