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Facts about Dyspnea and Chronic Cough
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, affects thousands of patients each year. There are many possible causes of dyspnea, most of which are related to the lungs and the heart. A decrease in the lungs' ability to provide oxygen to the blood may be one cause of dyspnea. A decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood through the body may also cause dyspnea. Dyspnea is therefore difficult to diagnose and treat because it may involve the heart, the lungs, or both systems.
If you suffer from shortness of breath or chronic cough, it may be caused by more than a simple lack of exercise or a cold. It could be a symptom signifying a lung, heart or digestive disorder. Illnesses that might cause shortness of breath or chronic cough are asthma, emphysema, upper respiratory infections, congestive heart failure and digestive disorders. Fortunately, these are illnesses that often can be treated successfully.
The Dyspnea/Cough Clinic
Phone: 734-763-7668
Toll free: 1-888-284-5864
The Dyspnea and Cough Clinic is a multidisciplinary program for the diagnosis and treatment of shortness of breath and chronic cough. This means that specialists from many areas come together in one location so that a patient can receive all the expert treatment recommendations in just one visit. This group approach provides the best treatment advice for the patient because decisions are made jointly by all the specialists.
The University of Michigan Medical Center established the Dyspnea Clinic to specifically address the diagnosis and treatment of shortness of breath. Patients referred to the
Dyspnea Clinic will be evaluated during a single visit by a lung specialist or pulmonologist, and a heart specialist or cardiologist who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of dyspnea. Same-day diagnostic testing will be provided, including pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas sampling, echocardiography, and exercise testing. A nurse from the Dyspnea Clinic works with the physicians to coordinate all necessary appointments and laboratory tests and to assist patients while they are being evaluated. The nurse will also be happy to answer any questions a patient may have after returning home.
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