Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Overview
Pulmonary and critical care medicine is a specialty that deals with disorders of the lungs and other vital organs of the body. Patients with breathing disorders may be referred to the pulmonary specialists at ECU Physicians for initial evaluation, diagnostic testing and treatment plans. Pulmonologists typically work closely with patients’ primary care provider. Patients do not need to be referred by a physician to be seen in the pulmonary clinic.
In a typical office visit, we review prior records, take a detailed history and perform a thorough examination. We often perform a chest X-ray and breathing measurements unless you bring a copy of recent studies. If you are on breathing medications, let your nurse know before the test
Based on the specific reason for the consultation, some patients may undergo additional tests, including a bronchoscopy. This procedure is performed under conscious sedation to inspect the breathing tubes, obtain specimens and other reasons.
Many patients with pulmonary or other illnesses can be treated at the doctor’s office or another outpatient setting. When patients need to be hospitalized, we admit them to Pitt County Memorial Hospital, often to the medical intensive care unit, and treat them there.
We see patients for the following respiratory symptoms or conditions:
- Activity intolerance
- Acute lung injury
- Allergies (seasonal or other)
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Chest pain
- Chronic interstitial lung disease or lung fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Cough
- Emphysema
- Excessive weight related to respiratory complaints
- Lung cancer
- Lung scarring
- Multi-organ failure
- Occupational lung disease, including asbestos or coal-related respiratory problems or symptoms or other occupational exposures
- Pleural disease
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary vascular disease
- Respiratory failure
- Sarcoidosis
- Shortness of breath or breathlessness
- Sleep disorders, including snoring and/or excessive sleepiness
- Sputum production with or without blood
- Wheezing
For more information about these problems or conditions, please see our glossary (www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/pulmonary/glossary.cfm) and procedures (www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/pulmonary/procedures.cfm) pages.
