MXBowen, Physician P.C.

Products And Services

• Complete Pulmonary Function Test

  What Is a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)? A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate lung function. It provides important information about your lungs, including volume and lung capacity, as well as the rates of airflow and gas exchange. A PFT, or lung capacity test, can help your doctor diagnose many lung disorders or evaluate the severity of an existing lung condition. Pulmonary function testing is frequently used to assess disease progression and to monitor clinical response to treatment. In addition, the test may be used to assess how well your lungs are functioning before undergoing surgery. What Lung Issues Can a PFT Test Detect? If you have a chronic cough, shortness of breath, COPD, asthma, problems with oxygenation, or if you are exhibiting symptoms indicating the potential presence of interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis, Dr. Bowen may recommend that you undergo a pulmonary function test in order to accurately diagnose your condition. Why Choose MXBowen Physician, P.C. for My PFT Test At MXBowen, Physician, P.C., Health & Breathing Center in NYC, our facility is equipped with the latest technology for pulmonary function testing so patients can have the test performed from the comfort and convenience of our office. Dr. Bowen has over three decades of pulmonary experience and is dedicated to providing the highest quality care with an emphasis on individualized patient experience. If you require a pulmonary function test, schedule an appointment, or call 212.480.4062 for an evaluation. Appointments will be confirmed by office staff. How does a pulmonary function test (PFT) work? A pulmonary function test involves breathing into a handheld device that’s connected to a specialized machine, called a spirometer, which measures lung function through a series of tests. The machine records how much and how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs, collecting data about airflow, lung volumes, and lung capacity, as well as measures of gas exchange. pulmonary function test spirometer device screen and breathing tube A medical assistant will explain each aspect of the test as you’re being evaluated so that you feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire PFT procedure. How Long Does a PFT Test Take? The entire process takes less than 30 minutes. In advance of your pulmonary function test, Dr. Bowen will provide a list of simple instructions for how to prepare for the test. It is best to avoid eating a large meal and smoking one hour before the test as doing so can have a direct impact on results. What Are The Advantages of a Pulmonary Function Test? There are a few important advantages you should know about when you take a PFT. A few of these advantages include but are not limited to: Performed in-office Noninvasive test Delivers prompt, accurate results in less than 30 minutes Provides valuable information that can be used to diagnose pulmonary issues as well as monitor a variety of different respiratory tract disorders Monitors a patient’s response to treatment What Can I Expect After Undergoing a Pulmonary Function Test? After undergoing a PFT, Dr. Bowen will interpret your results and identify whether there is evidence of functional physiologic derangements that may indicate possible respiratory disease. If you have already been diagnosed with lung disease, the pulmonary function test results will be examined to see whether your disease has progressed or whether a specific treatment is working. Using this information, Dr. Bowen will discuss your PTF results with you and will be able to determine what the next steps for testing or treatment should involve. Schedule a Consultation Today! At MXBown Physician P.C. located in New York, NY, we pride ourselves on offering high quality, premium care and service. We strive to provide the best results possible using state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Our mission is to help you reach a healthier and happier you!

