by Sarah Warburton

Do you or a loved one cough, wheeze, and gasp for breath? COPD which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Dr. J. Georges Youssef is board-certified in Pulmonary Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine. He says, “The good news is that COPD is often preventable and new treatments allow for improved lung function and a much better quality of life than ever before!”

“We’ll start your assessment with a medical history and physical exam. I need to see if there’s any impairment in your lung function. Counseling and medical therapy to help you quit smoking is also offered…that’s a non-negotiable for the health of your lungs. If your COPD is advanced and your lung function is limited, I can also offer medical treatments like Bronchodilators and Oxygen therapy. COPD medicines do not cure COPD but they can help improve your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Lung Volume Reduction Surgery to remove the damaged parts of your lungs may be an option if you meet certain criteria. If you have severe Lung disease or end stage Lung disease, I’m also a lung transplant physician, so that’s a backup plan for which I’m prepared.”

“One of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for COPD is pulmonary rehabilitation. Just as physical therapy can strengthen your muscles and restore your movement, pulmonary rehab can strengthen your chest muscles and improve lung mechanics and pulmonary function and help you breathe. Pulmonary Rehab can reduce COPD symptoms, hospital readmission and improve your quality of life…and it may be available through your health insurance. Our pulmonary rehabilitation program offers substantial benefits in improving lung function, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for persons with chronic lung disease. We’re talking about an intense nine-week outpatient program that will really jumpstart your health and teach you how to exercise, increase your blood and oxygen flow, and rebuild the strength of your lungs. After the program is over, we’d recommend you join a gym (preferably a medical gym) to continue.”

Explore all your options for coping with COPD…and conquer the symptoms that are holding you back. Dr. Youssef says, “Getting into better shape, growing stronger, and getting the right treatment can allow you to lead an active life doing the things you like with the people you love!”

J. Georges Youssef, M.D.
713-781-4600
1429 Hwy. 6 South, Ste 303
Sugar Land, TX 77478