Dr. Teresa Sugeydis Rodriguez

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

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.
• 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).

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Monitoring lung function and managing inflammation in patients with sarcoidosis affecting the lungs.
• 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): 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. Rodriguez, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Referring eligible patients to comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve exercise capacity, reduce symptoms, and enhance self-management skills.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Analyzing results from breathing tests to measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.

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

• For individuals troubled by wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe, Dr. Rodriguez's approach is focused on delivering their child experiencing fewer asthma attacks and participating more fully in activities. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like managing their inhalers or other respiratory medications correctly and effectively with better lung health.
• Dr. Rodriguez understands that dealing with their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care, helping patients comfortably get back to managing their personal care and hygiene independently and feeling their best.
• For those affected by finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks, Dr. Rodriguez provides solutions that lead to quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day.
• If snoring very loudly, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and feeling tired all day is preventing you from fully enjoying taking deep, satisfying breaths more often or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Rodriguez offers expert respiratory solutions. The primary aim is to achieve feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey through comprehensive and personalized care.

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

Dr. Rodriguez's respiratory clinic in Penticton is situated in the Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, Naramata Bench (Rural South) neighborhood of Penticton. The clinic is conveniently located near Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) and is accessible via South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez 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 are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez 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.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez 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.

103-3310 Skaha Lake Rd
Penticton, BC, V2A 6G4

Phone: (236) 422-1666

Dr. Teresa Sugeydis Rodriguez 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: J2982

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/341368/Rodriguez%2CTeresa

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