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• Asthma Treatment

  Even if you don’t suffer from asthma, you may know how most patients with the breathing condition are treated. Treatment typically involves long-term control medications to help decrease asthma attacks and quick-relief medications to treat symptoms during an attack. That approach works well for most patients with mild to moderate asthma. No so for anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of patients with more severe asthma. For those patients who have tried conventional asthma treatments but have not found relief, Dr. Bowen now provides biologics for the treatment of severe asthma. If your current treatment is not adequately managing your asthma symptoms, call 212.480.4062 for an evaluation. Appointments will be confirmed by office staff. What are biologics and how are they different from conventional asthma treatments? Biologics are a newer group of prescription drugs that help to manage symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing when other medications have failed. Biologics are genetically engineered proteins. They are designed to target specific substances in your immune system that cause inflammation. These new drugs may prevent some patients from having asthma attacks. They can also reduce the severity of an attack. What are the biologic drugs being used by Dr. Bowen for asthma treatment? The FDA has approved five biologic drugs for asthma treatment: omalizumab (brand name Xolair) mepolizumab (brand name Nucala) reslizumab (brand name Cinqair) benralizumab (brand name Fasenra) dupilumab (brand name Dupixent) Xolair is for asthma patients who also have allergies to substances such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Xolair works by blocking allergic antibodies. Nucala, Cinqair, and Fasenra treat a severe form of asthma called eosinophilic asthma. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell used by your immune system to fight off viruses, bacteria, and other germs. But if there are too many eosinophils, they can cause inflammation and swelling, making it hard to breathe. These three biologics target a protein that activates overproduction of eosinophils. Dupixent is used to treat moderate and severe eosinophilic asthma. It is the only drug for these patients, and it blocks two proteins that drive allergic inflammation in asthma. Other drugs are in the pipeline of development and approval. Dr. Bowen will match the above biologic to the kind of asthma you have. Schedule Your Consultation What are the benefits of biologic drugs for asthma treatment? For 5 to 10 percent of asthma patients the current available treatments of long-term control and short-term symptom relief don’t adequately manage their symptoms. Biologics take a different approach, and this is providing treatment for this group of patients in need. Biologics don’t treat the symptoms of asthma. Instead, they work on the underlying molecular causes of asthma. Dr. Bowen uses biologics for patients who haven’t improved with inhaled corticosteroids, short-acting beta-agonists, and other standard treatments. As mentioned above, biologics may prevent a person from having asthma attacks, and they can make attacks that do occur less severe. How long will I need to be on a biologic for my asthma? These are a new class of medications for severe asthma. Although they have received FDA clearance for asthma treatment, they have not been around long enough to know if they will eventually eliminate the patient’s asthma attacks or if the medications will need to be an ongoing thing. One thing to know — despite the effectiveness of these biologics, patients still will continue to take all their asthma medications and inhalers. It’s likely these will be able to be decreased, but not initially. How are these biologics administered? Xolair is given as one or two injections. These are given every 2 or 4 weeks. Nucala is given as an injection once monthly. Cinqair is administered as an intravenous infusion. These take about 20-50 minutes and are given once monthly. Fasenra is given as an injection once every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, then once every 8 weeks from there on. Dupixent is given as an injection twice monthly.

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• FeNO Test

  What is nitric oxide monitoring / FeNO testing for asthma? Nitric oxide monitoring for asthma is a breathing test that assesses asthmatic inflammation in the airway. Asthma symptoms occur when the tissues of the lungs become inflamed and the muscles in the airway contract, prompting difficulty breathing. One measurable marker of inflammation caused by asthma is an increased level of nitric oxide (NO) in the breath. Asthma involves multiple clinical mediators that induce inflammation within the bronchial airways. Nitric oxide is a gas that is released from inflamed lung tissue as an end-product of this inflammatory cascade. The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) concentration is a very sensitive marker to identify and quantify the severity of asthma activity. Nitric oxide monitoring is also known as a FeNO test. Since many health conditions can show symptoms similar to those seen in asthma, such as a chronic cough, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis, a FeNO test enables Dr. Marc Bowen to quickly identify whether inflammation is present and whether asthma might be the underlying source of your symptoms. Our NYC pulmonology practice is equipped with a nitric oxide monitoring device so patients can be tested from the comfort and convenience of our office. If you’re suffering from asthma symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowen or call 212.480.4062 for an evaluation. Appointments will be confirmed by office staff. How does a FeNO test for asthma work? Nitric oxide monitoring involves testing the levels of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to evaluate the degree of airway inflammation. In order to perform a nitric oxide test test, patients will breathe into a handheld mouthpiece that’s connected to a specialized device. From the exhaled breath, the device will be able to accurately detect NO levels, which allows Dr. Bowen to make a diagnosis or adjust asthma treatment accordingly. What are the advantages of a FeNO Breathing Test (Nitric Oxide Testing) for asthma? Performed in-office Noninvasive test Delivers prompt, accurate results Can help identify airway inflammation and support a diagnosis of asthma when other objective evidence is lacking (i.e. patients with non-specific respiratory symptoms) Accurately predicts the likelihood of anti-inflammatory/steroid treatment responsiveness Allows a doctor to monitor asthmatic inflammation and adjust therapy for patients with diagnosed asthma What can I expect after undergoing FeNO lung function test for asthma? After undergoing nitric oxide monitoring, Dr. Bowen will be able to interpret the data provided by your FeNO test and make an accurate diagnosis and treatment decision. Alternatively, if asthma has already been diagnosed, Dr. Bowen will be able to use the test results to make adjustments to your existing asthma treatment. Why is FeNO Elevated in People with Asthma? When the body exhales, it naturally releases some amount of nitric oxide gas. Often, people with asthma have higher levels. Inflammation is at the core of asthma. It affects the lining of the airway, which results in swelling and the overproduction of mucus and fluid. If you have asthma, you likely have certain triggers. Each time your airway is exposed to one, the inflammation in the lining can increase, causing noticeable symptoms. FeNO, fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels, occur because of this inflammation. It's important to recognize that a FeNO test is not a complete diagnostic confirmation of asthma. What this test does is measure your levels of exhaled nitric oxide. It's therefore simply a measure of inflammation in the airway. It informs your doctor as they seek to understand the cause of your symptoms. If you've been diagnosed with asthma, the FeNO test can inform your doctor as they create a treatment plan to manage your condition.

