Dr. Philippe Nguyen

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

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.
• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.

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.
• 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.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Diagnosing and managing this chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs with no known cause.

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

• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Utilizing PFT results to guide diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Nguyen. 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. Philippe Nguyen 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 de Verdun, 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. Nguyen frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly with Dr. Nguyen's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy gardening or engaging in other light outdoor activities they enjoy once more.
• For individuals troubled by difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs, Dr. Nguyen's approach is focused on delivering feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath with better lung health.
• Through Dr. Nguyen's skilled guidance and modern medical techniques, patients suffering from living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better often find they can readily achieve breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like managing their personal care and hygiene independently.
• Dr. Nguyen's comprehensive care for worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs 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 carrying light loads without feeling severely winded without severe breathing worries.

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

Dr. Nguyen's practice, Hôpital de Verdun, is situated in a central location within the Verdun neighborhood of Verdun. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

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

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

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Nguyen recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are non-invasive breathing tests measuring lung function. They assess lung volume, airflow rates, and gas exchange. Dr. Nguyen might recommend PFTs to diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, or pulmonary fibrosis; assess disease severity; monitor progression; or evaluate treatment effectiveness. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Nguyen 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. Nguyen are typically covered by RAMQ in QC, with a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies are usually covered. However, some treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some inhalers), or medications may have co-payments or not be fully covered. Inquire with Hôpital de Verdun about potential costs and check with your private insurance.

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

A Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Nguyen is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing lung and respiratory system diseases. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance quality of life. They use tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, and oxygen therapy.

How is a Respirologist different from a Thoracic Surgeon or an Allergist?

While all three may deal with breathing conditions, their approaches differ. Thoracic Surgeons perform chest surgeries, including lung surgeries. Allergists diagnose and treat allergic conditions, including allergic asthma. Respirologists like Dr. Nguyen focus on the non-surgical diagnosis and medical management of a broad range of lung and respiratory diseases, using medications, inhaler therapies, and procedures like bronchoscopy. They often coordinate long-term care for chronic illnesses.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Nguyen at Hôpital de Verdun?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, current respiratory symptoms, their impact on daily activities, smoking history, and previous treatments. Dr. Nguyen will perform a physical examination focusing on the respiratory system. Prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Nguyen will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Nguyen are experts in managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. After assessment, Dr. Nguyen develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing inhaler medications, educating on inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, and improve quality of life.

Hôpital de Verdun
4000 boul Lasalle
Verdun, QC, H4G 2A3

Phone: (514) 362-1000

Dr. Philippe Nguyen 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: 14345

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14345

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