Dr. Andrée-Anne Gagnon-Audet

As a Pneumologue (Respirologue), Dr. Andrée-Anne Gagnon-Audet diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Diagnosing and treating infections that inflame the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus (e.g., bacterial, viral, fungal).
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Gagnon-Audet, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• Asthma Management and Education: Comprehensive care for asthma patients, including personalized treatment plans, inhaler technique training, trigger identification, and asthma action plans.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gagnon-Audet. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Andrée-Anne Gagnon-Audet adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Gagnon-Audet frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe, Dr. Gagnon-Audet provides solutions that lead to slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.
• Dr. Gagnon-Audet expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their asthma not being well-controlled, with frequent attacks or need for their rescue inhaler. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook, means they can happily and comfortably get back to sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed.
• Are you struggling with concerns about a shadow or spot found on their lung X-ray or CT scan? Dr. Gagnon-Audet partners with patients to target a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as gardening or engaging in other light outdoor activities they enjoy a much more achievable reality.
• Dr. Gagnon-Audet often consults with patients whose trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 significantly limits their enjoyment of traveling by car or plane with greater comfort or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Gagnon-Audet, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Gagnon-Audet is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Gagnon-Audet practices at Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme, situated in the Downtown Saint-Jérôme, Saint-Antoine Sector neighborhood of Saint-Jérôme. The clinic is conveniently located near Cégep de Saint-Jérôme and is accessible via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Gagnon-Audet at Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme?

A first visit with Dr. Gagnon-Audet typically involves a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how symptoms impact daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and previous treatments. Dr. Gagnon-Audet will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system. Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Gagnon-Audet will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Gagnon-Audet covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Gagnon-Audet are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies ordered by a specialist are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments depending on provincial formularies and private insurance. It's always best to inquire with Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Gagnon-Audet do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Gagnon-Audet is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and cough, and enhance the quality of life for people with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

Can Dr. Gagnon-Audet help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Gagnon-Audet are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). After a thorough assessment, Dr. Gagnon-Audet develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing appropriate inhaler medications (relievers and controllers), educating patients on correct inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation if beneficial. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Gagnon-Audet recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume, airflow rates, and gas exchange. Dr. Gagnon-Audet might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Gagnon-Audet?

In QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Gagnon-Audet for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Gagnon-Audet has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme
290 rue de Montigny
Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 5T3

Phone: (450) 432-2777

Dr. Andrée-Anne Gagnon-Audet is a licensed Pneumologue (Respirologue) in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 14762

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14762

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Gagnon-Audet. Dr. Gagnon-Audet and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.