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• Home Sleep Study

  Making a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Diagnosing sleep apnea isn’t always easy. Some people suffering from sleep apnea don’t even know they have it. They may find themselves feeling excessively groggy in the morning, even though they spent eight or more hours in bed. They may also feel tired throughout the day, doze off at inopportune times, and need to consume caffeine to stay awake. The classic hallmark signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring with gasping, morning headaches, and repeatedly waking throughout the night. However, even when individuals realize there is something wrong, they aren’t able to undergo a traditional sleep study in a sleep lab. It’s not uncommon for sleep apnea patients to develop insomnia in a sleep lab. Whether it’s being in an unfamiliar setting or being uncomfortable due to all of the wires and electrodes, in-house sleep studies aren’t always effective. What is a home sleep study? An at-home sleep study is one type of polysomnography, a test that evaluates a patient to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Traditionally, polysomnography had to be performed in a sleep lab to gather the appropriate data for making a sleep apnea diagnosis. Today, patients have a much more convenient option known as a home sleep study or home polysomnography. This test allows patients to be tested from the comfort of their own bed. If you’re worried about not being able to fall asleep during an in-lab sleep study, a home sleep study may be better for you. At-home sleep studies are usually more comfortable than ones performed in a sleep lab. Patients are able to sleep in their own beds, which makes falling asleep easier. At-home sleep studies also require fewer wires and electrodes. In most cases, patients only need to apply three to four electrodes on their chest and a pulse oximeter on their finger to monitor their oxygen levels. If you are exhibiting symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea such as excessive daytime sleepiness, chronic snoring, or even just chronic fatigue and feeling tired often, Dr. Marc Bowen may recommend that you undergo a home sleep study in order to accurately diagnose your condition. Our NYC pulmonology practice is dedicated to patient convenience and accessibility, offering the latest diagnostic tests and procedures to diagnose the cause of your breathing problems and help you find relief. Schedule an appointment with our board-certified sleep specialists or call 212.480.4062for help today. Appointments will be confirmed by office staff. With a home sleep study, you’ll be provided with a small device and simple instructions. You will take the device home and follow the steps for performing the sleep study before you get ready for bed. The at-home sleep study technology involves wearing a compact device around your head as you sleep, which will collect important data about your vital signs – such as pulse, blood oxygen levels, and breathing patterns. After your test, you will return the sleep study device to Dr. Bowen so he can interpret your results and make a diagnosis. Why Should I Have A Home Sleep Test (HST)? You may benefit from a sleep study if you show signs of sleep apnea. This common sleep disorder presents numerous risks to your health and well-being. When appropriate, Dr. Bowen prescribes home sleep tests as an alternative to a night in a sleep lab. Provided that you do not have concurrent conditions, such as restless leg syndrome, a home sleep test may be ideal for measuring your breathing while you sleep. This test is appealing because it is convenient, reliable, and comfortable. You may sleep better overall by conducting the test in the comfort of your own bedroom, enabling the test to capture relevant information regarding potential sleep apnea. How Do I Use The Home Sleep Test Device? The sleep test device that you pick up from our office or specialty store will come with concise instructions for use. These devices are made to be easy and comfortable. As you prepare to go to sleep, you will apply various features of your sleep device to parts of your body. These may include: A pulse oximeter that fits over a fingertip. This measures the level of oxygen in your blood. A breathing sensor that sits at the opening of the nostrils. The tiny tubing wraps around your ears to keep it in place as it measures your breathing pattern. An effort belt, which straps comfortably around your chest or abdomen to record movement that indicates the effort it takes to breathe. Your device may also simply include a comfortable headpiece that slips around the crown of your head. This compact device collects multiple measurements while you sleep.

