How Is Lung Disease Treated?

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for lung disease. Understanding your specific type, severity, and baseline health is the first step in creating your personalized treatment plan. Here’s how we tailor care for each condition.

Lung disease treatment works best when based on a precise understanding of what’s happening in a specific case. The same symptoms can point to different conditions that need different approaches.

At Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Algonquin, Illinois, our team conducts comprehensive testing to map how your lungs function before recommending treatments. Here’s how we approach the most common conditions:

Testing reveals the real problem

We use in-office pulmonary function testing and chest X-rays to see what’s happening in your lungs. These tests show us whether you have narrowed airways, inflammation, reduced lung capacity, or gas exchange issues.

The results from these tests guide every treatment decision. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause similar breathing problems, but they need different medications and management strategies.

Asthma treatment focuses on preventing attacks

Asthma treatment works on two levels. Daily controller medications prevent the inflammation that triggers attacks, while rescue inhalers open airways during acute episodes.

Most people think rescue inhalers are the primary treatment, but prevention is more important. When your daily medications work, you shouldn't need your rescue inhaler more than twice a week.

We adjust controller medications based on how often you have symptoms and use your rescue inhaler. The goal is regular activity without breathing limitations.

COPD and chronic bronchitis require different strategies

COPD and chronic bronchitis cause permanent lung damage, so treatment focuses on slowing progression and managing symptoms:

Daily medications keep airways open

Long-acting bronchodilators keep airways open throughout the day. Some patients need combination medications that include bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Rehabilitation improves breathing efficiency

Pulmonary rehabilitation helps you use your remaining lung function more efficiently. This specialized exercise program teaches breathing techniques and safely builds endurance.

Oxygen therapy supports daily activities

Oxygen therapy is necessary when blood oxygen levels drop too low. We measure your oxygen needs during different activities to determine the right amount of supplemental oxygen.

Pneumonia treatment varies by type and severity

Pneumonia treatment depends on whether the infection is bacterial, viral, or fungal. Bacterial pneumonia responds to antibiotics, while viral pneumonia requires supportive care.

Some patients recover with oral antibiotics at home. Others need hospitalization for intravenous medications and oxygen support. We monitor closely because pneumonia can worsen quickly, especially in patients with existing lung conditions.

Sleep-related breathing problems need specialized approaches

Sleep apnea disrupts breathing throughout the night, affecting your entire body. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy keeps airways open during sleep, but the equipment needs proper fitting and pressure settings.

Our CPAP clinic helps patients find masks and settings that meet their needs. We provide ResMed equipment and ongoing support to ensure therapy remains effective.

For patients who can’t tolerate CPAP, Inspire® sleep therapy offers an implantable alternative that stimulates airway muscles to prevent collapse during sleep.

Treatment success requires ongoing monitoring

Lung conditions change over time. Medications that work initially may need adjustment as your condition evolves. We schedule regular follow-ups to track your progress and modify treatments before problems develop.

Call our office at 815-584-0976 or schedule your consultation online to get answers about your breathing concerns.