Breathing is supposed to be something you don't have to think about. But that's not the case for people who have a lung condition.
Our pulmonologists understand how difficult it is to worry about every breath. And they're dedicated to helping you breathe better and get back to your best possible life.
Your pulmonology team
When you see one of our pulmonologists, you're not just seeing a doctor, you're also seeing a teaching member on the faculty at University of Missouri - Kansas City. That means they stay current with the latest research on lung illnesses and treatments in order to teach the next generation of lung specialists.
Our team also includes a specially trained nurse practitioner. And we work closely with respiratory therapists, radiologists and cardiologists.
Reviewed 5/16/2022
Pneumonia: True or false?
Every year, millions of people come down with pneumonia. Most cases are mild—but some require hospital care and can even be life-threatening. Do you know how to prevent this upper respiratory infection?
True or false: Only viruses cause pneumonia.
False. Respiratory viruses do cause many cases of pneumonia in the U.S., but bacteria and fungi can also cause the illness.
True or false: Vaccines can help prevent pneumonia.
True. In addition to the pneumococcal vaccine, there are vaccines for several other viruses that can cause pneumonia, including measles, whooping cough, chickenpox and the flu.
True or false: The pneumococcal vaccine only helps people 65 and older.
False. There are two pneumococcal vaccines, and one is recommended for all children under age 2. The other is recommended for people 65 and older. The vaccines are also important for people with long-term medical conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease; cancer or another condition that weakens the immune system; and diabetes.
True or false: If you have the flu, antibiotics are the best way to cure it and prevent pneumonia.
False. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, which means they can't fight viral infections like the flu—or pneumonia caused by a virus. Your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication to treat viral pneumonia.
True or false: Good hygiene can help prevent pneumonia.
True. Some causes of pneumonia—like viruses and bacteria—are contagious. Wash your hands often to help avoid infections. And do your part to prevent the spread of illness by staying home if you're sick. Whenever you're out in public, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
When it comes to preventing pneumonia, it's important to know all the factors that could increase your risk. Talk to a doctor about how you can reduce your risk factors, which may include getting vaccinated.
Sources: American Lung Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Respiratory conditions we diagnose and treat
We have a comprehensive asthma program that provides asthma education to both outpatients and inpatients.
In an effort to provide consistent, high-quality care, asthma patients who come to our emergency department are treated according to national guidelines for the management of asthma. They are then referred for follow-up care to help break the cycle of emergency asthma care. This program has resulted in a substantial reduction in hospital admissions for people with asthma.
In addition to asthma, we can also diagnose and treat a wide range of other conditions, including:
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Interstitial lung disease.
- Lung cancer.
- Pulmonary fibrosis.
- Sleep apnea.
State-of-the-art tests and procedures
To diagnose and screen our patients, we use the latest in pulmonary testing. Our pulmonologists are skilled at performing procedures such as:
- Chest tube placement.
- Low-dose CT scan cancer screening.
- Navigation-assisted bronchoscopy.
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).
Pulmonary function tests are performed by respiratory therapists, with results interpreted by our doctors.
How to get pulmonary care
Pulmonary services are offered at two locations:
- University Health Truman Medical Center. Our pulmonology department is based here and we provide both inpatient and outpatient care at this location.
- University Health Lakewood Medical Center. Our nurse practitioner sees patients here three days a week. A pulmonary physician is available here part time as well.
To make an appointment or for more information, call our pulmonology department at 816.404.5495.