Question 1

What should should I expect during my visit?

Accepted Answer

During your initial visit, you will receive a complete history and physical examination and any appropriate laboratory work, chest x-rays, or breathing tests that the doctor feels are necessary will be arranged. If you have already had any x-rays or CT scans, please bring a copy of the study to your appointment. The initial visit will allow the doctor to assess your health needs and establish a treatment plan. Follow up visits will address the progress of your lung disease and review any test results. A complete report is sent to your referring physician.

Question 2

What common tests might be ordered by the Doctor during my visit?

Accepted Answer

-Complete Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) 
-Six minute walk test (6 MWT) 
-Ambulatory/pulse oximetry while walking 
-Chest X-ray 
-CT/CAT Scan of the Chest 
-Comprehensive laboratory evaluation 
-Polysomnogram (Sleep Study)

Question 3

Why should I quit smoking?

Accepted Answer

Though quitting can be difficult and stressful, the benefits of living tobacco-free far outweigh any of the struggles you may face while trying to quit. You will experience health benefits almost immediately: 
–20 minutes after quitting: Your blood pressure and pulse rate drop. Your hands and feet warm up as circulation returns to normal. 
–12 hours after quitting: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood decrease and oxygen levels return to normal, reducing your risk of heart disease. 
–24 hours after quitting: Your chance of heart attack decreases. 
–48 hours after quitting: Nerve endings in your mouth and throat regenerate, enhancing your ability to smell and taste. 
–Two weeks to three months after quitting: Your circulation continues to improve. Your aerobic capacity improves so that moderate activities, such as walking, become easier. 
–One to nine months after quitting: Smoking-related respiratory symptoms decrease, such as coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath. Your energy increases as fatigue decreases. Your lungs become stronger and are better able to fend off infection. 
–Five years after quitting: Risk of death from lung, mouth, throat and esophageal cancers decrease by half. Your risk of stroke becomes the same as that of a nonsmoker. 
–Ten years after quitting: Your risk of lung cancer death decreases to roughly half that of a person who still smokes. Normal cells replace precancerous cells in your respiratory tract.

Question 4

How do I quit smoking?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma Pulmonary Care offers a variety of smoking and tobacco cessation resources to help you quit:
 –In-office appointments to discuss ways to quit.
– Telephone Counseling Referrals to the Oklahoma Tobacco Help Line: 1-800-QUIT NOW(tel:1-800-QUIT%20NOW)
–Pharmaceutical Assistance Nicotine replacement therapy (gum or patches), if qualified. 
–Online Support Referrals to the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® online curriculum. 
–Mobile App (for Android and iPhone devices) quitSTART, a product of Smokefree.gov. 
–Printed Materials Information about the support services and resources available to you and your family.

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