COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)-When to Call a Doctor
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)-When to Call a Doctor
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Guide
Health professionals who can diagnose COPD and provide a basic treatment plan include:
You may need to see a specialist in lung disease, called a pulmonologist (say "pull-muh-NAWL-uh-jist"), if:
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - When to Call a Doctor
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Guide
- Topic Overview
- Health Tools
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Increases Your Risk
- When to Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Ongoing Concerns
- Living With COPD
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Who to see
Health professionals who can diagnose COPD and provide a basic treatment plan include:
You may need to see a specialist in lung disease, called a pulmonologist (say "pull-muh-NAWL-uh-jist"), if:
- Your diagnosis of COPD is uncertain or hard to make because you have diseases with similar symptoms.
- You have unusual symptoms that are not usually seen in people with COPD.
- You are younger than 50 and/or have no history or a short history of cigarette smoking.
- You have to go to the hospital often because of sudden increases in shortness of breath.
- You need long-term oxygen therapy or corticosteroid therapy.
- You and your doctor are considering surgery, such as a lung transplant or lung volume reduction.
Source...