Treating Respiratory Disease

Pulmonary and Lung Care at Fort Duncan Medical Center

The Centers for Disease Control identifies respiratory disease as the third leading cause of death in the United States. Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center offers patients comprehensive lung care including diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of respiratory diseases. The physicians on staff will utilize an individualized approach for each patient and will coordinate with other healthcare professionals as needed.

Your care may include pulmonary function tests. These tests measure breathing and how well your lungs are functioning. They can help diagnose many conditions and can also be used to measure treatment progress or to evaluate how medication is affecting your lungs.

Find a Doctor for Lung Care

If you need a referral to a physician at Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center, call our free physician referral service at 866-341-3362.

Common respiratory conditions treated at Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center include:

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease where the airways become inflamed and swollen, which makes breathing difficult. Patients with asthma may experience many symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. While there is no cure for asthma, medications and other treatments can help stop or prevent symptoms.


Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Lung cancer is most often caused by smoking tobacco but other risk factors include pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure. Some common symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, constant chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. Treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.


​COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that makes it harder for you to breathe. There are two types of COPD: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Each type can cause many symptoms including a cough that produces mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. While there is no cure for COPD, treatments can help relieve symptoms. Treatments options include medication, oxygen therapy, surgery and lung transplant.


Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or by inhaling a liquid. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Pneumonia can be a serious condition, especially in young children, older adults and people with other health issues. Vaccines are available to help prevent some types of pneumonia.


Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Millions of people get sick from the flu every year. Symptoms are generally worse than the common cold and can include body aches, chills, fever, headache and sore throat. While most people will recover from the flu on their own, the condition can cause serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control recommends annual flu shots.

Find a Doctor for Lung Care

If you need a referral to a physician at Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center, call our free physician referral service at 866-341-3362.