Catherine Czaja, APRN

Catherine Czaja, APRN is a Pulmonology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care at her clinic in Brandon, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she partners with individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (772) 324-7046 to schedule.

Dr. Catherine APRN, a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, brings extensive experience to her practice. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Xavier University. With prior experience as a registered nurse in the progressive care unit at AdventHealth Tampa and a nurse practitioner at Florida Medical Clinic in Tampa, FL, Dr. Catherine APRN specializes in diagnosing and treating pulmonary conditions such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea. She is committed to providing individualized care, listening to patients' concerns, providing education on their condition, and involving them in shared decision-making. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, and running. Dr. Catherine APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Catherine APRN is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Catherine APRN can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Catherine APRN provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the airways become damaged and widened, making it easier to get lung infections; early detection and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve your breathing.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Regular check-ups, especially if you're a smoker or have a family history of lung issues, can help detect COPD early, allowing for timely intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis, while sometimes asymptomatic, can lead to serious lung problems if left untreated; proactive healthcare helps catch it early and prevents severe damage.
• Respiratory Infections: By practicing preventive measures, such as vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, you can significantly reduce your chances of contracting respiratory infections.
• Aspergillosis: If you have symptoms like a persistent cough or shortness of breath, seeking medical attention promptly can help prevent aspergillosis from worsening.
• Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity: To maintain healthy lungs, it's crucial to avoid excessive oxygen exposure, as it can lead to lung damage and reduce your overall respiratory function.
• Chronic Cough: Managing a chronic cough effectively helps prevent further lung damage and complications, potentially improving overall respiratory health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Catherine APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy: A fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your airways and lungs, helping detect lung cancer or other lung diseases early for timely treatment.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): Taking charge of your respiratory health, an arterial blood gas test offers a quick and precise way to evaluate your blood's gas levels, supporting prompt intervention if needed.
• Thoracoscopic Drainage of Pleural Cavity With Robotic Assistance: This minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedure helps drain fluid from around your lungs, offering a proactive way to investigate symptoms and potentially prevent severe complications.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Quit smoking and improve your lung function with evidence-based cessation counseling, a vital step in preventing future respiratory complications.
• Breath Testing: A simple breath test can help detect early signs of lung disease, allowing for timely treatment and preventing further complications.
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a precise radiation treatment that targets cancerous lung tumors while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue, helping improve outcomes after lung cancer diagnosis.
• Chest Tube Insertion: To improve lung function and prevent further complications, a chest tube may be placed to drain fluid or air accumulated around your lungs.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Catherine APRN is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their bronchiectasis, preventing frequent lung infections and improving their overall lung health. This proactive approach allowed them to lead a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing COPD, enjoying a healthier and more fulfilling life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Pulmonary care with Dr. Catherine APRN:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. They are experts in a wide range of conditions, from asthma and COPD to lung cancer and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a history of smoking and a certain age. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Catherine APRN to discuss your specific eligibility.

How can I prevent my asthma or COPD from getting worse?

Preventing asthma or COPD from worsening is a partnership with Dr. Catherine APRN. Key strategies include properly using your inhalers, avoiding triggers like smoke or pollen, getting recommended vaccines, and having a clear action plan for flare-ups.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, different from regular high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is a sleep study (polysomnography)?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is the gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It's an overnight study performed in a comfortable lab setting, monitoring brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels to assess sleep quality and identify any breathing disturbances.

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition where lung tissue thickens and scars over time, making breathing difficult. While the scarring can't be reversed, early diagnosis by a specialist like Dr. Catherine APRN is crucial for starting treatments that can slow the disease's progression.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma often begins in childhood, is linked to allergies, and airway narrowing is usually reversible with treatment. COPD, typically caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

Can you help me quit smoking?

Yes, quitting smoking is the single most important step for lung health. Dr. Catherine APRN can provide evidence-based support, including counseling and prescribing medications that can double or triple your chance of quitting successfully.

401 Oakfield Dr
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (772) 324-7046

Catherine Czaja, APRN is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1073183364

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Pulmonology like Dr. Catherine APRN are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.