Dr. Pierre Alexandre Ménard

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

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): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Monitoring lung function and managing inflammation in patients with sarcoidosis affecting the lungs.

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Comprehensive care for reversible airway obstruction characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.
• Bronchiectasis: Care for individuals with persistent cough, copious sputum, and frequent respiratory infections due to bronchiectasis.

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.

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

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Expert interpretation of a full range of pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, bronchoprovocation) to assess lung health and diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• 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. Ménard. 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. Pierre Alexandre Ménard adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Clinique Respiratoire de la Mauricie, 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. Ménard frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• When needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Ménard helps patients strive for effective relief from symptoms related to pleural effusions. 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 living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better is a primary concern, Dr. Ménard focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in achieving better control of their asthma or COPD symptoms, with fewer flare-ups. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath.
• When feeling short of breath much of the time, even with little activity starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to gardening or engaging in other light outdoor activities they enjoy, Dr. Ménard and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests and a return to comfort and confidence in their breathing.
• If coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus has unfortunately put laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Ménard works closely with patients towards attaining feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care, effectively helping them regain their previous level of respiratory function and confidence.

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

Clinique Respiratoire de la Mauricie, where Dr. Ménard practices, is situated in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector East neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Boréalis Centre and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Ménard is a medical doctor 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. Ménard help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Ménard 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. Ménard 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. Ménard at Clinique Respiratoire de la Mauricie?

The first visit with Dr. Ménard 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. Ménard 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. Ménard 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Ménard 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. Ménard 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 Clinique Respiratoire de la Mauricie about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Ménard 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. Ménard 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.

Clinique Respiratoire de la Mauricie
230-700 Boul Thibeau
Trois-Rivières, QC, G8T 7A1

Phone: (819) 801-4782

Dr. Pierre Alexandre Ménard 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: 14241

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14241

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