Respiratory Conditions

What are respiratory conditions?

Respiratory conditions include acute and chronic health problems that affect your respiratory system. That includes your:

• Nose
• Mouth
• Throat
• Sinuses
• Trachea
• Bronchial tubes
• Lungs

Your respiratory system gives you the ability to smell and breathe, deliver oxygen to organs, tissues, and cells in your body, and get rid of carbon dioxide. 

Your respiratory system also protects your airway from germs and irritants. 

What are the common types of respiratory conditions?

There are many respiratory conditions. Common types include:

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the airways, making it hard to breathe in. The severity of asthma symptoms varies and may change over time, requiring ongoing medical care and intervention.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD refers to respiratory conditions that make it hard to exhale, causing shortness of breath and coughing.  

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in your lungs (alveoli). You can develop pneumonia from a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. 

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a wet, persistent cough. You can have acute bronchitis from an infection or chronic bronchitis, which is a type of COPD.

What can I expect during an evaluation for respiratory conditions?

You can expect a prompt, informative, and patient-centered exam when you see Dr. King for your respiratory condition. 

Dr. King asks detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history. He also reviews your daily routine, including smoking, eating, and exercise habits, as well as environmental exposures that might affect your respiratory function. 

Dr. King does a physical exam and may perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung function. He may also check your blood oxygen level and request a chest X-ray. 

For asthma, Dr. King may run allergy testing to identify asthma triggers.

What are some treatments for respiratory conditions?

Dr. King takes the time to educate you about your respiratory condition and your treatment options, which helps you make an informed decision about your care.

Treatments for respiratory conditions depend on your diagnosis. Dr. King may recommend:

• Smoking cessation
• Nutrition therapy
• Respiratory therapy
• Weight loss
• Aerobic exercise
• Oxygen therapy
• Disease-specific medication
• Inhalants
• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics

Whether acute or chronic, Dr. King’s treatment plan aims to improve your respiratory condition symptoms.

When it comes to patient health, Dr. King puts your needs above all else, providing prompt and informative care. Call the office of Dr. Bryant King or book an appointment online today.