Dr. Christopher Russell Carlsten – Pulmonologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Christopher Russell Carlsten is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist (Occupational Lung Disease Focus). Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Carlsten is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Carlsten is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in BC.

Dr. Carlsten serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions as a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. The goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for patients with breathing disorders. Dr. Carlsten combines expertise in Respirology with a specialized focus on diagnosing and managing lung diseases caused or aggravated by workplace exposures. This includes conditions like asbestosis, silicosis, and occupational asthma.

Dr. Christopher Russell Carlsten earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from Stanford University School Of Medicine, graduating in 2000. Following this, Dr. Carlsten completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 25 years of specialized practice since 2000, Dr. Carlsten's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology), with additional expertise in Occupational Lung Diseases. Dr. Carlsten is dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in respiratory medicine to provide optimal patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Carlsten's medical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle; empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care. Dr. Carlsten provides consultations in English.

As a Respirologist, Dr. Christopher Russell Carlsten 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): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.

Occupational Lung Diseases

• Asbestosis: Diagnosing and managing chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung scarring and shortness of breath.
• Silicosis: Treating lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a mineral found in sand, rock, and mineral ores, leading to lung fibrosis.

Airway Diseases

• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.

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

• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of various lung infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal pneumonia, and coordination of follow-up care.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• 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.
• Asthma Management and Education: Ongoing management and support for individuals living with asthma of all severities.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Care for individuals with permanently damaged and widened airways to reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Carlsten. 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. Christopher Russell Carlsten adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Christopher Russell Carlsten's practice, 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. Carlsten frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Carlsten expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of feeling short of breath much of the time, even with little activity. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by reduced anxiety related to their breathing difficulties, means they can happily and comfortably get back to playing with their children or grandchildren with more ease.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Carlsten with concerns about wanting to understand their lung function test results. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing, making a positive and lasting return to participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Understanding the frustration fluid buildup around their lungs making it hard to breathe can cause, Dr. Carlsten tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve an improved overall quality of life despite living with a chronic lung condition, allowing for renewed participation in activities like feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath.
• Dr. Carlsten provides dedicated support for patients going through their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses, always aiming for positive outcomes like clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as managing their personal care and hygiene independently.

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

Dr. Carlsten's respiratory clinic in Vancouver is situated in the Fairview neighborhood, conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor. The clinic is easily accessible via TransLink, utilizing the SkyTrain (Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Carlsten covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Carlsten are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, 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 the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Carlsten at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Carlsten 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. Carlsten 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. Carlsten will discuss their 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.

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Carlsten for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Carlsten has the necessary background medical information. Patients should speak with their primary care physician or referring doctor if they believe they need a respiratory assessment.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Carlsten?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency for prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, inhalers, and supplements), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports (Chest X-ray, CT scans – reports are often more useful than just the images themselves initially), any previous Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results, and a list of any questions you have. If you use inhalers, it's helpful to bring them to check technique. If being assessed for sleep apnea, a sleep diary or information from a bed partner can be useful.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Carlsten 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. Carlsten 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. Carlsten 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. Carlsten 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.

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

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

7th Floor-2775 Laurel St, Diamond Health Care Centre
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-4122

Dr. Christopher Russell Carlsten is a licensed Respirologist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 29742

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332606/Carlsten%2CChristopher

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