Asthma and Respiratory Care
Our collaborative team treats the full range of breathing and lung conditions, including asthma, COPD and pulmonary hypertension. You receive care from specialists who are recognized leaders in asthma and respiratory care.
Medically reviewed by Brooks Kuhn, M.D. on Dec. 28, 2023.
Helping You Breathe Easier
UC Davis Health provides complete care for all types of respiratory disorders. Our specialized team uses their knowledge and experience to provide a detailed diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
On this page
Our Difference
Nationally Ranked Pulmonology Care
U.S. News & World Report ranks our pulmonology care among the best in the nation. We’ve earned this distinction by combining groundbreaking research with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Team-Based Approach
Our pulmonologists partner with other specialists to provide seamless treatment for any type of respiratory condition. From critical care physicians to immunologists and allergists, we have every specialty you need.
Innovative Research
As an academic hospital, we have committed to finding new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat respiratory diseases. We regularly lead and participate in clinical trials, giving you access to the most advanced therapies available.
What Are Respiratory Diseases?
Respiratory diseases are conditions that affect the organs and tissues that help you breathe. You may also hear respiratory diseases called lung disorders or pulmonary diseases.
Common Respiratory Diseases Include:
Asthma
Asthma causes swelling and narrowing of your airways, leading to wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Allergies, infections, air pollution, smoking or exposure to harmful substances can cause asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that is often, but not always, caused by smoking. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis can lead to shortness of breath by blocking airflow out of the lungs.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic (inherited) condition that affects multiple organs and systems in your body. People with CF can get a buildup of mucus in their lungs, making it harder to breathe. Learn how we care for genetic disorders at UC Davis Health.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
Interstitial lung diseases are a group of conditions that cause fibrosis (scar tissue) in your lungs. This scarring causes stiffness in your lung tissue and interferes with breathing. ILD causes can include genetics, smoking or exposure to toxins like asbestos.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that starts in the lungs. This cancer is often caused by smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos or other toxins. Learn more about our UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels that lead from your heart to your lungs. The increased pressure can cause these blood vessels to get smaller, leading to less blood flow to your lungs.
Pulmonary Services at UC Davis Health
At UC Davis Health, you have access to pulmonary clinics that focus on specific areas of respiratory care. Each clinic includes a dedicated team that provides the highest quality treatment and compassionate support. Our clinics include:
Adult Cystic Fibrosis
Our Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program provides management and treatment of all types of CF complications, from lung problems to infection control and mental health. Our exceptional care has earned us accreditation from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Asthma Clinic (UCAN™)
The UC Davis Asthma Network (UCAN™) team includes dedicated pulmonologists, case managers and respiratory therapists who are at the forefront of asthma treatment. Our team is able to treat even the most severe asthma cases, delivering personalized care to improve your quality of life.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Clinic
Our comprehensive COPD Clinic includes a multidisciplinary team of experts with extensive knowledge and expertise. You have access to leading-edge therapies and procedures for COPD, including clinical trials. We also have a designated Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Clinical Resource Center – the only center in region.
Interstitial Lung Disease Program
Specialists in our ILD Program care for hundreds of patients with ILD, delivering the latest treatments while providing support and education. Our nationally renowned pulmonologists work with radiologists, nurse specialists, pharmacists and respiratory therapists so you receive seamless care.
Interventional Pulmonology Program
Our interventional pulmonology specialists use minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat respiratory disorders, pleural diseases and thoracic (chest and lung) cancers. This highly trained team has completed extensive training in these advanced techniques.
Post-COVID-19 Clinic
Many people experience long-haul COVID or symptoms that continue after recovering from COVID-19. Our clinic provides testing and treatment for all types of long-COVID symptoms, from breathing issues to headaches and trouble concentrating. .
Pulmonary Function and Exercise Testing Lab
Licensed respiratory care practitioners provide the full spectrum of lung function tests, from spirometry to specialized lung gas measurements. Our team follows proven protocols that produce accurate, timely results.
Pulmonary Hypertension and Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Program
Our dedicated team diagnoses and treats pulmonary hypertension and the full range of pulmonary vascular diseases. This specialized program has earned the highest designation possible from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA).
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
We help you maximize your quality of life through specialized exercises, education, mental health support and nutritional guidance. This comprehensive program is accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
Conditions and Treatments
Request an Appointment
As Sacramento's No. 1 hospital, you'll benefit from unique advantages in primary care and specialty care. This includes prevention, diagnosis and treatment options from experts in 150 specialties.
Referring Physicians
To refer a patient, you can submit an electronic referral form or call.
Patients
For questions and appointment information
Consumer Resource Center
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
Latest Internal Medicine News
