OUR SERVICES

Services available from Maury Regional Medical Group Pulmonary and Critical Care include the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the pulmonary system.

Pulmonary medicine specialists are trained to diagnose and provide treatment for conditions such as asthma, allergies, COPD, emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis. Other services include diagnosis of lung cancer, pulmonary rehabilitation and assistance with sleep apnea and smoking cessation.

Services provided by Maury Regional Medical Group Pulmonary and Critical Care in Columbia, Tennessee, include:

• Abnormal chest X-ray/CT
• Asthma and allergy management
• Bronchoscopy for lung cancer diagnosis
• COPD/emphysema
• Lung Mass/pulmonary nodule(s)
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pulmonary function testing (PFT)
• Pulmonary rehabililation
• Respiratory railure
• Sarcoidosis
• Sleep apnea
• Smoking cessation

Common conditions

Below is information about some of the more common conditions that our providers diagnose and treat. If you are affected by these or other conditions, please ask your primary care provider about a referral to Maury Regional Medical Group Pulmonary and Critical Care or contact our office for additional information.

Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflammed, making it difficult to breathe. This condition occurs when secretions that build up in the bronchial tubes, causing inflammation. Those with asthma may experience a tightening of the airways when an asthma attack is occuring. Airways may also feel irritable and become narrow when the individual encounters certain triggers. Triggers of an asthma attack can include smoke, perfumes or odors, air temperature changes, allergens  and infections. 

Those with asthma may experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest area. They may also find it hard to sleep due to symptoms. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe. Asthma attacks may occur often or at longer intervals. 

Medications such as inhalers may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of asthma. If your symptoms do not improve after you take medicine for asthma, you should seek care from a health care provider. You should seek immediate medical care if you or someone else experiences trouble breathing, fast breathing, trouble talking or have blueness in the face, lips or fingernails. If your symptoms do not improve after you take medicine for asthma, you should seek care from a health care provider.

Copd

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder - commonly known as COPD - is a condition that makes it difficult for an individual to breath. COPD can be used to describe several lung-related conditions including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory asthma.

COPD is caused by exposure to chemicals or substances that irritate the lungs. Smoking is one of the leading causes of COPD. Other irritants can include secondhand smoke, certain types of air pollution or certain chemicals.

There is a genetic link to certain types of COPD in rare cases. Individuals who are missing the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein are considered at higher risk for COPD. 

Symptoms of COPD include a recurring cough, excess amounts of mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing or tightness in the chest area. Those affected by COPD may have frequent colds, experience low levels of energy or have swelling in the ankles, feet or legs.

Testing for COPD can include a physical exam and tests that assess lung function. You may also need to get an X-ray of the chest or lab work to measure oxygen levels in the blood.

Ask your health care provider about your risk for COPD and whether you should make an appointment with a pulmonary medicine specialist.

pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis os a condition that results from scarring in the tissues in the lungs. This may be due to things that have been inhaled over time or it may be the result of family history. Smoking is considered a risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis along with certain types of viruses. 

Those affected by pulmonary fibrosis may experience rapid, shallow breathing or a recurring cough.  

Speak to your doctor about any concerns you have about a cough or breathing issues.

smoking cessation

Smoking increases your risk of many health conditions, including COPD, emphysema and lung cancer. 

If you currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years and have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years, you may qualify for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening. Learn more here.

OTHER CONDITIONS

Numerous additional conditions are diagnosed and treated by the specialists with Maury Regional Medical Group Pulmonary and Critical Care.

Ask your physician whether you may benefit from a referral to our practice for your individual condition.

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