Pulmonary Medicine

We take breathing for granted.  It is the first thing we do when we are born and we rarely think about it until it becomes a problem.  And it can be scary.  The first logical step with breathing problems is to look at the heart since that is a common source.  If the heart checks out fine, the lungs are the next logical step.  Not all lung conditions have symptoms however, and you may be referred for something that is not quite right on a chest x-ray or lab result.

Examples of Pulmonary conditions include Asthma, Pneumonia, Chronic Cough, COPD (chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Lung cancer, Sarcoidosis and Blastomycosis just to name a few.  There are many more conditions that involve the bronchial tubes, lung tissue and chest wall, but these are just a few common conditions.  Often the first step in evaluation in a chest x-ray or CAT scan.  Breathing tests are also done to measure lung function and capacity. These can be done right in our office.  Most conditions do not require invasive biopsies to diagnose, but if a biopsy is required, we always choose the least invasive approach.  Interventional Pulmonology is tremendously helpful in this regard.

All of our Pulmonary Medicine physicians are Board Certified in this field and we want you to be assured that the latest state of the art approach to your condition is met.  Unique or difficult cases are discussed at our multi-specialty conferences.  We also have networks with academic hospitals such as UW Madison, Froedtert and Mayo Clinic if needed.  We aim to keep care local for you, but have access to these venues if needed.  We are also aware of the many non-medical issues that affect Pulmonary conditions such as social supports, economic needs and quality of life measures.  We treat the whole patient, and not just the disease.