Breathe Better With Innovative Pulmonary Care

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.