More than 37 million Americans live with chronic lung disease, a group of conditions that affect your ability to breathe. At his practice in Glen Burnie, Maryland, Mahesh S. Ochaney, MD, diagnoses and treats various lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in teenagers and adults. To schedule an appointment, call the office, or book online today. The practice also offers telehealth appointments during normal business hours, after business hours, and on weekends.

request an appointment

What is lung disease?

Lung diseases are ailments affecting your lung tissue, airways, or the circulation of blood in and out of your lungs.

Without early diagnosis and treatment, lung disease worsens over time. As your condition progresses, you might find it difficult to work, exercise, or perform other routine tasks. In severe instances, lung disease can lead to respiratory failure.

What are the types of lung disease?

Dr. Ochaney treats various types of lung disease, including:

Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease that causes your airways to swell and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. It usually starts in childhood but can occur at any time. Asthma varies in severity. For some, it’s a minor annoyance; for others, it triggers potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD causes your lungs to become inflamed. Over time, this inflammation thickens the lining of your lungs, causing shortness of breath and wheezing. COPD typically occurs due to smoking, air pollution, or occupational exposure to chemicals.

Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of more than 200 disorders characterized by the scarring of your lung tissue. As the scarring progresses, your lungs change shape, making it difficult for them to expand. Common symptoms of interstitial lung disease include a dry cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.

How is lung disease diagnosed?

To diagnose lung disease, Dr. Ochaney reviews your health history, asks about your lifestyle and symptoms, and conducts a comprehensive physical. If these measures aren’t enough to pinpoint the underlying source of your discomfort, he might recommend additional diagnostic procedures like:

  • Blood tests
  • Pulmonary function tests (spirometry)
  • Pulse oximetry
  • Chest X-ray
  • Chest computed tomography (CT) scan

Once Dr. Ochaney determines the cause of your symptoms, he develops a custom treatment plan that aligns with your needs.

How is lung disease treated?

Treatment for lung disease typically includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication. Often, quitting smoking is enough to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. You might also benefit from losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Some of the medications that Dr. Ochaney uses to manage lung disease include:

  • Bronchodilators
  • Inhaled steroids
  • Combination inhalers
  • Oral steroids
  • Antibiotics

The most beneficial medication depends on your age, health history, and type of lung disease.

To learn more about lung disease treatment, request a consultation at the practice of Mahesh S. Ochaney, MD, by calling the office or booking online today.