COPD and asthma care in Hudson and Trinity, FL
Breathing tests, inhaler guidance, and a clear action plan to help you breathe easier day to day.
- Dr. John Hanna, MDInternal medicine physician · Trinity and Hudson
- Miranda McWhirter, APRN, AGACNP-BCAdult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner · Hudson
- Amanda Durrett, APRN, FNP-BCFamily nurse practitioner · Trinity
Your provider is matched to your needs and the office you choose.
COPD and asthma care is ongoing treatment for adults with chronic lung conditions that affect breathing. It may include breathing tests, a review of symptoms and triggers, inhaler selection and technique coaching, a written action plan for flare ups, vaccine review, support for quitting tobacco, and coordination with pulmonology when needed.
COPD and asthma care is ongoing treatment for adults who live with chronic lung conditions. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma causes the airways to swell and tighten, often in response to triggers. At our Hudson and Trinity offices, Internal Medicine MD helps adults with both conditions breathe more comfortably, stay active, and plan ahead for flare ups.
What COPD and asthma care includes
Good lung care starts with an accurate diagnosis and a plan you can follow every day.
- Breathing tests to measure how well your lungs move air, when available (call the office to confirm)
- A review of symptoms, triggers, activity level, and past flare ups
- Inhaler and medication selection based on your diagnosis and needs
- Inhaler technique coaching, since correct use helps medicine reach the lungs
- A written action plan for what to do when symptoms change
- A review of recommended vaccines for adults with lung conditions
- Support for quitting tobacco, including options to discuss with your provider
- Referral and coordination with pulmonology or pulmonary rehabilitation when helpful
COPD and asthma share some symptoms, such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, but they are treated differently. Some adults have features of both. Breathing tests help your provider tell them apart and choose the right treatment.
What to expect at your visit
Your first visit includes a review of your breathing history, symptoms, triggers, work and home exposures, tobacco history, and any past hospital visits for breathing problems. Bring all of your inhalers and other medications, including ones you use only sometimes. Your provider may ask you to show how you use each inhaler.
If breathing tests are needed, office breathing tests such as an oxygen level check or peak flow measurement may be done during your visit. Contact the office to confirm availability. Formal lung function testing such as spirometry can be arranged when your provider recommends it. Your provider will tell you if you should skip any inhalers before the test.
After your evaluation, you will receive a treatment plan that may include a daily controller medicine, a rescue inhaler, and steps for handling flare ups. Follow up visits check how often you have symptoms, how well your medicines are working, and how active you are able to be. Treatment is adjusted over time as your needs change. Some follow up visits can be done by telehealth.
Helpful daily habits include taking controller medicine as prescribed, avoiding smoke and known triggers, staying active within your comfort level, and keeping your rescue inhaler with you.
Have questions about your care?
Breathing tests and treatments in the office
Your provider uses several tools to understand your breathing and adjust treatment:
- Office breathing tests, with formal lung function testing such as spirometry arranged when needed, to measure airflow and check your response to an inhaler
- Pulse oximetry, a fingertip check of your oxygen level
- Peak expiratory flow, a simple handheld test that can track asthma control
- Nebulized bronchodilator treatments in the office during a flare, when appropriate
- Walking oxygen checks and six minute walk testing, to see how oxygen levels hold up with activity
- Oxygen therapy evaluation, including starting and adjusting home oxygen when it is needed
These tests and treatments are offered across our Trinity and Hudson offices. Availability can vary by procedure, provider and scheduling. Contact the office to confirm the appropriate location for your appointment.
Asthma and COPD care for adults
Adults with asthma or COPD often also manage heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, which is where an internal medicine team helps. Our providers see adults at the Trinity and Hudson offices and coordinate with pulmonology when needed. New patients age 18 and older are welcome. Appointment availability is determined by the office. Learn the difference between asthma and COPD in adults.
Who this care is for
This care is for adults with COPD, asthma, or long lasting symptoms such as cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath with activity. It also supports people who have had recent flare ups, people who use a rescue inhaler often, and current or former smokers who want their lungs checked. Adults with COPD or asthma and another chronic condition may also qualify for Chronic Care Management.
Insurance and coverage
Coverage depends on your plan. Contact the office to verify participation. Benefits for inhalers and other medications can differ, so ask about them when you call.
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, trouble speaking in full sentences, blue or gray lips or fingertips, confusion, or a rescue inhaler that is not helping.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between COPD and asthma?
Asthma causes airway swelling and tightening that often comes and goes with triggers. COPD is a long term lung condition, usually linked to smoking or other exposures, that makes it harder to move air out of the lungs.
How is COPD diagnosed?
COPD is usually diagnosed with a breathing test called spirometry, part of pulmonary function testing, along with a review of your symptoms and history. Contact the office to confirm whether this testing is available at your visit.
Am I using my inhaler correctly?
Many people benefit from a quick technique check. Bring your inhalers to your visit, and your provider can watch you use them and offer tips.
What vaccines are recommended for people with COPD or asthma?
Adults with lung conditions are often advised to stay current on vaccines such as flu and pneumonia vaccines, along with others based on age and health. Your provider will review which ones are right for you.
Can adults develop asthma later in life?
Yes. Asthma can begin at any age, including in older adults. Breathing tests help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Do you give nebulizer treatments in the office?
Nebulized bronchodilator treatments can be given in the office during a flare when appropriate. Availability can vary by procedure, provider and scheduling. Contact the office to confirm the appropriate location for your appointment.
Can you check my oxygen level when I walk?
Walking oxygen checks and six minute walk testing are offered across our Trinity and Hudson offices to see how oxygen levels hold up with activity. Availability can vary by procedure, provider and scheduling. Contact the office to confirm the appropriate location for your appointment.
This content is provided for general educational information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical needs and treatment options vary from person to person. If you have questions about your health or whether a service may be appropriate for you, contact Internal Medicine MD to speak with a member of the care team or schedule an appointment with a qualified medical provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
Related care
Book your visit in Hudson or Trinity.
New patients age 18 and older are welcome. Appointment availability is determined by the office.