Lung & Respiratory Care

Lung & Respiratory Care at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham

We know that when it’s hard to breathe, you don’t feel your best. That’s why at BID Needham, our pulmonologists are dedicated to helping you breathe more easily and feel better. Using the latest technology, our expert team can diagnose, treat and manage all types of lung disease.

Our providers work with experts from other specialties to ensure you receive the best possible care. Your treatment plan might include both inpatient and outpatient visits, as well as medical and surgical services. No matter what level of treatment you need, you can trust our team to provide comprehensive, compassionate care.

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a doctor who is specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect your respiratory system. Pulmonologists can assess everything from acute illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia to lifelong conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Common Lung & Respiratory Conditions

Our expert team of pulmonologists can address a wide variety of lung & respiratory conditions, ranging from acute to chronic illnesses. Common conditions include:

• Asthma: A chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed, making it hard to breathe
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases — including emphysema and chronic bronchitis — that block the flow of air
• Cystic Fibrosis: In this hereditary disease, mucus builds up in the lungs and internal organs
• Lung Cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the lungs and tends to affect people who smoke
• Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts, which can be potentially dangerous
• Pneumonia: In this infection, which can be viral or bacterial, your lungs fill with pus or fluid

A pulmonologist can also provide testing and treatment for COVID-19. Learn more about resources available for COVID-19.

Screening & Diagnosis

Our pulmonary care team uses a variety of screening and diagnostic tests to diagnose lung and respiratory conditions. These may include:

• Lung Function and Capacity Tests: Your doctor may use these noninvasive tests to help understand how well your lungs are working. Depending on your symptoms, you may need to undergo more than one test.
• Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening: This special type of X-ray can help your doctor find lung cancer early. If you currently smoke or were a heavy smoker, a low-dose CT may be right for you.

Respiratory Treatment Services

If you’re experiencing respiratory problems, your doctor may order respiratory treatments or therapies to help you breathe more easily. These may include both inpatient and outpatient services, including:

• Oxygen Therapy: Also known as supplemental oxygen, this treatment provides you with extra oxygen when your body needs it.
• Inhaled Medications: Certain medications, like some of those used to treat asthma, are inhaled through a device called a nebulizer.
• Surgery: Your doctor may decide surgery is necessary for your treatment. At BID Needham, our surgeons will work with your care team to provide comprehensive care.

Inpatient Respiratory Therapy

If you spend time in the hospital, the Respiratory Therapy Department provides 24-hour therapeutic pulmonary diagnostic and treatment services.

We also offer office appointments Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Our Pulmonary Care Department

The Pulmonary Care Department provides 24-hour therapeutic pulmonary treatment services, as well as computerized lung function and capacity testing, for those spending time in the hospital.

We also offer office appointments Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.