Dr. The Thanh-Diem Nguyen

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

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Airway Diseases

• Bronchiectasis: Focusing on airway clearance techniques, antibiotic therapy for exacerbations, and preventing further lung damage.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.

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.

• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Care for acute bronchitis and other infectious conditions affecting the lower respiratory tract.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Care for individuals with permanently damaged and widened airways to reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Analyzing results from breathing tests to measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Diagnosing the cause of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and managing them, which may include therapeutic thoracentesis (fluid drainage) in an outpatient setting if appropriate.
• 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. 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. The Thanh-Diem 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 CHU Sainte-Justine, 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:

• Dr. Nguyen understands that dealing with wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness, helping patients comfortably get back to managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness and feeling their best.
• Dr. Nguyen often consults with patients whose needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly significantly limits their enjoyment of returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve feeling more confident in managing their respiratory condition day-to-day and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Patients experiencing a family history of lung disease and wanting to understand their risk often express a desire to improve their respiratory health and function. At Dr. Nguyen's practice, a key objective is slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life, Dr. Nguyen offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms.

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, CHU Sainte-Justine, is situated in a central location within the Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

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

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Nguyen 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. Nguyen 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. Nguyen at CHU Sainte-Justine?

The first visit with Dr. Nguyen 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. Nguyen 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. Nguyen will discuss her 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.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Nguyen 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. Nguyen 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.

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

In QC, 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 helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Nguyen has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

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 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 CHU Sainte-Justine about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

CHU Sainte-Justine
3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5

Phone: (514) 345-4931

Dr. The Thanh-Diem 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: 10025

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=10025

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.