Pulmonology care
Our team of pulmonology specialists is committed to your respiratory well-being. We provide comprehensive care for conditions related to the lungs and respiratory system.
What is pulmonology?
Pulmonology is a specialty that focuses on the body’s respiratory system, which includes the organs and tissues throughout your body that help you breathe.
Your respiratory system performs several very important functions. In addition to breathing (both inhaling and exhaling), it supports your ability to talk and your sense of smell. It also protects you from pollutants (such as dust and microbes) that may enter your body.
Many parts of your body function as part of your respiratory system. These include:
- airways (mouth and nose, lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, throat and sinuses)
- muscles and bones (ribs and diaphragm)
- blood vessels (capillaries, lung lobes, alveoli, bronchioles and pleura)
- other body parts (larynx and epiglottis)
Pulmonology care at Allina Health
Our providers are board-certified physicians, physician assistants (PAs), certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) and registered nurses (RNs) as well as respiratory therapists and medical assistants. It is an entire team of experts working together to support your respiratory well-being. Conditions we treat include:
- asthma
- COPD
- lung cancer
- chronic bronchitis
- chronic cough
- emphysema
- lung infections
- pulmonary embolisms
- pulmonary fibrosis/interstitial lung disease
- pulmonary hypertension
- shortness of breath
- sleep disorders (sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and sleepiness)
Your care team works with you to evaluate, diagnose and treat your condition and provides care that considers your total well-being – body, mind and spirit – to help you live your best life.
How to connect
There are two ways to connect with us. You may contact us directly, or your primary care provider may refer you.
What to expect
During your first visit, you will meet with a specialist who will:
- develop a comprehensive health history
- perform an examination
- create a plan for additional testing or management of your diagnosis
- answer any of your questions
You and your provider will discuss any diagnosis and proposed treatment options to develop a care plan that meets your needs and observes your wishes.
A team approach to your care
Your providers may partner with other Allina Health specialists when conditions require additional specialized care. We work closely with oncology, rheumatology and infectious disease on specific lung conditions. We partner with ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists on sinus and sleep apnea-related conditions. We also connect with allergy for chronic coughs and asthma.
This connected approach to your care gives you peace of mind that you are truly part of one team. It is a team that knows you, understands your medical needs and is there to address your concerns as you receive the highest quality care.
We also want you involved in your care. One way you do this is through the Allina Health account, an online tool that lets you track appointments, review test results, access electronic records, communicate with your team and more.