Pulmonary (Lung Health)

Quick Links

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.

Lung diseases are serious and catching them early can stop them from becoming life-threatening, enhancing your quality of life. 

Early signs of lung disease might seem minor or just like everyday problems but recognizing them can ensure that you or a loved one receives immediate medical care before the condition worsens. Common symptoms include:

  • Chronic chest pain
  • Chronic cough
  • Chronic mucus production
  • Coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

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:

  • Chronic chest pain
  • Chronic cough
  • Chronic mucus production
  • Coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

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.

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

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.

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

  • Asthma Diagnosis: Comprehensive evaluation to confirm an asthma diagnosis and assess its severity.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle.
  • Medication Management: Prescribing and monitoring medications to control asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
  • Breathing Techniques: Training on effective breathing exercises to help manage symptoms.
  • Education and Support: Providing education on asthma management and offering support resources for patients and families.

Common Conditions

At Cook County Health, we are proud to care for individuals who have lung and breathing diseases, such as:
AsthmaAsthma 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
To provide comprehensive care and establish the best treatment plans, we offer a variety of tests and studies including:
Blood Pressure MonitoringEssential for patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Electrocardiography (ECG)To check heart function as the heart and lungs work closely together.
Exercise TestingTo assess how well your lungs perform during physical activity.
Home Oxygen EvaluationTo determine if there is a need for supplemental oxygen at home.
Pulmonary Function TestingThese tests measure the amount of air your lungs can hold and the speed of air flow in and out of your lungs.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ProgramOur 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. This program focuses on exercise, including warm-ups, stretches, weight training, treadmill walking, stationary biking, and arm exercises.

Providers

William D. Clapp, MD
William
D.
Clapp,
Pulmonary physiology, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
Nancy Quesada, MD
Nancy
Quesada-Rodriguez,
MD
Pulmonary hypertension, COPD
Sherene S. Fakhran, MD
Sherene
S.
Fakhran,
MD
Obstructive lung disease, community-acquired pneumonia, mechanical ventilation
Renaud Gueret, MD
Renaud
Gueret,
MD
Post sudden cardiac arrest, Hemodynamic monitoring, Bedside ultrasound in critical care and Sepsis
Aiman Tulaimat, MD
Aiman Tulaimat, MD
Aiman
Tulaimat,
MD
Sleep disordered breathing, Mechanical ventilation, Decision making, Medical education

Schedule an appointment

Call us at: (312) 864-0200
Pulmonary (Lung Health)
en_USEnglish

CCH Holiday Hours

Stroger Hospital and Provident Hospital are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, or go to your nearest emergency department.

CCH Health Centers will be open limited hours for the holidays.

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024: CLOSED

Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, 2024: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2024: CLOSED

New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, December 31, 2024: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2025: CLOSED