Dr. Francesco Sava

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

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Diagnosing and managing all forms of asthma, including allergic, non-allergic, exercise-induced, and occupational asthma, in adults and children.
• 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.

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.

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Involvement in the diagnosis and respiratory management of active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent TB infection, often in collaboration with public health.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

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

• 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: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Coordinating with pulmonary rehabilitation teams to support patients with chronic lung diseases.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Sava. 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. Francesco Sava 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 Charles-Le Moyne, 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. Sava frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19, Dr. Sava offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach reduced anxiety related to their breathing difficulties. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of reducing their reliance on rescue inhalers due to better baseline control.
• Dr. Sava understands that dealing with finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition, helping patients comfortably get back to their child being able to keep up with peers during play and sports and feeling their best.
• Dr. Sava's comprehensive care for concerns about a shadow or spot found on their lung X-ray or CT scan is meticulously designed to result in better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless without severe breathing worries.
• For patients where a family history of lung disease and wanting to understand their risk is a primary concern, Dr. Sava focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully being able to lie flat in bed comfortably (for some conditions).

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

Dr. Sava's practice, Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne, is situated in a central location within the Greenfield Park neighborhood of Greenfield Park. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Sava 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. Sava 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. Sava 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. Sava 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 Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

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

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Sava 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. Sava 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. Sava at Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne?

The first visit with Dr. Sava 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. Sava 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. Sava will discuss his 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.

Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne
3120 boul Taschereau
Greenfield Park, QC, J4V 2H1

Phone: (450) 466-5000

Dr. Francesco Sava 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: 11098

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=11098

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