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• Bronchial Thermoplasty

  What Is Bronchial Thermoplasty? Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) is a procedure that improves the asthma-related quality of life for people with severe asthma that have failed conventional therapy. The Bronchial Thermoplasty procedure reduces asthma attacks by reducing airway smooth muscle responsible for airway constriction, which in turn reduces asthma attacks and makes breathing easier. It may also allow you to use less medication to make your life more manageable. If you suffer from difficult to control asthma and have found that many therapies don’t work, Dr. Marc Bowen recommends that you undergo an evaluation for Bronchial Thermoplasty. Who is a good candidate for bronchial thermoplasty? These are treatments for patients with severe asthma who haven’t responded to conservative or conventional treatments. You could be a candidate for bronchial thermoplasty if you… Have asthma attacks that aren’t controlled by steroid-based inhalers or asthma medicines called beta-agonists Are between the ages of 18 and 65 Have not smoked for the past year Need oral steroids to help control your asthma Advantages Of Bronchial Thermoplasty Improved quality of life Fewer amounts of medications Fewer asthma attacks Fewer ER visits Fewer absences from school/work or other daily activities How Does Bronchial Thermoplasty Work? Your Bronchial Thermoplasty physician will insert a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth so no incision is necessary. During the BT procedure, a carefully controlled device delivers mild heat to the smooth muscle of the airways in your lungs, reducing the amount of excessive smooth muscle to reduce bronchial constriction. You can follow up with Dr. Bowen in the office for continued management of your asthma. Screen Shot 2016 11 01 at 12.40.42 PM 300x171 1 How long does the Bronchical Thermoplasty procedure take? These treatments with Dr. Bowen take about one hour. After the treatment, you’ll need to rest for three to four hours before a subsequent evaluation. At that point, you’ll be released to return home if your vital signs and lung function are near normal levels, or you may need to spend one night in the hospital. Does a bronchial thermoplasty require anesthesia? Yes. You will prepare by taking a 50-milligram steroid pill orally once daily for three days before your procedure. You will take one additional pill the day of your thermoplasty. For your procedure, we will administer medicine to make you sleepy, but you will not be under general anesthesia. We will also use medication to numb your mouth and throat. How Long Will My Bronchial Thermoplasty Procedure Results Last? Bronchial Thermoplasty is a procedure that is clinically proven to reduce asthma attacks for up to 5 years. During each session, a different part of the lung is treated to ensure safety. What is recovery like after bronchial thermoplasty? Immediately after your bronchial thermoplasty with Dr. Bowen you can expect an increase in the frequency and worsening of your respiratory-related symptoms. These events typically occur within one day of the procedure and resolve within seven days. This is the reason some patients will need to spend the night after their procedure in the hospital. There isn’t any required recovery, but you should lay low initially until you see how your lungs and asthma respond to this treatment. The day after your treatment, you will take a 50-milligram steroid pill to help calm your symptoms after this treatment. Once your lungs recover, we will schedule your second treatment. These procedures involve three treatments, each treating a different part of the lung to ensure safety. What are the risks of a bronchial thermoplasty? There are some risks involved with this new asthma treatment. The most common side effect of bronchial thermoplasty is temporary worsening of respiratory-related symptoms. This side effect typically occurs within one day of your procedure and resolves within seven days on average. This is a small risk of these symptoms requiring hospitalization. Is bronchial thermoplasty covered by insurance? Bronchial thermoplasty has been considered to be an experimental treatment by many insurance companies. But that has changed and some companies now cover the treatments, while others do not. Some offer partial coverage. As with most procedures in our healthcare system, there is a wide discrepancy between different providers and different health plans. If you are concerned if your insurance provider will cover this procedure with Dr. Bowen, you should contact your insurer prior to having this treatment

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• Electromagnetic Bronchoscopy & Lung Biopsy Procedures

