COPD doctors in Charlotte
A cough that won’t go away, or getting out of breath on the stairs, isn’t just getting older. It can be COPD. Our providers in Charlotte test your breathing in the clinic, assess non-severe flare-ups and provide treatment when appropriate, and help you breathe easier with the right inhalers, a plan to quit smoking and regular follow-ups.
- ✓ Breathing tests (spirometry) done in the clinic
- ✓ Breathing treatments and other flare-up medicines when appropriate
- ✓ Inhalers prescribed and adjusted at follow-ups
- ✓ Help to quit smoking
- ✓ Two Charlotte clinics, open 7 days a week, walk-ins welcome
- ✓ Referral to a lung specialist or pulmonary rehab when you need it
Apply online, and we call you within 1 to 2 business days to book your first visit at Steele Creek. For a non-severe flare-up, seek prompt assessment at either clinic. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing or talking, blue or gray lips, new confusion, a very fast heartbeat, or symptoms not responding to prescribed treatment. Do not wait for an appointment.
On this page
SymptomsWhy treat itWho is at riskBreathing testsHow we treat itWhen to call 911Near youBecome a patientInsuranceOur clinics
COPD symptoms
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a group of lung diseases, mainly emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that get worse over time. NHLBI lists these symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- An ongoing cough, sometimes called a smoker’s cough. This is often the first symptom
- Wheezing or a whistling sound when you breathe
- Chest tightness or heaviness
- Feeling very tired
Sources: NHLBI, COPD Symptoms and CDC, About COPD
NHLBI says COPD affects more than 14 million adults in the United States, and many others don’t know they have it.
Why treat COPD early
COPD gets worse over time, and lung damage can’t be undone. Without care:
- Symptoms can suddenly get worse in flare-ups, often from an infection or from dust or smoke
- Lung infections can cause serious problems
- Heart disease and other conditions are common with COPD
- NHLBI says COPD is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States
Sources: NHLBI, COPD Symptoms and CDC, About COPD and NHLBI, What Is COPD?
The good news: treatment can ease your symptoms, prevent flare-ups and help you stay active. The CDC says quitting smoking is the most important part of treatment for smokers with COPD.
Who is at risk for COPD
- Smoking, the main cause in the United States
- Secondhand smoke
- Breathing hazards at work or in the environment, such as dust or fumes
- A family history of COPD
- Asthma
- A genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Getting older
Sources: CDC, About COPD and NHLBI, What Is COPD?
Breathing tests in the clinic
Your provider reviews your symptoms and history and uses spirometry to assess airflow, sometimes before and after inhaled medicine. We offer spirometry in the clinic; additional testing may be needed. A chest X-ray at our Steele Creek clinic can look for other causes or complications but cannot diagnose COPD.
Source: CDC, About COPD
How we treat COPD
| Step | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Quitting smoking | The most important part of treatment if you smoke. Your provider helps you with a plan and medicine to quit. |
| Inhalers | Medicines that open your airways and ease your breathing, adjusted at your follow-ups. |
| Flare-ups | Your provider assesses the severity and cause. Treatment may include medicines that open the airways, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and antibiotics when a bacterial infection is suspected. Severe symptoms need emergency care. |
| Vaccines | Lung infections can be serious with COPD. Your provider reviews which vaccines you need, such as flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia vaccines. |
| Oxygen and pulmonary rehab | Your provider checks whether you need specialist assessment for oxygen therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation. New or severe low oxygen requires urgent assessment; call 911 for severe breathing trouble, confusion or blue or gray lips. |
| Specialists | If your COPD is hard to control, we’re happy to find you higher-level care with a lung specialist. |
Sources: CDC, About COPD and NHLBI, COPD Symptoms
COPD often comes with high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. We manage them together in one office. Also see asthma and all the chronic conditions we manage.
When to call 911
- You’re having a hard time catching your breath or talking
- Your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray
- Your heartbeat is very fast
- New confusion or symptoms not responding to prescribed treatment
- Anything seems life-threatening
Source: NHLBI, COPD Symptoms
COPD care near you in Charlotte
Looking for a COPD doctor near you? Walk in for assessment of a non-severe flare-up or an appropriate breathing test. Severe breathing trouble or symptoms not responding to prescribed treatment need emergency care. Plaza Midwood is a short drive from NoDa, Elizabeth and Uptown. Steele Creek is close to Berewick, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill and Ballantyne.
| Clinic | Close to |
|---|---|
| Steele Creek | Steele Creek, Berewick, Rivergate, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, Pineville, South Charlotte, Ballantyne and southwest Charlotte |
| Plaza Midwood | Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Elizabeth, Midtown, Uptown, Villa Heights and east Charlotte |
Become a patient for COPD care
Apply online, and our team calls you within 1 to 2 business days. Your first visit is an annual physical at our Steele Creek clinic, where your provider reviews your history, medicines and labs. After that, follow-ups can be at either clinic, and you can walk in for non-severe worsening symptoms. Severe breathing trouble or symptoms not responding to prescribed treatment need emergency care.
Our primary care is for adults.
Insurance
- Copay: paid at your visit.
- Coinsurance: collected at your visit.
- Deductible: if you still owe part of your deductible, we bill your insurance first, then send you a bill for the rest.
Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and TRICARE East. We don’t take HMO plans tied to one doctor or hospital system.
Medicare: Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans.
Check with your insurance plan about your coverage, including for lab tests. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Our clinics in Charlotte
| Clinic | What’s here |
|---|---|
| Steele Creek | 2114 Freeman Park Dr, Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28273. (980) 880-5588. First visits (annual physicals), follow-ups, walk-ins. |
| Plaza Midwood | 2017 Central Ave, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28205. (704) 731-8656. Follow-ups and walk-ins. |
| Hours (both) | Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm |
Apply to be a patientCome in today
Sources
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. Your provider decides the treatment that fits your health.
Related care
Chronic careAsthmaHigh blood pressurePrimary careAnnual physicals
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