Dr. Mehdi Keshmiri

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

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Comprehensive care for reversible airway obstruction characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.

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).
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• 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.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.

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

• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of various lung infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal pneumonia, and coordination of follow-up care.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Ensuring patients can effectively self-administer their prescribed respiratory medications for optimal therapeutic benefit.

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

• Managing wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Keshmiri and the medical team. The clear aim is always feeling more confident in managing their respiratory condition day-to-day, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying carrying light loads without feeling severely winded and their daily routines without severe respiratory hindrance.
• When feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Keshmiri helps patients strive for learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways. This makes participating in activities such as singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion a pleasant and possible experience again.
• For patients where needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly is a primary concern, Dr. Keshmiri focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing.
• Overcoming or effectively managing difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs is a common journey for patients under Dr. Keshmiri's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible, so that daily routines and pleasures like managing their inhalers or other respiratory medications correctly and effectively become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Keshmiri's respiratory clinic in Abbotsford is situated in the Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near The Reach Gallery Museum and is accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

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

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

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

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Keshmiri 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. Keshmiri 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. Keshmiri 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. Keshmiri 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. Keshmiri at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Keshmiri 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. Keshmiri 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. Keshmiri 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.

420-2151 McCallum Rd
Abbotsford, BC, V2S 3N8

Phone: (604) 853-8810

Dr. Mehdi Keshmiri 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: 26521

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/325412/Keshmiri%2CMehdi

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