  At our NYC pulmonology practice, we are pleased to offer the latest state-of-the-art bronchoscopy technology, called the navigational bronchoscopy, which offers numerous advantages over a traditional bronchoscopy. Call 212.480.4062 today to schedule your consultation with the experienced Dr. Marc Bowen! Why Choose Us For Your Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy (ENB) Procedure? Dr. Marc Bowen is one of a few private practice pulmonologists in the New York metropolitan area to offer the navigational bronchoscopy procedure and has undergone extensive training and hospital-based certification in order to provide this cutting-edge procedure. Dr. Bowen is dedicated to treating your pulmonary issues, improving your quality of life, and swiftly getting you back to your active lifestyle. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowen or call 212.480.4062 if you believe that you may require a navigational bronchoscopy. Appointments will be confirmed by office staff. What is a bronchoscopy? A bronchoscopy is a procedure that provides a doctor with a clear view from inside a patient’s airway using a thin, flexible device called a bronchoscope. The procedure renders images of the throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways for NYC Pulmonologist Dr. Marc Bowen to examine whether abnormalities are present, such as tumors, bleeding, and inflammation. In addition, a bronchoscopy may be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples for diagnosing lung disorders or diseases like lung cancer, infections, or fibrosis. There are two types of specialized bronchoscopies offered by Dr. Bowen: Navigational Bronchoscopy, which is used to get to small lesions and catch early signs of cancer, and the Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS), which is used to rule out the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes and the chest. When is a bronchoscopy necessary? If you have a chronic cough, are exhibiting symptoms indicating the potential presence of an interstitial lung disease, or have received an abnormal X-ray finding (sometimes as a result of lung cancer screening), Dr. Bowen may recommend that you undergo a bronchoscopy procedure in order to accurately diagnose your condition. What is a navigational bronchoscopy? A navigational bronchoscopy, also known as an Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy™ or an ENB™ procedure, is a special type of bronchoscopy procedure that uses the latest electromagnetically guided technology to examine, diagnose and biopsy lung disorders and diseases. The technology works similarly to a GPS system, allowing a doctor to create a roadmap of your lungs. Using navigational bronchoscopy, a doctor is able to access distant regions of the lungs and use this information to diagnose and biopsy even the smallest lung lesions that wouldn’t be able to be detected or accessed in a traditional bronchoscopy procedure. LungGPS™ The LungGPS™ technology then uses that roadmap to guide your physician to your lung lesion where he can place tools to biopsy, stage, and place markers to guide thoracic surgeons and radiation oncologists to the site of the cancer. How does a navigational bronchoscopy work? Dr. Bowen performs navigational bronchoscopy procedures in a hospital setting. The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube (a bronchoscope) through a patient’s airway and into the lungs. The bronchoscope is lighted at the end so that the doctor can closely inspect the airway and gather detailed images if any abnormalities are found. Once the tube is in place, specially designed tools can be inserted to take a tissue sample for testing. up close of navigational bronchoscopy tube in lung How Long Does a Navigational Bronchoscopy Procedure Take? A navigational bronchoscopy typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes to perform. What Happens After a Navigational Bronchoscopy Procedure? Most patients are able to go home the same day as the procedure. What are the advantages of a navigational bronchoscopy? State-of-the-art electromagnetically guided system Can access distant regions of the lungs Can diagnose and biopsy even the smallest lesions or spots that aren’t detectable in traditional bronchoscopy procedures Enables a doctor to create a highly specialized treatment plan for a patient Can aid in earlier diagnosis of lung tumors Helps identify the specific stage and genetic characteristics of a tumor Reduces potential risk for pneumothorax (collapsed lung), as compared to traditional bronchoscopy What can I expect after undergoing a navigational bronchoscopy? After undergoing a navigational bronchoscopy, Dr. Bowen will be able to have any samples taken during the procedure sent out for testing. If the primary purpose of the procedure was to examine the airway and lungs for non-tumor-related abnormalities, Dr. Bowen is often able to make a diagnosis and explain the next steps for treatment on the same day as the procedure.

