Chronic Lung Disease

Hattiesburg Clinic's pulmonology team is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating chronic lung disease.

Chronic Lung Disease Overview

Chronic lung disease includes any condition that affects the lungs over time and leads to long-term breathing problems. This includes COPD, asthma and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).

Hattiesburg Clinic has long been recognized for our expertise and commitment to caring for patients with pulmonary disease and other respiratory conditions.

Types of Chronic Lung Diseases

COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disease that is characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, cough and sputum production) due to abnormalities of the airways and/or alveoli that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction. Smoking cessation is crucial as smoking is a major cause.

Asthma: Inflammation of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. We treat asthma via inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids, as well as biological treatments to reduce inflammation and unblock airways.

Interstitial Lung Disease (IDL): A group of more than 200 lung disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, which can lead to progressive and irreversible lung damage. Some forms of ILD can be managed and controlled with treatment, while others, like Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), have a more severe and progressive nature.

Symptoms of Chronic Lung Disease

Common symptoms of chronic lung diseases include:

  • Persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness or discomfort
  • Fatigue and general weakness
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to contact Hattiesburg Clinic to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

Testing for Chronic Lung Disease

Hattiesburg Clinic uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure accurate and efficient diagnosis of chronic lung disease. We tailor diagnostic tests based on your individual symptoms and medical history. Types of tests include:

Pulmonary Lung Function (PFT) Test

  • In addition to spirometry, a PFT includes more measurements like total lung capacity and diffusion capacity.

6-Minute Walk Test

  • Measures how far a patient can walk on a flat, hard surface in six minutes, reflecting their ability to perform daily physical activities. This low-cost, non-invasive test helps to evaluate the need for oxygen therapy and monitor chronic lung disease progression.

Bronchoscopy

  • We insert a flexible camera into your airway to not only diagnose issues but also take tissue samples (biopsies) and remove blockages.

Arterial Blood Gas

  • Arterial blood gas measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, along with blood pH.

High-resolution CT Scan

  • Hattiesburg Clinic offers high-resolution CT scans to provide detailed images of your lungs. These images can help determine structural abnormalities and are essential for diagnosing ILD and other chronic lung diseases.

How We Treat Chronic Lung Disease

At Hattiesburg Clinic, our pulmonologists provide comprehensive care for chronic lung disease, including early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans and disease management support.

Personalized Treatment Plans

  • We tailor treatment plans to your specific condition and needs, utilizing the latest medications and therapies to control symptoms and slow disease progression.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

  • We can refer you to pulmonary rehabilitation programs that include exercise training, nutritional counseling and education to help you improve lung function and overall well-being.

Smoking Cessation Support

  • Quitting smoking is crucial for managing chronic lung diseases, particularly COPD. We provide resources and support to help patients quit smoking through counseling and medications.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up

  • Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential to track disease progression and adjust treatment plans as needed. We use advanced diagnostic tools and pulmonary function tests to keep a close watch on our patients’ lung health.

Additional Support Resources for Chronic Lung Disease

Mississippi Tobacco Quitline: A free service offering counseling and resources to help residents quit smoking.

Mississippi Asthma Program: Focuses on improving asthma management through education, better access to care and community-based interventions.

American Lung Association in Mississippi: Provides resources, advocacy and education on lung health, including support for individuals with COPD, asthma and other lung diseases.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

The board-certified physicians at Hattiesburg Clinic deliver the highest quality of care for patients with chronic lung disease. Schedule your appointment and meet our team today.

Pulmonary Medicine
Hattiesburg, MS
Pulmonary Medicine
Hattiesburg Clinic - Main
415 S. 28th Ave.
6th Floor
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
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Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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