Dr. Ann-Sophie Laroche

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

Pleural Diseases

• 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.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Evaluating and managing a wide range of less common ILDs, including those associated with connective tissue diseases, drug-induced ILD, and unclassifiable ILDs.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Comprehensive care for reversible airway obstruction characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.

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

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Coordinating with pulmonary rehabilitation teams to support patients with chronic lung diseases.
• COPD Management and Education: Multifaceted approach to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, focusing on symptom relief, smoking cessation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Diagnosing the cause of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and managing them, which may include therapeutic thoracentesis (fluid drainage) in an outpatient setting if appropriate.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Laroche. 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. Ann-Sophie Laroche adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CHAUR de Trois-Rivières, 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. Laroche frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough with Dr. Laroche's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to being able to be more physically active without severe breathlessness and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy playing with their children or grandchildren with more ease once more.
• With Dr. Laroche's compassionate and skilled respiratory care, managing needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly is focused on achieving feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child being able to keep up with peers during play and sports without severe breathing concerns.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Laroche when they first notice experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment. Through personalized respiratory care, the goal is to achieve successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue, enabling them to once again enjoy performing daily household chores like cleaning or grocery shopping without significant difficulty without hesitation.
• Understanding the frustration their asthma not being well-controlled, with frequent attacks or need for their rescue inhaler can cause, Dr. Laroche tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve early detection of lung cancer, leading to better treatment options, allowing for renewed participation in activities like returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.

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

Dr. Laroche practices at CHAUR de Trois-Rivières, located in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Les Rivières Mall and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Can Dr. Laroche help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Laroche 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. Laroche 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Laroche at CHAUR de Trois-Rivières?

The first visit with Dr. Laroche will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact their daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Laroche will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system (listening to the lungs, observing breathing patterns). Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Laroche will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with the patient to establish health goals.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Laroche 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 (how much air the lungs can hold), airflow rates (how quickly air can be moved in and out), and gas exchange (how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood). Dr. Laroche 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Laroche 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. Laroche are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, provided the patient has 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 for patients to inquire with CHAUR de Trois-Rivières about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Laroche do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Laroche is a medical doctor (physician) 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.

CHAUR de Trois-Rivières
1991 boul du Carmel
Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 3R9

Phone: (819) 697-3333

Dr. Ann-Sophie Laroche 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: 16813

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16813

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Laroche. Dr. Laroche 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.