Breathing & lungs

    Our approach to breathing and lung care

    Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a number of conditions that affect the lungs, airways and blood vessels carrying blood into and out of the lungs.

    The first step to breathing easier: Make an appointment with a member of SIU’s pulmonology team to see what is causing your lung problem, and learn how relief is possible. 

    We have physicians with extensive clinical experience and innovative treatment programs to advance the science of respiratory care. Whether you are experiencing new symptoms related to a lung disorder or have already received a diagnosis, our specialists provide a thorough evaluation and advanced treatment options. 

    SIU’s academic medical care is focused on collaboration and innovations that are driven by research. We provide patients with state-of-the-art diagnostic evaluations, risk assessments, treatments and pulmonary rehabilitation services.

    For example, SIU Medicine is home to one of only five lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) programs in the nation. This cardiothoracic procedure is commonly performed to improve the health of patients suffering from lung cancer, emphysema or COPD.

    Specializing in breathing and lung care

    Lung volume reduction surgery

    SIU Medicine, in partnership with Memorial Medical Center, is one of only a handful of sites accredited to perform lung volume reduction surgeries. Cardiothoracic surgeon Stephen Hazelrigg, MD, shares how the procedure can give new life to patients with COPD and emphysema.

    Remote video URL

    Latest news

    Decatur Specialty Clinic to offer pulmonary care

    SIU Medicine will offer pulmonary care appointments at its Decatur Specialty Clinic. Appointments will be available on the first and third Monday of each month. Providers include Dr. Omar Abdulfattah

    Latest blog articles

    sinus issues

    Sinus issues 101

    The sinuses consist of air spaces in your skull and facial bones, specifically within your forehead, inside your cheekbones and behind the nose. These air spaces make up the upper part of your
    Asthma

    All about asthma

    Asthma is a common ailment—1 in 13 people in the United States have it according to the CDC. Over the past several years, the incidence of asthma has been increasing, too. Fortunately, asthma can be
    blog-lung-cancer-awareness

    Lung cancer prevention tips

    Lung cancer claims the lives of 433 Americans every day, according to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. The best way to eradicate this devastating disease is to prevent it from occurring. Here
    blog-pediatric-pneumonia

    What parents need to know about pediatric pneumonia

    According to the World Health Organization, there are 156 million cases of pneumonia each year in children younger than five years; as many as 20 million cases are severe enough that they require