Dr. Marc Charbonneau

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

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Treating progressive lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
• Asthma: Comprehensive care for reversible airway obstruction characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Lung Infections

• 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.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.

Pleural Diseases

• 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): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Charbonneau, 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: Developing strategies to slow disease progression, manage flare-ups, and enhance daily functioning for COPD patients.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Ensuring appropriate use and settings for home oxygen therapy.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Coordinating with pulmonary rehabilitation teams to support patients with chronic lung diseases.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Care for acute bronchitis and other infectious conditions affecting the lower respiratory tract.

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

At Cité de la Santé de Laval, Pneumologie, 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. Charbonneau frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Managing fluid buildup around their lungs making it hard to breathe effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Charbonneau and the medical team. The clear aim is always learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing and their daily routines without severe respiratory hindrance.
• For individuals troubled by a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away, Dr. Charbonneau's approach is focused on delivering an effective and personalized management plan for their chronic respiratory illness. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like reducing their reliance on rescue inhalers due to better baseline control with better lung health.
• Effectively addressing trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 with Dr. Charbonneau's comprehensive respiratory approach often leads to the desired outcome of being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in playing with their children or grandchildren with more ease and social interactions.
• Patients experiencing coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus often express a desire to improve their respiratory health and function. At Dr. Charbonneau's practice, a key objective is feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed.

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

Dr. Charbonneau's practice, Cité de la Santé de Laval, Pneumologie, is situated in the Chomedey North neighborhood of Laval. The clinic is conveniently located near Place Bell and is accessible via Société de transport de Laval (STL). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Charbonneau 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. Charbonneau 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 Cité de la Santé de Laval, Pneumologie about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Charbonneau 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. Charbonneau 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. Charbonneau at Cité de la Santé de Laval, Pneumologie?

The first visit with Dr. Charbonneau 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. Charbonneau 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. Charbonneau 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.

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

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

Cité de la Santé de Laval, Pneumologie
1755 boul René-Laennec
Laval, QC, H7M 3L9

Phone: (450) 668-1010

Dr. Marc Charbonneau 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: 86405

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=86405

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