  Link: Electromagnetic Bronchoscopy & Lung Biopsy Procedures

• Pleurocentesis/Thoracentesis Procedure

  If you are exhibiting symptoms indicating pleural effusion, such as a chronic cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, Top NYC Pulmanologist Marc Bowen may recommend that you undergo a pleurocentesis procedure (also known as a thoracentesis) in order to accurately diagnose your condition, relieve your symptoms, and improve lung function. An in-office chest ultrasound may be necessary first to determine if there is fluid in the pleural space. Our NYC pulmonology practice is equipped with the newest state-of-the-art equipment to provide the highest quality patient care. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowen or call 212.480.4062 for evaluation and treatment of your breathing issues. Appointments will be confirmed by office staff. What is pleurocentesis? A pleurocentesis, also known as a thoracentesis or pleural effusion treatment, is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from the pleural space (the space between the lungs and the wall of the chest) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Typically, the pleural space is filled with a small amount of fluid, but fluid may accumulate in your chest cavity for various reasons, creating a condition called pleural effusion. thoracentesis pleural biopsy 300x254 1 How is a Thoracentesis Performed? In conjunction with a pleurocentesis, a pulmonologist may take a sample of the pleural fluid or a small piece of tissue from the outer pleura for testing. Testing will help to confirm or rule out infections or diseases such as cancer, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Bowen performs the thoracentesis procedure in a hospital setting. Pleural effusion involves injecting a local anesthetic between your ribs in the area where fluid was specifically located via an ultrasound. Next, a needle will be inserted through the ribs and into the chest wall using ultrasound guidance. Using the needle, one of NYCs best pulmonologist, Dr. Marc Bowen, will slowly withdraw the pleural fluid and, if necessary, will send a sample to the laboratory for analysis. In cases where a more detailed pleural biopsy is necessary, Dr. Bowen will use a biopsy needle with a small hook at the end that can take a tiny tissue sample from the outer pleura. What are the Advantages of a Pleurocentesis? Can be helpful in relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and hypoxemia (low oxygen levels) Provides valuable information that can be used to diagnose infectious problems, inflammatory problems, and cancer Performed using ultrasound guidance to determine the optimal location for inserting the needle to remove fluid and gather a sample Only requires the use of local anesthetic How Much Fluid is Removed During a Thoracentesis Procedure? The amount of fluid your doctor removes during this test may be dependent upon the goal of the procedure. If the purpose is to discern why you're experiencing pleural effusion, your thoracentesis may remove only a couple of ounces of fluid. If, on the other hand, the goal is to help relieve the symptoms caused by the pleural effusion, such as shortness of breath, then they may remove 20 to 40 ounces of fluid. This is a detail that Dr. Bowen can discuss with you well before your test so you know what to expect. How Does the Doctor Know Where to Insert the Catheter for Thoracentesis? You may have undergone a chest x-ray to help Dr. Bowen diagnose your pleural effusion. Another chest x-ray may be done between your consultation and your thoracentesis. This can serve as a guide for the insertion of the needle or catheter that will remove the excess fluid. Alternatively, the doctor may use ultrasound guidance when possible. This painless form of imaging displays with great accuracy where fluid is trapped in the lung space. Fluid may be trapped in several small pockets, all of which can be visualized in the ultrasound. Can Home Remedies Help Get Rid of Fluid in the Lungs? If you're dealing with the symptoms of pleural effusion, such as shortness of breath and a dry, nonproductive cough, you may be tempted to look for remedies. It's not difficult to find them. However, we don't recommend using them as an alternative to seeing your doctor. Fluid in the lungs isn't a small issue; it can be a sign of another condition that needs treatment. This is why thoracentesis may be necessary. Home remedies may temporarily reduce your symptoms but they may not resolve the underlying problem. In fact, if you rely on home remedies for the symptoms of pleural effusion, you miss the opportunity to receive early, potentially life-saving care.

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• Pulmonary & Thoracic Ultrasound

  What Is A Pulmonary Or Thoracic Ultrasound? A pulmonary or thoracic ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic test that produces images in order to assess the structures and organs within the chest, such as the lungs and the pleural space (the space between the lungs and the wall of the chest). An ultrasound provides a doctor with a quick visualization of what’s occurring within this space, all from outside the body. Who Needs A Pulmonary Or Thoracic Ultrasound? If you are exhibiting symptoms of pneumonia, pulmonary edema (excess water in the lungs), pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), or pneumothorax (collapse of lung), including shortness of breath, chronic cough, or tightness or pain in the chest, Dr. Bowen may recommend that you undergo a thoracic or pulmonary ultrasound in order to accurately diagnose your condition. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bowen or call 212.480.4062 to learn more. Appointments will be confirmed by office staff. Pulmonary Or Thoracic Ultrasound Procedure With a pulmonary or thoracic ultrasound, gel will be placed on a special device called a transducer as well as the skin in the area to be examined. This allows for smooth movement of the transducer over the skin to achieve the best visualization of what’s going on inside. The transducer emits ultrasound waves that move through the body to the organs and interior structures, bouncing off organs and different types of tissue and transmitting information back to the transducer. This information is then converted into an image that the doctor can view on a monitor to examine what is occurring within your chest. Advantages Of A Pulmonary Or Thoracic Ultrasound Performed in-office Produces accurate results with quick turnaround in order to make a diagnosis Doesn’t use radiation or contrast dye Can be performed during pregnancy Expectations After Undergoing A Pulmonary Or Thoracic Ultrasound After undergoing a pulmonary or thoracic ultrasound, Dr. Bowen will immediately be able to determine whether you have a condition such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema (excess water in the lungs), pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), or pneumothorax (collapse of the lung) – all from your bedside, within a matter of minutes. After making a diagnosis, Dr. Bowen will explain the options and next steps for treating your condition and restoring normal breathing function.

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