Dr. Marilyne Brault

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

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

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

Airway Diseases

• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.
• Chronic Bronchitis: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.
• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.

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

• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: In-depth consultation to diagnose lung conditions, assess breathing difficulties, and formulate a personalized management plan.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.
• 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. Brault. 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. Marilyne Brault 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 régional de Saint-Jérôme, 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. Brault frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs is a primary concern, Dr. Brault focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in effective relief from symptoms related to pleural effusions. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing.
• When pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Brault helps patients strive for successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. This makes participating in activities such as reducing their reliance on rescue inhalers due to better baseline control a pleasant and possible experience again.
• A key objective when treating coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus at Dr. Brault's welcoming clinic is achieving feeling more confident in managing their respiratory condition day-to-day. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing.
• Managing unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Brault and the medical team. The clear aim is always slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or around their neighborhood and their daily routines without severe respiratory hindrance.

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

Dr. Brault practices at Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme, situated in the Downtown Saint-Jérôme, Saint-Antoine Sector neighborhood of Saint-Jérôme. The clinic is conveniently located near Gare Saint-Jérôme (Train/Bus) and is accessible via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Brault?

To ensure a comprehensive assessment, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card), the referral letter from your physician, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency for prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, inhalers, and supplements), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports (Chest X-ray, CT scans - reports are often more useful than just the images themselves initially), any previous Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results, and a list of any questions you have. If you use inhalers, it's helpful to bring them to check your technique. If being assessed for sleep apnea, a sleep diary or information from a bed partner can be useful.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Brault is a medical doctor specializing 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Brault 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. Brault 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 régional de Saint-Jérôme 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. Brault at Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme?

Your first visit with Dr. Brault 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. Brault 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. Brault 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 you to establish health goals.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Brault 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. Brault 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. Brault 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. Brault 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.

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

In QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Brault for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Brault has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme
290 rue de Montigny
Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 5T3

Phone: (450) 432-2777

Dr. Marilyne Brault 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: 19343

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=19343

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