Dr. Christine Drapeau

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

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• 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.

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Diagnosing and managing all forms of asthma, including allergic, non-allergic, exercise-induced, and occupational asthma, in adults and children.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Treating progressive lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

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

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Utilizing PFT results to guide diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: In-depth consultation to diagnose lung conditions, assess breathing difficulties, and formulate a personalized management plan.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• Asthma Management and Education: Ongoing management and support for individuals living with asthma of all severities.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.

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

At Centre Hospitalier Régional 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. Drapeau frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks to wellness often involves Dr. Drapeau's dedicated care. The milestone is learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways, which opens the door back to activities such as laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness.
• Are you struggling with their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses? Dr. Drapeau partners with patients to target better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as managing their inhalers or other respiratory medications correctly and effectively a much more achievable reality.
• If difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs is preventing you from fully enjoying taking deep, satisfying breaths more often or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Drapeau offers expert respiratory solutions. The primary aim is to achieve a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Overcoming or effectively managing living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better is a common journey for patients under Dr. Drapeau's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their child experiencing fewer asthma attacks and participating more fully in activities, so that daily routines and pleasures like managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Drapeau practices at Centre Hospitalier Régional de Trois-Rivières, situated in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic is conveniently located near Historic Downtown Trois-Rivières and is accessible via Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Drapeau at Centre Hospitalier Régional de Trois-Rivières?

The first visit with Dr. Drapeau 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. Drapeau 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. Drapeau 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Drapeau 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. Drapeau 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 Centre Hospitalier Régional de Trois-Rivières about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Drapeau 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. Drapeau 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.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Drapeau 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. Drapeau 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 does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Drapeau do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Drapeau 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.

Centre Hospitalier Régional de Trois-Rivières
1991 boul du Carmel
Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 3R9

Phone: (819) 372-3567

Dr. Christine Drapeau 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: 10344

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=10344

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