If you’re wondering if you need to see a lung doctor in Greenville, TX, there’s a good chance that you do. You know your body best and may sense that something just isn’t right with your lungs. You may also have prolonged symptoms that haven’t been relieved even with help from your primary care doctor. Dr. Mohan Philip at Greenville Pulmonary Associates welcomes new patients and is willing to work with you for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re hesitant to make an appointment because you aren’t sure that you need a lung doctor, let’s look at some of the main reasons for scheduling an appointment with a pulmonologist. Even if you don’t have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a lung doctor if you have a concern.

Difficulty Breathing

Do you have breathing difficulties that aren’t explained by illness or other diagnosed medical conditions? Whether it’s an ongoing or recurring issue, you may need to see a pulmonologist to determine the reason you aren’t breathing easily.

If you wake up gasping for breath or have been told that you stop breathing while sleeping, you may have sleep apnea. Difficulty breathing while awake or when you exercise may mean you have asthma, bronchitis, or another condition that needs medical intervention.

Chronic Coughing

Coughing is common when you’re sick, but continuous coughing with no explanation is cause for alarm. The longer that coughing continues, the more likely you need to visit a Greenville, TX, lung doctor. If you’re coughing up mucus or blood, then you may have a more urgent situation that needs fast medical attention.

Abnormal Test Results

If you visit your primary care doctor or the ER for difficulty breathing, they’re likely to use x-rays and/or CT scans to check for immediate danger. Abnormalities seen in those tests may lead you to visit a pulmonologist.

In that case, a lung doctor will review the test results to determine potential causes for the abnormal results. They may also order additional tests to verify the underlying cause of your symptoms. They have specialized knowledge that allows them to offer accurate diagnoses in a timely manner.

Other Reasons to Visit a Lung Doctor

If you experience unexplained weight loss in addition to difficulty breathing or chronic coughing, you have even more justification for seeing a lung specialist. If you have a smoking habit, then you may want to visit a pulmonologist to have your lungs checked for damage even if you have quit.

Dr. Philip at Greenville Pulmonary Associates is a leading lung doctor in Greenville, TX. Call (903) 454-9976 to schedule an appointment with a compassionate doctor who cares about your health and wellbeing.