Dr. Kathleen Anne Ferguson

As a Respirologist, Dr. Kathleen Anne Ferguson diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.
• 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: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Ferguson, 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: 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.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Ensuring appropriate use and settings for home oxygen therapy.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ferguson. 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. Kathleen Anne Ferguson 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. Kathleen Anne Ferguson'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. Ferguson frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses with Dr. Ferguson's comprehensive respiratory approach often leads to the desired outcome of a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day and social interactions.
• Dr. Ferguson's comprehensive care for a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and needing specialized care is meticulously designed to result in quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath without severe breathing worries.
• Dr. Ferguson often consults with patients whose experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment significantly limits their enjoyment of enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or around their neighborhood or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Understanding the frustration difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs can cause, Dr. Ferguson tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible, allowing for renewed participation in activities like concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms.

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

Dr. Ferguson's respiratory clinic in Penticton is situated in the Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, Naramata Bench (Rural South) neighborhood of Penticton. The clinic is conveniently located near Penticton Public Library and is accessible via South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

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

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Ferguson 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. Ferguson 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. Ferguson 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Ferguson at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Ferguson 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. Ferguson 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. Ferguson 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Ferguson 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. Ferguson 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.

102-3310 Skaha Lake Rd, Medsleep Penticton
Penticton, BC, V2A 6G4

Phone: (236) 422-3022

Dr. Kathleen Anne Ferguson 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: 23144

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/308345/Ferguson%2CKathleen

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