We Have the Experts to Treat Your Breathing and Lung Problems

Our team of pulmonologists (lung specialists) diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and infections of the respiratory system – the organs responsible for receiving oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide from the body. Problems with your airway or lungs can interfere with your daily activities and decrease your quality of life, but a specialized treatment plan may improve your overall health and well-being.

Our team manages chronic and complex diseases of the respiratory system. Some of the common conditions that we treat are:

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Emphysema
  • Bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Lung Cancer
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Pneumonia
  • Pulmonary Embolisms
  • Respiratory Failure
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Tuberculosis
  • Occupational Lung Disease
  • Interstitial Lung Disease
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restrictive Lung Diseases
  • Pulmonary Nodules
  • Mycobacterial Lung Disease
  • Fungal Lung Disease
  • Autoimmune-related Lung Diseases
  • Pulmonary Edema
  • Sarcoidosis

At Avita, our lung specialists are fellowship-trained in pulmonary medicine, sleep medicine, and critical care. Their advanced training provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care that gives them the ability to diagnose and treat lung disorders, sleep disorders, and provide comprehensive care for critically-ill hospital patients in our intensive care units at Bucyrus, Galion, and Ontario Hospitals.

Pulmonary Testing

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

A series of tests that measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange to check how well your lungs are working. PFTs are non-invasive and use spirometry and/or plethysmography to gather information about your overall lung function. This information helps your lung specialist better diagnose and treat your breathing condition.

Spirometry

While seated, you breathe through a mouthpiece into a small machine, called a spirometer. The device measures airflow in and out of your lungs, including the amount of air that you inhale and exhale and the speed of your breath.

Plethysmography

A test used to measure the amount of air you can hold in your lungs and the amount of air left in your lungs after a deep breath. Testing involves sitting or standing in an enclosed, clear plastic box while breathing through a mouthpiece.

Bronchoscopy

Performed by a lung specialist, a small tube (bronchoscope) is passed through your nose or mouth and down your throat to your lungs. The bronchoscope has light and camera on the end so the doctor can view the structures of your respiratory system, including your airways and lungs. During the procedure, the doctor may remove blockages from the airways or lungs, and take a biopsy (sample) of mucous or tissue for further testing.

Polysomnography

Commonly called a sleep study, this test is used to diagnose sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and periodic limb movement disorder (restless legs syndrome). At Avita, sleep studies are performed overnight in the Galion Hospital Sleep Center. Sensors are attached to your body to monitor your brain waves, muscle movements, eye movements, breathing, snoring, heart rate, and the level of oxygen in your blood.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

If you suffer with chronic lung disease, you may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation. This supervised program consists of education, exercise, and breathing techniques to help improve your lung function, reduce your symptoms, and improve your quality of life. By increasing your strength and learning how to manage your chronic lung disease, you may breathe easier, feel better, and have more energy to do the activities you enjoy with the ones you love.  

If you’re interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, ask your doctor or lung specialist if this program may be right for you.