Frequently Asked
Questions.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive but treatable chronic lung condition that obstructs airflow, causing chronic breathing difficulties. It primarily includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Key symptoms include daily coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Smoking is the leading cause, often requiring treatments like pulmonary rehabilitation and bronchodilators.

COPD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life through a combination of smoking cessation, bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, and supplemental oxygen. Key approaches include long-acting bronchodilators for daily maintenance and short-acting ones for quick relief.

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that measures how well your lungs are working. It evaluates airflow, lung capacity, and gas exchange to detect conditions like asthma or COPD, aiding in treatment decisions or evaluating preoperative risk. Common types include spirometry and plethysmography.

Sleep apnea is a common, potentially serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It prevents restful sleep, leading to excessive daytime fatigue, and occurs when the airway is blocked (Obstructive) or the brain fails to signal breathing (Central). It is commonly treated with lifestyle changes, CPAP machines, or oral appliances.

Look for symptoms like loud, chronic snoring, waking up gasping or choking, and excessive daytime fatigue. The only way to confirm a diagnosis is through a medical evaluation and a sleep study (polysomnogram), which can often be done at home or at a specialized sleep clinic to measure breathing interruptions.

Sleep apnea treatment focuses on keeping airways open during sleep to prevent breathing interruptions. The gold standard is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. Alternatives include oral appliances, lifestyle changes (weight loss, positional therapy), surgical interventions (upper airway stimulation/Inspire), and newly approved medications like Zepbound.

Common triggers include cold air, exercise, tobacco smoke, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, and respiratory infections.

No, asthma is a chronic condition, but it is treatable, and symptoms can be managed to allow for a normal life.

Yes, in fact, regular exercise is recommended, but you should speak with your provider to manage exercise-induced symptoms.

Quitting smoking is the single most effective action to slow the disease, improve lung function, and reduce exacerbations.

Regular checkups are crucial, even if you feel fine, to monitor lung function.

Ask your healthcare provider for free samples, contact manufacturers for prescription assistance programs, or consult a social worker.

Every night for the entire night, as consistency is key to treating sleep apnea.

Wash the mask, tubing, and humidifier tank regularly with warm water and mild soap.

Yes, it is recommended to bring it, and it is usually considered a carry-on item.

No, you will receive numbing medication for your nose/throat and sedation or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable, so you likely won't feel or remember the procedure.

You must not eat or drink for 4 to 8 hours prior, and you may need to stop blood-thinning medications under medical guidance.

While rare, risks include infection, significant bleeding, or a collapsed lung. Our team monitors carefully to minimize these risks.

While some forms are unknown (idiopathic), others are caused by environmental exposures (asbestos, silica, mold), connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma), or medications.

Doctors use high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans of the chest, pulmonary function tests, and sometimes a bronchoscopy or lung biopsy to diagnose the specific type of ILD.

The most common symptoms are a dry, nagging cough and breathlessness, initially with exertion but later even at rest. Other symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and in advanced cases, finger clubbing.

Yes, Dr. Martinez is currently accepting new patients. New patient appointments are typically available within one to two weeks. Please call (954) 941-1100 or use the appointment request form to schedule your consultation.

Yes, Dr. Martinez is a native Spanish speaker and provides full medical care in both English and Spanish. ¿Habla español? El Dr. Martinez le atenderá en su idioma.

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Humana HMO and PPO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, AvMed, HealthSun, CarePlus, Cigna, Ambetter, Sunshine Health, and United Healthcare. Please contact our office to verify coverage for your specific plan.

Dr. Martinez holds privileges at Broward Health North (where he currently serves as Chief of Staff), Imperial Point Medical Center, Holy Cross Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Memorial Health System, and John Knox Village.

At this time we focus on in-person evaluation. Pulmonary and sleep conditions are most accurately diagnosed through direct examination, including auscultation and in-office testing such as pulmonary function tests.

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of your current medications (including dosages), copies of any prior pulmonary tests or imaging, and any specialist referral if your insurance requires one. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to complete intake paperwork.

Our office is located at 550 SW 3rd Street, Suite 205, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. Free parking is available in front of the building.