When you have COPD, different doctors can provide important information to help you take care of your lung health. Here are some of the care providers you may see:
- Primary care doctor: Your primary care doctor is often the first person you talk to about your health. You should see them at least once a year for a check-up, physical exam, and vaccines. You might also see them throughout the year if you catch an illness, like the flu, or for anything else that comes up. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist for more in-depth care.
- Pulmonologist: This doctor is your expert on lung health. People with COPD often see their lung doctor once or twice a year. You may schedule appointments more often when you experience a flare-up or when you need to change your treatment plan.
- Respiratory therapist (RT): A respiratory therapist works with doctors and nurses to provide hands-on care for people with breathing problems. You might meet an RT in the hospital or through pulmonary rehabilitation. They can help you learn to use your treatments correctly, manage symptoms, and breathe more effectively.
- Physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP): These care providers help diagnose and treat illnesses. They can order medical tests and offer other types of medical help. You might meet with one when you go to the doctor’s office.
- Speech pathologist: This expert works with issues that affect speech, the voice, swallowing, and more. They can help someone with COPD who has difficulty swallowing. They might also provide breathing exercises that help with speech while improving overall quality of life.
- Physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT): PTs and OTs can provide exercises that help with movement, strength, and more. They can help you breathe better and improve mobility.
In a pulmonary rehab program, you might work with a combination of health care experts. For example, these programs often include pulmonologists, RTs, and other types of care providers who work together to help you breathe better.
People who have COPD often have other health challenges as well. Common examples include heart disease, acid reflux, arthritis, or diabetes. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are also common.
For these health issues, you might see a:
- Cardiologist, or heart doctor.
- Gastroenterologist, who looks at the digestive system.
- Endocrinologist, focusing on issues related to hormones (including diabetes).
- Rheumatologist, specializing in diseases that affect the joints, muscles, and bones.
- Psychiatrist, for mental health conditions.
So, who’s on your health care team? Share your experiences in the comments. What types of doctors have you seen? Which have helped you the most