Breathe Better With Innovative Pulmonary Care

Pulmonary Care

Breathing problems—including wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing—affect every part of your life. That’s why it’s important to seek expert pulmonary care in Pennsylvania. Our lung doctors at the Penn Highlands Lung Center are highly skilled at treating all types of lung conditions, including asthma, emphysema, COPD and lung cancer. With nine pulmonary clinics throughout Central PA, you can get all the care you need close to home.

About Us

Specialty Pulmonary Care Pennsylvania

Our team of dedicated lung doctors and respiratory therapists is made up of some of the top professionals in pulmonary care in Pennsylvania. We provide detailed diagnoses and offer the latest therapies to treat every type of pulmonary condition, including asthma, emphysema, COPD, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis and more.

In addition to providing expert pulmonary care at nine locations in Pennsylvania, we also partner with the experienced Penn Highlands cancer team to provide lung cancer screenings, diagnostic services and treatment. In recognition of our dedication to the early detection and treatment of lung cancer, we have been named a Center of Excellence with the Lung Cancer Alliance and a UPMC Center of Excellence for Lung Cancer Screening.

What Pulmonary Conditions Does Penn Highlands Treat?

Penn Highlands is the place to go for pulmonary care in Pennsylvania. We treat a wide range of respiratory conditions, including:

Asthma - A chronic condition that causes inflammation of the airways (tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs) leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing. Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening, which is why it is important to seek care with an expert lung doctor to manage the condition.
Emphysema - A chronic condition caused by tobacco smoke or long-term exposure to irritants that damages the air sacs in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD: The term encompasses two long-lasting respiratory diseases: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is the third most common cause of disease-related death in Americans even though it’s often preventable by not smoking.
Pulmonary artery hypertension - A rare type of high blood pressure that exists in the tiny arteries of the lungs. Its cause is largely unknown and is generally not due to underlying heart disease. It’s most common in women ages 30 to 60.
Lung cancer - A disease in which malignant cells form in the lining of the lungs and multiply. It’s usually caused by smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, although nonsmokers can develop lung cancer as well. It is the third most common type of cancer and the deadliest form of cancer in the U.S. If you or have been a smoker, you may be qualified for a lung cancer screening.
Pulmonary fibrosis - A condition in which the tissue around the lung’s air sacs become damaged and rigid, making it difficult to breathe. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by smoking, long-term exposure to certain toxins, radiation to the chest, certain medications and other conditions. In some cases, there’s no discernable cause for pulmonary fibrosis.
Lung nodule - A small mass in the lung usually caused by an infection or scar tissue. Most lung nodules are not cancerous but should be evaluated and monitored for growth.
Sarcoidosis - A condition that begins as small, grain-sized lumps anywhere in the body, although most frequently in the lungs. It leads to inflammation that can cause shortness of breath and cough. Sarcoidosis is treatable with steroid medication.

If you struggle with a lung condition or breathing problem and would like more information on the advanced technology at The Lung Center, please call 814-375-3770.

What Pulmonary Care Services Does Penn Highlands Offer in Pennsylvania?

The Penn Highlands Lung Center has clinics in nine cities in Central PA where we provide some of the most comprehensive pulmonary care in Pennsylvania. Our expert lung doctors, respiratory therapists, and other pulmonary specialists diagnose and treat common lung diseases and breathing disorders, including asthma, COPD, emphysema and lung cancer. We offer complete care for most breathing problems, including these cutting-edge diagnostic tests and lung procedures:

Envisia Genomic Classifier - Penn Highlands was one of the first centers in the country to adopt this nonsurgical test for diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis, one of the most common and deadly lung diseases. Penn Highlands lung doctors perform this procedure by inserting a thin, flexible tube into the lungs to collect a tissue sample that can be tested for pulmonary fibrosis.
Bronchial Thermoplasty - This outpatient procedure for the treatment of severe asthma uses radiofrequency heat energy to shrink specific muscles in the lungs, resulting in less constriction. It also has been shown to decrease the number of missed days of work, school, or activity for people with severe asthma by 66%.
Zephyr Endobronchial Valve - Penn Highlands was the first center in the region to offer this minimally invasive treatment for emphysema without the need for complex lung surgery. With the Zephyr Valve, which is performed in less than an hour, the diseased parts of the lungs are blocked off to allow for better air flow in healthier parts of the lungs.
SPiN Access Catheter™ - Penn Highlands was the first center in the country to begin using this specialized device for the early detection of lung cancer. The catheter is equipped with navigation that allows physicians to more easily biopsy lung nodules that are pea-sized and constantly moving, allowing lung cancer to be detected at smaller, earlier stages when it’s most treatable.
Monarch Platform - This technology allows Penn Highlands physicians to perform robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the lungs to get a real-time look at the airways. It is used to diagnose and treat diseases such as interstitial pulmonary disease and lung cancer with a higher degree of accuracy.

Why Choose Penn Highlands for Pulmonary Care in Pennsylvania?

