Pulmonary (Lung Health)

Millions of people experience illnesses affecting their pulmonary or respiratory system each year. This critical system includes the lungs, bronchi, trachea, larynx, pharynx, and nose. Any issues with these components can disrupt breathing and sleep, significantly impacting overall health.

The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Cook County Health is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare to the residents of Cook County. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and physiology technicians collaborates to provide both inpatient and outpatient care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Common Services

At Cook County Health, we offer a range of services designed to diagnose, treat, and manage asthma effectively. Our services include:

Comprehensive evaluation to confirm an asthma diagnosis and assess its severity.

Customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle.

Prescribing and monitoring medications to control asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Training on effective breathing exercises to help manage symptoms.

Providing education on asthma management and offering support resources for patients and families.

Common Symptoms

Lung diseases are among the most critical to treat, and early detection could help from it becoming life-threatening. Many early warning signs can seem like mild or even day-to-day symptoms. Knowing the signs and symptoms of lung disease can ensure you or a loved one receives immediate medical care before the condition worsens. Common symptoms include:

Asthma can show up in different ways for different people. Common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or at rest.
  • Wheezing: A whistling sound when you breathe, often noticeable during exhalation.
  • Coughing: Persistent coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning.
  • Chest Tightness or Pain: A sensation of pressure or pain in the chest.

A sensation of pressure or pain in the chest.

Persistent coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning.

Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or at rest.

A whistling sound when you breathe, often noticeable during exhalation.

Common Conditions

At Cook County Health, we are proud to care for individuals who have lung and breathing diseases, such as:
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and can significantly impact daily life. At our Asthma Clinic, we provide comprehensive care to manage this condition effectively and improve the quality of life for our patients.

Bronchietasis
Chronic bronchitis
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Cough
Emphysema
Interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis
Occupational lung disease
Pneumonia
Pneumoconiosis
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Sarcoidosis
Shortness of breath
Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, CPAP and sleepiness
Asthma
Bronchietasis
Chronic bronchitis
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Cough
Emphysema
Interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis
Occupational lung disease
Pneumonia
Pneumoconiosis
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Sarcoidosis
Shortness of breath
Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, CPAP and sleepiness

Treatment

To provide comprehensive care and establish the best treatment plans, we offer a variety of tests and studies including:

Essential for patients with pulmonary hypertension.

To check heart function as the heart and lungs work closely together.

To assess how well your lungs perform during physical activity.

These tests measure the amount of air your lungs can hold and the speed of air flow in and out of your lungs.

Our team of pulmonary specialists has expertise across the full scope of pulmonary medicine. We offer a pulmonary rehabilitation program designed to help patients with lung diseases increase their strength through a monitored 10-week exercise program.

  • Exercise: Including warm-ups, stretches, weight training, treadmill walking, stationary biking, and arm exercises.

For additional support and information, we recommend connecting with the following organizations:

Why Choose Cook County Health for Pulmonary (Lung Health)?

Choosing Cook County Health for respiratory care means you benefit from:

  • Expertise: Our team includes highly experienced pulmonary specialists.
  • Comprehensive Services: From diagnostics to rehabilitation, we provide a full spectrum of respiratory care.
  • Individualized Treatment: We tailor our treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs.
  • Advanced Care: We use the latest techniques and technologies in pulmonary medicine.
  • Collaborative Approach: Our team works closely with other healthcare providers to ensure holistic care.

 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a lung disease, don’t wait to seek expert care. Contact Cook County Health today to schedule an appointment with our experienced team.

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Schedule an appointment

Call us at: (312) 864-0200

Providers

William D. Clapp
William D. Clapp, MD
William
D.
Clapp,
Pulmonary physiology, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
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Sherene S. Fakhran, MD
Sherene
S.
Fakhran,
MD
Obstructive lung disease, community-acquired pneumonia, mechanical ventilation
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Renaud Gueret, MD
Renaud
Gueret,
MD
Post sudden cardiac arrest, Hemodynamic monitoring, Bedside ultrasound in critical care and Sepsis
A smiling person with short dark hair is wearing a white coat and a red blouse. The background is a textured blend of blue and yellow tones.
Nancy Quesada, MD
Nancy
Quesada-Rodriguez,
MD
Pulmonary hypertension, COPD
Pulmonary (Lung Health)
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