About Us
The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at East Carolina University (ECU) stands as a leading center for respiratory health in North Carolina. As one of only four academic programs in the state offering a comprehensive three-year fellowship, our division is experiencing significant growth and is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Our team of specialists possesses broad expertise across all facets of pulmonary medicine, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments. From routine outpatient consultations to the complexities of medical critical care, including advanced procedures like interventional pulmonology and medical thoracoscopy, we are committed to serving the diverse needs of our patients.
Our specialists, board-certified pulmonologists, are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of lung and breathing disorders. We provide care to patients both within our clinic and in the hospital setting, extending our expertise to those requiring intensive care. Our clinic is conveniently located on the first floor of the Moye Medical Building, situated across from the Brody School of Medicine, making access to our services straightforward and convenient.
We are dedicated to delivering specialized and compassionate care for a comprehensive range of respiratory conditions, including but not limited to:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Chronic Interstitial Lung Disease and Lung Fibrosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Persistent Cough
- Emphysema
- Respiratory Issues Related to Obesity and Excess Weight
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Respiratory Reactions
- Lung Cancer
- Lung Scarring
- Occupational Lung Diseases, encompassing asthma, and respiratory problems arising from farming, asbestos exposure, coal dust, and other workplace exposures
- Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP)
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Pulmonary Vascular Diseases and Blood Clots
- Sarcoidosis
- Shortness of Breath
- Sleep Disorders, including Snoring and Excessive Sleepiness
- Sputum Production, with or without the presence of blood
- Lung Abnormalities Detected on X-rays or CT scans
- Wheezing
- Preoperative Pulmonary Evaluations for patients prior to surgery
To ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, our clinic offers a range of advanced procedures:
- Flexible Bronchoscopy: This procedure allows our physicians to visually examine the airways of your lungs. It is crucial for detecting cancer, infections, and inflammation, and enables the collection of tissue samples for detailed analysis.
- Thoracentesis: A therapeutic and diagnostic procedure involving the removal of fluid from the pleural space surrounding the lungs. This fluid is then evaluated to determine the underlying cause of accumulation.
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT): These tests comprehensively measure lung capacity and function, playing a vital role in diagnosing various lung diseases and monitoring respiratory health.
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: Conducted while the patient exercises on a stationary bicycle, this test assesses the integrated function of the heart and lungs during physical exertion, providing valuable insights into overall cardiopulmonary health.
- Polysomnography (Sleep Study): An overnight test essential for diagnosing various sleep disorders. It monitors brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and eye and leg movements to provide a comprehensive assessment of sleep patterns.
- 6-Minute Walk Test: A straightforward test used to evaluate a patient’s exercise capacity and to determine the potential need for supplemental home oxygen therapy.
- Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide test (FeNO): Specifically used for asthma patients, this test measures the level of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, which is an indicator of inflammation in the lungs and helps guide asthma management.