Penn Highlands provides expert pulmonary care in Pennsylvania. We offer the latest diagnostic tests and services to detect pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer, in their earliest, most treatable stages. In recognition of our dedication to the early detection and treatment of lung cancer, we have been named a Center of Excellence with the Lung Cancer Alliance and a UPMC Center of Excellence for Lung Cancer Screening.

We are often one of the first centers in the region or country to adopt new technologies and procedures to treat the most common pulmonary conditions, including asthma, COPD and emphysema. And with locations throughout central Pennsylvania, you’re never far from being able to breathe easier and get back to living the life you want.

What Type of Professionals Provide Pulmonary Care in Pennsylvania?

At Penn Highlands, we have a team of experts who provide top pulmonary care in Pennsylvania. Your team may include:

Pulmonologist – Often referred to as a lung doctor, a pulmonologist is an internal medicine physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the respiratory system, including asthma, emphysema, COPD and lung cancer. Your pulmonologist will conduct physical exams, order diagnostic tests, make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan for your condition.
Respiratory therapist – A certified professional who works closely with your pulmonologist to carry out your treatment plan and monitor your progress. Your respiratory therapist will also help you prevent symptoms and educate you on how to manage your condition at home.
Sleep specialists — Many breathing problems also affect a person’s sleep, which can create serious health problems. A sleep specialist is a pulmonologist or an otolaryngologist (ENT) doctor with special training in sleep-related disorders, such as sleep apnea.
Thoracic surgeon — While most lung conditions can be managed with nonsurgical therapies, including medications and respiratory therapy, some will require surgery. A thoracic surgeon specializes in treating lung conditions, particularly lung cancer.

Don’t live life short of breath. Ask your primary care provider for a referral to a Penn Highlands pulmonologist or find a pulmonologist near you.

FAQs

When should I seek pulmonary care in Pennsylvania?

Pulmonologists are specially trained in the treatment of respiratory disorders, including breathing problems and lung conditions such as lung cancer. Typically, your primary care provider will diagnose and manage any pulmonary conditions. If your condition becomes worse or if it requires specialized expertise, you will be referred to a pulmonologist. If you don’t have a primary care provider and you are having difficulty breathing, you should be evaluated. You make an appointment with a Penn Highlands pulmonologist who can evaluate and treat you for shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chronic cough, wheezing and more. If you experience sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, particularly if accompanied by chest tightness or pain, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room right away.

What will happen at my appointment for pulmonary care in Pennsylvania?

During your first appointment with a Penn Highlands pulmonologist, you’ll discuss your health history and your physician will conduct a physical exam, including listening to your heart and lungs. You’ll describe your symptoms and the goal of the appointment, whether that’s to get a diagnosis, better manage a current condition, or discuss alternative treatment options because your symptoms are no longer being controlled with your medication. Depending on the reason for your visit, you may be asked to complete a lung function test or receive an order for a chest X-ray, CT scan, blood test or other diagnostic workup. If you’ve already had these tests done, bring the results or lab reports with you, which may help you avoid repeat testing.

Does pulmonary care in Pennsylvania include pulmonary rehabilitation?

Penn Highlands has a pulmonary rehabilitation program that offers education, exercise, training and support for people with chronic lung conditions. In addition to helping you have fewer doctor and emergency room visits, participating in a pulmonary rehab program can help you feel less anxious and more confident about who and when to call for assistance, how much physical activity is right for you, and how to live and travel safely with a chronic lung condition. You are also a candidate if you are preparing for or recovering from a recent lung surgery or if you have a chronic pulmonary condition, including asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.

Does Penn Highlands have a smoking cessation program?

Yes. Tobacco smoke is the cause of many pulmonary diseases, and Penn Highlands wants to help you quit. We offer a free five-week smoking cessation program at The Lung Center of Penn Highlands DuBois to help you quit. Nicotine replacement aids are provided to participants. Registration is required by calling 814-375-3770.

Pulmonary Care at Penn Highlands

Penn Highlands Brookville

Penn Highlands Brookville provides pulmonary care services by board certified pulmonologists.

Outpatient Pulmonary Care Services
Inpatient Pulmonary Care Services
Asthma Care
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Treatment
Lung Cancer Screening
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Smoking Cessation

Penn Highlands Brookville

100 Hospital Road

Brookville, PA 15825

814-849-2312

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Penn Highlands ClearfieldA Campus of Penn Highlands DuBois

Penn Highlands Clearfield provides pulmonary care services by board certified pulmonologists.

Outpatient Pulmonary Care Services
Inpatient Pulmonary Care Services
Asthma Care
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Treatment
Lung Cancer Screening
Smoking Cessation

Penn Highlands Clearfield

A Campus of Penn Highlands DuBois

809 Turnpike Avenue

Clearfield, PA 16830

814-765-5341

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Penn Highlands DuBois

The Lung Center at Penn Highlands DuBois is the hub location. It is located inside the hospital. The Lung Center offers outpatient pulmonary care as well as inpatient care. In addition, the Bronchoscopy Suite at Penn Highlands DuBois is used for diagnosing and treating lung disease. Bronchial thermoplasty is also done here. If you have a procedure here, you will report to the Short Stay Waiting Room on the fourth floor of Penn Highlands DuBois prior to your procedure.