Pulmonary Associates - John A Watkins

Chest x-ray is used to evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall and may be used to help diagnose shortness of breath, persistent cough, fever, chest pain or injury. It may also be used to help diagnose and monitor treatment for a variety of lung conditions such as pneumonia and emphysema. Our X-ray technician is registered with The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists so you can feel confident in their skill and expertise while performing the x-ray.You will be asked to remove some of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam.

Pulmonary Associates of the Southeast PC employs Certified/Registered Respiratory Therapists to perform the pulmonary function tests (PFT). We perform simple spirometry to complete PFT. A respiratory therapist administers the pulmonary function test, which is a series of breathing maneuvers performed by the patient while seated, or seated in a booth.

SLEEP APNEA is a disorder that affects a person's breathing during sleep. A person with sleep apnea has times during sleep in which air cannot flow normally into the lungs. The block in airflow is usually caused by collapse of the soft tissues in the back of the throat and tongue during sleep. Sleep Apnea can affect anyone at any age and cause major health problems if untreated (such as, hypertension, diabetes, depression, obesity, and heart arrhythmia).A disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

You will repeat the spirometry test immediately after inhaling the methacholine and again a few minutes later. If your lung function does not change after the lowest used dose of methacholine, you will inhale the next higher dose of methacholine that is a little stronger than the first does. You will then do spirometry again.