Are you struggling with shortness of breath or a persistent cough? You may be one of the millions of people affected by COPD, a chronic and progressive lung disease. At Premier Lung & Sleep Institute, we provide expert, comprehensive care for COPD and emphysema, offering everything from on-site diagnostics to advanced interventional procedures to help you breathe easier and reclaim your life.

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What is COPD and Emphysema?

Emphysema is a major type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is a chronic lung condition where the tiny air sacs in your lungs (alveoli) are damaged and lose their elasticity. This causes air to get trapped in the lungs, making it difficult to exhale. This “air trapping” is the primary reason for the feeling of breathlessness many people with emphysema experience.

Common Causes & Risk Factors

  • Cigarette smoking: The most common cause of emphysema and COPD.
  • Secondhand smoke and air pollution: Long-term exposure can cause significant lung damage.
  • Workplace exposures: Inhaling dust, chemicals, or fumes can be a contributing factor.
  • Genetics: A hereditary condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) can cause emphysema even in non-smokers.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of COPD and emphysema often develop gradually. What people usually notice includes:

  • Shortness of breath that gets worse over time, starting with activities like climbing stairs and progressing to daily tasks.
  • A persistent cough, sometimes with mucus.
  • Wheezing or chest tightness.
  • Feeling tired and avoiding activities you once enjoyed.
  • More frequent chest infections or “bronchitis” episodes.

How We Diagnose COPD & Emphysema

A precise diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.

  • Breathing tests (Spirometry/PFTs): You will breathe into a mouthpiece to measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale. We perform these Pulmonary Function Tests on site for your convenience.
  • Imaging: A chest X-ray or CT scan can show signs of emphysema and help rule out other conditions.
  • Alpha-1 testing: We may test for AATD, as this treatable genetic condition can mimic or worsen COPD.

Treatment Options

Our multi-faceted approach to treatment is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Inhaled medicines:

  • Rescue inhalers: Provide quick relief from shortness of breath.
  • Maintenance inhalers: Taken daily to keep symptoms stable and reduce flare-ups.
  • We will teach you proper inhaler technique and create a personalized action plan.

Pulmonary rehabilitation:

  • A supervised program of exercise, breathing training, and education.
  • Proven to reduce breathlessness, improve stamina, and enhance quality of life.

Oxygen therapy:

  • For patients with severe, persistent low oxygen levels at rest.
  • We carefully measure your oxygen levels to determine if and when oxygen therapy is right for you.

Advanced options for severe emphysema:

  • Endobronchial valves (EBV): Tiny, one-way valves placed during a bronchoscopy to deflate the most damaged lobe, reducing hyperinflation and improving lung function in select patients. We offer EBV evaluation and placement. [Insert EBV information link here.]
  • Lung volume reduction surgery or transplant: For select cases, we will coordinate referrals to surgical or academic centers.


Why Choose Premier Lung & Sleep Institute?

  • Listen First: We start by understanding your story, your goals, and what’s getting in the way.
  • Right Tests, Right Time: We provide on-site PFTs, and when needed, advanced procedures like bronchoscopy for diagnosis or valve evaluation.
  • A Clear Plan: You’ll leave with a written plan covering medicines, rehab, vaccines, and a flare-up plan.
  • Long-Term Support: We offer ongoing support, from checking your inhaler technique to coaching on breathing strategies like pursed-lip breathing.

Our Procedures that Support COPD Care

  • Pulmonary Function Tests (on site): For precise diagnosis and monitoring.
  • Endobronchial valve evaluation: For eligible patients with severe emphysema.
  • Low-dose CT lung-cancer screening: For those who meet age/smoking criteria.