Dr. Dragos Zanchi, MD

Dr. Dragos Zanchi, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. He practices at Pulmonary Sleep of Tampa Bay Wesley Chapel in Wesley Chapel, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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. Please call (813) 302-1571 to schedule.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, Dr. Zanchi brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Universitatea De Medicina Si Farmacie Carol Davila, Facultatea De Medicina in 1995, followed by residency training in Pulmonology at Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai (2002). He further specialized in a specific area of patient health with fellowship training at Saint Luke's Roosevelt Hospital/University Hospital. Dr. Zanchi is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is fluent in French and also offers consultations in Spanish. His commitment to his patients extends beyond clinical expertise; he's passionate about understanding the interconnectedness of all body systems, from nutrition to sleep to breathing. This comprehensive approach, combined with his dedication to research and teaching, ensures patients receive the most advanced and personalized care possible.

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

• Pneumonitis (Due to Solids or Liquids): Prompt treatment of pneumonitis, which can result from inhaling solids or liquids, is vital to avoid severe complications and improve your overall lung function.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Managing chronic respiratory diseases helps avoid severe episodes of asphyxia and hypoxemia, demonstrating how proactive healthcare and adherence to treatment plans are vital for better lung health.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, can be a sign of a larger underlying health problem, so early detection and treatment can prevent more serious respiratory complications.
• High Altitude Periodic Breathing: Understanding the risks of high altitude periodic breathing, especially if you're prone to sleep disorders, can help you prepare for safer high-altitude activities.
• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Preventing BPD involves focusing on healthy pregnancies, reducing prematurity risks, and providing newborns with the best possible respiratory support to minimize lung damage and future complications.
• Shortness of Breath: Managing shortness of breath effectively, through lifestyle changes and medical interventions, is key to improving your quality of life and preventing future respiratory problems.
• Breathing-Related Sleep Disorders: Improving your sleep quality through addressing breathing problems during sleep can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic health issues and improve your overall well-being.
• Pulmonary Edema: Managing underlying health issues like heart failure is crucial in preventing pulmonary edema, a serious lung condition characterized by fluid accumulation.
• Pulmonary Eosinophilia: Elevated eosinophil levels in your lungs (pulmonary eosinophilia) might signal a hidden health issue, so it's important to get it diagnosed promptly to begin appropriate management and avoid future breathing difficulties.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing pulmonary hypertension effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medication, is key to preventing its progression and preserving lung function.
• Acute Respiratory Infection: Practicing good hygiene, like handwashing and avoiding sick people, can significantly reduce your risk of developing an acute respiratory infection and its associated health consequences.
• Bronchiectasis: Recognizing and addressing risk factors, and getting regular checkups and treatment for bronchiectasis, is crucial for managing this chronic lung condition and preventing its progression, improving your long-term lung 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. Dragos Zanchi offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Home Sleep Study: A home sleep study is a convenient way to monitor your breathing and sleep patterns, helping detect sleep apnea and other conditions that may affect your health.
• Lung Spirometry: Protect your lungs with spirometry: this non-invasive test helps uncover hidden breathing problems, enabling you to manage conditions like asthma effectively and prevent future complications.
• Sleep Study: Protect your lungs and heart by scheduling a sleep study – it's a simple test that can uncover hidden sleep disorders impacting your overall health and well-being.
• Thoracentesis: A thoracentesis is a procedure where a small amount of fluid is removed from the space around your lungs to help diagnose lung conditions and relieve breathing difficulties.
• Pulmonary Function Test: A pulmonary function test (PFT) measures how well your lungs are working, helping us catch potential problems early and prevent further damage.
• Respiratory Management: Respiratory management helps prevent serious lung issues by detecting problems like asthma or COPD through regular checkups and assessments.
• Lung Biopsy: To ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of potential lung problems, a lung biopsy allows doctors to examine lung tissue under a microscope, guiding treatment decisions.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Quit smoking and improve your lung function with evidence-based cessation counseling, a vital step in preventing future respiratory complications.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To proactively manage your lung health, an arterial blood gas test measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, providing insights into your respiratory function.
• 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: Taking charge of your respiratory health involves considering a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, a precise procedure to identify and address abnormalities in your lungs and breathing passages.
• Breath Testing: Protecting your lungs starts with proactive steps like a breath test, which can identify hidden problems and pave the way for early intervention.

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. Dragos Zanchi 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 understanding the potential risks and implementing a proactive prevention plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing pneumonitis, ensuring a healthier future for their lungs.
• By consistently following their prescribed respiratory therapies, a patient significantly reduced their risk of severe asphyxia and hypoxemia episodes, ensuring a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

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. Dragos Zanchi:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and muscles of breathing. They are experts in conditions like asthma, COPD, 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 based on age and smoking history. Early detection through screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Zanchi to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is a pleural effusion?

A pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Dr. Zanchi can perform a thoracentesis to drain and test the fluid, helping determine the underlying cause, which can range from heart failure to infection.

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.

My CT scan showed a 'lung nodule.' Does this mean I have cancer?

While a lung nodule on a CT scan can be concerning, the vast majority are benign. Dr. Zanchi is highly experienced in evaluating lung nodules, and will determine the best course of action, often just careful monitoring, based on the nodule's characteristics and your individual risk factors.

What is a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to look directly into the airways of the lungs. This allows your doctor to diagnose issues like lung infections, bleeding, or take a biopsy of a suspicious area, such as a lung nodule.

What is the role of a pulmonologist in the ICU?

Many pulmonologists 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 treating complex conditions.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in various parts of the body, often the lungs. Many cases are mild, but expert management from a specialist like Dr. Dragos Zanchi is crucial to monitor and prevent organ damage.

Pulmonary Sleep of Tampa Bay Wesley Chapel
2329 Crestover Ln Ste 101
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
Phone: (813) 302-1571

Dr. Dragos Zanchi, 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): 1922068550

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. Dragos Zanchi 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.