Pulmonary care
Pulmonary care provides treatment for lung and respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, certain allergies and chest wall conditions.
Pulmonary care in Dickson, Tennessee
If you have a respiratory condition, we are committed to improving your life.
At TriStar Horizon Medical Center, whether you need immediate treatment or long-term lung care, we work with you to find the best treatment options. Some of our services include bronchoscopy, lung scans and lung cancer support.
Need a physician referral?
TriStar MedLine can help. We are available by phone Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm CST.
TriStar MedLine can help. We are available by phone Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm CST.
Lung and respiratory conditions we treat
Our pulmonologists and respiratory specialists treat a range of lung and breathing conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Interstitial lung disease
- Occupational lung diseases
- Pleural effusion
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Rheumatoid lung disease
- Tuberculosis
- Sarcoidosis
Our pulmonary care center
We provide comprehensive respiratory and lung care services.
Pulmonary services we offer
We offer a full range of services to address various pulmonary conditions. Whatever your needs may be, our pulmonologists are here to meet them with care and compassion. Our pulmonology services include:
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscopy
- Incidental lung nodule program
- Low-dose lung computerized tomography (CT)
- Lung cancer oncology navigation
- Lung nodule program coordinator
- Mechanical ventilation management
What is the respiratory system?
The respiratory system is made up of three major parts: the airway, lungs and upper chest and neck muscles. Your body brings oxygen into the body when you exhale and then removes carbon dioxide when you exhale. Several mechanisms throughout the body are used when you breathe, and when any one of those mechanisms fails to do its job correctly, a respiratory issue occurs.
When to see a pulmonologist
If you are experiencing a mild allergy-related cough or cold, you can likely resolve the issue by visiting your closest urgent care facility. However, if you have a severe cough or one that lasts for more than three weeks, a visit to a pulmonologist may be needed.
You should also see a pulmonologist if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Asthma with unidentified triggers or that is difficult to control
- Chest pain or tightness
- Chronic or recurring bronchitis
- Difficulty breathing (especially during exercise)
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Severe colds that affect your respiratory system
- Wheezing
Our lung specialists are dedicated to working together to care for pulmonary patients of all ages. When you visit a TriStar Health facility, we want to help you understand your condition and determine a personalized treatment plan. We also collaborate with other medical professionals involved in your care to make sure they have all the information they need.
Common respiratory conditions
Lung conditions vary in severity and symptoms, but they are all marked by difficulty breathing. We diagnose, treat and monitor all types of these pulmonary issues, but some conditions we most commonly treat are asthma, COPD and lung cancer.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition that makes breathing difficult because of irritants that narrow or swell the airways and create an overproduction of mucus. Asthma often develops in childhood, but it can also develop later in life. Asthma symptoms range from mild to severe. Although there is no cure for asthma, there are many treatments that can improve your quality of life.
Infections, irritants (such as perfume), allergies, exercise and weather can all cause an asthma attack. These attacks can be treated with a rescue inhaler, but sometimes emergency care is needed.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. There are two types of COPD: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis causes a persistent cough and excessive mucus production. Emphysema is a disease that worsens with time and causes shortness of breath. COPD is among the most commonly diagnosed pulmonary conditions. There is no cure, but medications and other treatment options can alleviate discomfort.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that originates in the lungs. The single biggest risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, which has been linked to 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Secondhand smoke is also a risk factor, along with a poor diet and exposure to radioactive substances such as radon.