Breathing Better: Understanding COPD & Pulmonary Care
Breathing Better: Understanding COPD & Pulmonary Care with Pulmonologist Dr. Daniel Sousa, MD
Explanation of Pulmonology and the types of conditions most commonly treat.
Defining COPD what the major diseases are that fall under this umbrella.
Early signs or symptoms of COPD that people often overlook.
Smoking - the major risk factor for COPD.
Other causes of COPD such as environmental exposure, workplace irritants, or genetics like alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Diagnosis & Testing:
Description of pulmonary function testing (PFT) offered at Southcoast Health.
How PFT tests help diagnose COPD and what patients should expect during a PFT appointment.
The different stages of COPD that require different approaches.
Treatment & Symptom Management:
Typical treatment plans for COPD.
Effectiveness of inhalers and bronchodilators in managing COPD symptoms and how treatment plans are determined.
Lifestyle changes to significantly improve quality of life for someone living with COPD, in addition to medication.
COPD Interventions that help patients maintain lung function for as long as possible.
How to reduce risk of COPD flare-ups, especially during cold and flu season.
Respiratory Intervention & Mechanical Ventilation:
Explanation of intervention and mechanical ventilation and when it is necessary.
How to determine whether invasive and non-invasive ventilation options are needed.
Support and education that Southcoast offers for patients who require long-term or home ventilation.
Patient Support & Future Outlook
How patients are helped with COPD to manage activity levels, fatigue, and breathlessness.
What role pulmonary rehabilitation plays in COPD management, and who is typically a good candidate for it.
What symptoms indicate evaluation and when should someone should seek help for frequent coughing or shortness of breath.
Advancements or new treatments in pulmonary medicine.
Importance of lung cancer screening.
New medications on the market.
Counseling for pulmonary rehab.
BIO- Dr. Daniel Sousa MD
Dr. Sousa received his doctor of medicine degree from the university of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency program at Brown University School of medicine/Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Dr. Sousa completed his training and pulmonary/critical care medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence. Dr. Sousa has been practicing in the Fall River area since 2004. He serves on the Fall River Board of Health. He is a fellow in The College of Chest physicians. He is Board Certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine.
Dr. Sousa is fluent in Portugese.
Dr. Sousa
Dr. Sousa received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency program at Brown University School of Medicine/Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Dr. Sousa completed his training in pulmonary/critical care medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence.
Dr. Sousa has been practicing in the Fall River area since 2004. He serves on the Fall River Board of Health. He is a fellow in the College of Chest Physicians. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine.
Dr. Sousa is fluent in Portuguese.
Dr. Sousa received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency program at Brown University School of Medicine/Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Dr. Sousa completed his training in pulmonary/critical care medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence.
Dr. Sousa has been practicing in the Fall River area since 2004. He serves on the Fall River Board of Health. He is a fellow in the College of Chest Physicians. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine.
Dr. Sousa is fluent in Portuguese.