Pulmonary care

Tailoring a treatment plan to your condition begins with evaluating your symptoms and getting a clear picture of your lung's anatomy. To do that, our doctors may order laboratory tests such as:

• Arterial blood gas tests
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Lung cancer screenings
• Spirometry
• X-ray exams

Pulmonary disease treatments vary based on the type and severity of your disorder. Whenever possible, we opt for nonsurgical methods, such as lifestyle changes, oxygen therapy and medication. If surgery is required, we choose the least invasive thoracic surgery method possible.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management

COPD affects millions of Americans by making it harder to get air in and out of the lungs. Our COPD management program, based at Mission Hospital, helps you fully understand and manage your condition. In our program, a pulmonary rehabilitation specialist conducts an evaluation and introduces a comprehensive self-care plan designed just for you. Your COPD care team — pulmonologists, oncologists, physical and respiratory therapists, registered nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and exercise specialists — provide a range of services, including:

• Bronchial hygiene
• Exercise programs
• Family and community resource education
• Lung transplant, including education, preparation and post-operative care
• Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema
• Nutritional and psychosocial counseling
• Smoking cessation programs
• Training in breathing techniques

Pediatric pulmonary care

Our pediatric lung care program is called the Regional Asthma Disease Management Program. It focuses on treating children's asthma and is offered at Mission Children's Hospital (which is located in Mission Hospital). This program aims to help manage your child's asthma in a non-disruptive way, delivering care in familiar settings, such as their homes, childcare centers, schools and community sites. This also ensures they have access to services where they are needed most.