Pulmonary Services

Ochsner’s pulmonary services are in medical centers and clinics across Mississippi and Louisiana, making it convenient to connect with the care you need. Find a location near you.

At Ochsner, our pulmonary medicine specialists care for the full range of lung diseases and conditions, including:

• Asthma

• Bronchitis — inflammation of the airways to the lungs

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — an inflammatory lung disease

• Cystic fibrosis — an inherited condition that causes mucus to build in the lungs, digestive system and other organs

• Emphysema — progressive destruction of the lung tissue

• Lung cancer

• Lung infections, including tuberculosis

• Pulmonary hypertension — a type of high blood pressure in the arteries to the lungs

• Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea

Identifying your condition is the first step toward better breathing. In addition to a physical and a discussion about your medical history and symptoms, pulmonary services experts at Ochsner diagnose your condition with proven screening methods, including:

• Arterial blood gas test. Laboratory technicians take a sample of your blood and test it to determine your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Your provider may order this test if they suspect COPD or pneumonia.

• Bronchoscopy. A pulmonologist guides a thin, lighted tube with a small lens on the end through your mouth or nose, down the throat, and into your lungs. During the test, the pulmonologist can examine your lungs and airways and remove cells to detect whether disease is present. A pulmonologist may also use bronchoscopy to treat certain lung conditions.

• Imaging. Your team may prescribe specific radiology and diagnostic imaging tests based on your symptoms and other test results. CT, MRI and X-ray are examples of imaging tests used to diagnose pulmonary conditions.

• Spirometry. During this test, you hold your nose and breathe through a plastic mouthpiece. This test lets your doctor measure breathing and diagnose various lung problems. It can also reduce the risk of post-surgical pneumonia by expanding and strengthening your lungs so they efficiently clear away mucus.

When you choose Ochsner for pulmonary services, you have access to the most advanced solutions in the setting that best suits your needs. Our pulmonology team delivers care in the emergency departments, intensive care units and regular patient rooms across the region. Additionally, we help manage chronic pulmonary conditions on an outpatient basis.

Diagnostic and treatment options include:

• Biphasic positive airway pressure. A machine sends pressurized air into your airways to help you breathe in and out. One type of biphasic positive airway pressure, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, is often used to treat sleep apnea.

• Bronchodilators. Commonly known as inhalers, bronchodilators deliver medication directly to the lungs. This medication provides symptomatic relief and improved lung function. It is often used to treat asthma and COPD.

• Mucolytics. Excess mucus can cause lung infections, especially in patients with chronic lung disease. Mucolytics are special medications that reduce mucus and the risk of infection.

• Oxygen administration. COPD, pneumonia and other conditions reduce your ability to get enough oxygen in your body. To increase your oxygen levels, a pulmonologist delivers oxygen therapy through a face mask or small prongs that rest on your nose.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation. Rehabilitation specialists begin this process by measuring your breathing to assess your pulmonary health. They will then offer information about your condition and work with you to improve your breathing through exercises tailored to you.

A multidisciplinary team provides a robust spectrum of services at Ochsner. Depending on your condition, your team may include:

• Certified nursing assistants

• Dietitians

• Emergency medicine physicians

• Internal medicine physicians

• Nurses

• Occupational therapists

• Physical therapists

• Pulmonologists

• Radiologists

• Respiratory therapists

• Speech language pathologists

• Surgeons