Dr. Donald Elton, MD

Dr. Donald Elton, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care at Florida Lung, Asthma & Sleep Specialists in Kissimmee, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (941) 292-2542 to schedule.

Dr. Donald Elton, MD is a pulmonologist in Kissimmee, FL with extensive experience in Obstructive Lung Disease. He is affiliated with UCF Lake Nona Hospital and HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital. Dr. Elton earned his medical degree from Medical University Of South Carolina and completed an internship at Palmetto Health (Richland). He then undertook residency training in Pulmonology at Palmetto Health (Richland), followed by fellowship training at University Of South Carolina, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of his patients. Dr. Elton is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. His commitment to state-of-the-art medical care in Central Florida is reflected in his dedication to proactive health management, and he offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Donald Elton 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. Donald Elton 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. Donald Elton 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:

• Cough: Don't ignore a cough; it may indicate an early stage of lung disease or even lung cancer, making early medical attention vital for improved outcomes.
• Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis, a condition causing permanent widening of the airways, can lead to frequent lung infections if left unmanaged; proactive healthcare and adherence to treatment plans are crucial for preventing severe health issues.
• Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: CTEPH, a form of high blood pressure in the lungs caused by blood clots, underscores the significance of regular check-ups and proactive management of blood clotting disorders to protect your respiratory system.
• Benign Lung Neoplasms: While not cancerous, benign lung neoplasms can still create significant health concerns if they become large or interfere with lung function, illustrating the importance of regular health check-ups for early detection and management.
• Asthma: Preventing asthma complications starts with understanding your triggers and using inhalers or other treatments as prescribed, helping you breathe easier and live a healthier life.
• Emphysema: Emphysema, a lung disease causing shortness of breath, is preventable by avoiding smoking and managing existing respiratory conditions to prevent further damage.
• Asthma in Adults: Asthma is a controllable condition; working with your doctor to create a personalized plan helps avoid flare-ups and protects your respiratory system.
• Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: Chronic pulmonary embolism means blood clots in your lungs keep coming back, making early detection and ongoing treatment crucial to prevent serious complications and future health issues.
• Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: Recognizing the symptoms of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis early and acting on them can help prevent irreversible lung damage and respiratory distress, improving overall health outcomes.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a lung disease triggered by inhaling certain substances, and early detection through awareness of your environment and symptoms can prevent serious long-term lung damage.
• Aspergillosis: Aspergillosis is a fungal infection affecting the lungs, and early detection through regular checkups with your doctor is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Protecting your lungs from further damage caused by chronic bronchitis starts with understanding your risks and actively managing the condition to slow its progression and avoid more severe respiratory problems.

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. Donald Elton offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test helps ensure your lungs are working efficiently by directly measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, aiding in early diagnosis of lung conditions.
• Bronchoscopy: To prevent more serious lung issues, a bronchoscopy allows doctors to directly visualize your airways and take samples for testing, leading to quicker and more effective treatment.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: As a proactive measure for lung health, a bronchoscopy with robotic assist offers a less invasive option for earlier detection of lung cancer and other lung diseases.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy is a proactive step to improve sleep quality and manage sleep apnea, reducing your risk of serious health complications.
• Respiratory Management: Protect your lungs and future health by participating in respiratory management; it's key to early diagnosis of conditions such as lung cancer or chronic bronchitis.
• Thoracentesis: A thoracentesis is a procedure to extract fluid from around your lungs, aiding in the early detection of serious lung issues and guiding treatment decisions for better health outcomes.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Learning CPR empowers you to provide immediate assistance to someone experiencing cardiac arrest, significantly improving their chances of survival.

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. Donald Elton 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:

• Recognizing a persistent cough as a potential early sign of lung issues, a patient proactively sought medical guidance, leading to early diagnosis and a tailored plan to manage the cough and reduce the risk of complications.
• By diligently following the proactive healthcare plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of lung infections and enjoyed improved breathing, gaining greater control over their condition.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Donald Elton:

What is a Pulmonologist?

Dr. Elton and our team of pulmonologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. We have expertise 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 like yours. Early detection is key, as lung cancer is most treatable when found early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Donald Elton to discuss your specific eligibility.

Can you help me quit smoking?

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

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 by a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become permanently widened and damaged, leading to a buildup of mucus and recurrent infections. Management focuses on preventing infections and clearing mucus from the airways to preserve lung function.

My partner says I snore loudly and stop breathing at night. Should I be concerned?

Yes, this is a classic sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Treating OSA is crucial for preventing long-term health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

What is the role of a pulmonologist in the ICU?

Many pulmonologists, like Dr. Elton, are also board-certified in Critical Care Medicine. In the ICU, they lead the team managing critically ill patients, specializing in life-support systems and complex conditions like sepsis and acute respiratory failure.

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

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

Florida Lung, Asthma & Sleep Specialists
3480 Polynesian Isle Blvd
Kissimmee FL 34746
Phone: (941) 292-2542

Dr. Donald Elton, MD 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): 1538126685

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. Donald Elton 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.