Pulmonologists & lung care in Athens, TX
Experience top-notch pulmonary health care at the UT Health East Texas Pulmonary Institute, the region’s largest provider team specializing in respiratory health. Utilizing the latest technology, our expert pulmonologists treat a wide range of lung diseases, both common and rare. Our services are accessible throughout East Texas, with pulmonary clinics located in Athens, Carthage, and Jacksonville. Our certified lung disease therapists are skilled in both emergency and routine pulmonary care, with experience managing ventilators and providing specialized respiratory treatments. We also provide exceptional pulmonary rehabilitation services delivered by a team of registered respiratory therapists. No matter your pulmonary healthcare needs, our specialists are here to help.
Pulmonary conditions we treat
Our pulmonologists provide comprehensive respiratory treatments for patients suffering from a wide range of lung conditions and symptoms, including:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Coughing blood
- Emphysema
- Interstitial disease
- Lung cancer
- Shortness of breath
- Tobacco cessation
We also provide a variety of lung screening services to diagnose your disorder. This includes pulmonary function tests (PFT), computerized tomography (CT) chest scans, ultrasounds, and other imaging services.
Lung cancer screenings
Detecting lung cancer early and treating it surgically improves patients’ five-year survival rate to more than 70 percent. The rate drops to 15 percent when detected later. UT Health East Texas offers a low-dose CT scan, which screens for lung cancer in smokers. The test utilizes a low-radiation CT scan without IV contrast and takes less than 10 minutes.
To qualify for the scan, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a current or former smoker.
- Be 55 to 77 years of age.
- Have a smoking history of at least 30 packs/years. One pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.
Lung-nodule scanning is also available at UT Health East Texas facilities in Henderson, Jacksonville, Pittsburg, Quitman, and Tyler. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call UT Health East Texas Pulmonary Institute at North Campus Tyler at 903-877-7916. You can also reach our specialists at UT Health East Texas Pulmonary Institute at S. Fleishel by calling 903-592-6901.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in helping patients who suffer from chronic lung conditions. We aim to enhance your quality of life and promote a more productive lifestyle. Our pulmonary rehabilitation program involves several key strategies.
First, monitored exercise programs are tailored to each individual’s capabilities and health status. Exercise will help to improve your respiratory function and overall physical fitness. Disease education is another vital component, empowering patients with in-depth knowledge about their condition and how to manage symptoms more effectively.
Breathing retraining techniques are also taught to improve lung efficiency and alleviate respiratory discomfort. Proper medication usage is another focus area to help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Additionally, therapists advise patients on the use of adaptive equipment and oxygen therapy, which are essential for some patients in maintaining optimal lung function and managing their condition day-to-day.
Ultimately, our pulmonary rehabilitation program aims to enable patients with chronic lung issues to lead fuller, more active lives while effectively managing their health.
Rehabilitation program referrals or inquiries can be made by calling 903-596-3000 or 1-800-338-7293.
