Dr. Maria Luisa Castro Codesal

As a Respirologist, Dr. Maria Luisa Castro Codesal diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Lung Infections

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

Airway Diseases

• Bronchiectasis: Care for individuals with persistent cough, copious sputum, and frequent respiratory infections due to bronchiectasis.
• Asthma: Diagnosing and managing all forms of asthma, including allergic, non-allergic, exercise-induced, and occupational asthma, in adults and children.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Treating progressive lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.
• 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.

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

• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Advocating for participation in structured exercise and education programs tailored for individuals with respiratory conditions.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Codesal. 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. Maria Luisa Castro Codesal adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Maria Luisa Castro Codesal'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. Codesal frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Codesal about living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better is to attain a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day.
• The journey from feeling short of breath much of the time, even with little activity to wellness often involves Dr. Codesal's dedicated care. The milestone is feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care, which opens the door back to activities such as sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Codesal with concerns about pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their child experiencing fewer asthma attacks and participating more fully in activities, making a positive and lasting return to climbing a small hill or incline with improved endurance not just possible, but highly feasible.
• The path to improved respiratory wellness, especially when facing unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough, involves working systematically towards successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. Dr. Codesal expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness.

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

Dr. Codesal's practice, a pediatric respiratory clinic in Edmonton, is situated in the S Central: University of Alberta, Garneau, Windsor Park neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near University Hospital and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Codesal covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Codesal are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, 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. Codesal at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Codesal 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. Codesal 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. Codesal 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 the patient to establish health goals.

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

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

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

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

Yes, in AB, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Codesal for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Codesal 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.

8440 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7

Phone: (780) 248-5650

Dr. Maria Luisa Castro Codesal is a licensed Respirologist in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

License Number: 020217

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=279d580f-b9aa-46c5-bd41-489fc9c1daea&i=250

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