Dr. Karine Damiens – Pulmonologist | Terrebonne, QC

Dr. Karine Damiens is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at Hôpital Pierre-LeGardeur in Terrebonne, QC, Dr. Damiens is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Damiens is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Damiens focuses 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. Damiens serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Karine Damiens earned a Medical Degree in 2014. Following this, Dr. Damiens completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 11 years of specialized practice since 2014, Dr. Damiens's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Damiens 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. Damiens's medical practice philosophy include: empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management; collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. Damiens offers consultations in French.

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

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Helping patients manage symptoms of chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea associated with COPD.
• Bronchiectasis: Focusing on airway clearance techniques, antibiotic therapy for exacerbations, and preventing further lung damage.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Monitoring lung function and managing inflammation in patients with sarcoidosis affecting the lungs.

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

• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Expert interpretation of a full range of pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, bronchoprovocation) to assess lung health and diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.
• 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.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Expert review and interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, and other thoracic imaging studies to identify and assess lung abnormalities.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Damiens. 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. Karine Damiens 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 Pierre-LeGardeur, 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. Damiens frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus at Dr. Damiens's welcoming clinic is achieving reduced anxiety related to their breathing difficulties. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like carrying light loads without feeling severely winded.
• If feeling short of breath much of the time, even with little activity is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Damiens develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Damiens with concerns about needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve effective relief from symptoms related to pleural effusions, making a positive and lasting return to gardening or engaging in other light outdoor activities they enjoy not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Effectively addressing feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life with Dr. Damiens's comprehensive respiratory approach often leads to the desired outcome of learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath and social interactions.

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

Dr. Damiens practices at Hôpital Pierre-LeGardeur, situated in the Terrebonne West (Near Laval border) neighborhood of Terrebonne. The clinic is conveniently located near Vieux-Terrebonne Historic District and is accessible via exo (Secteur Terrebonne-Mascouche). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Damiens at Hôpital Pierre-LeGardeur?

A first visit with Dr. Damiens will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Damiens 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. Damiens 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 you to establish health goals.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Damiens 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. Damiens 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 Pierre-LeGardeur about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Damiens 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. Damiens 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. Damiens do?

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

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

Hôpital Pierre-LeGardeur
911 montée des Pionniers
Terrebonne, QC, J6V 2H2

Phone: (450) 654-7525

Dr. Karine Damiens 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: 14095

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14095

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