Dr. Eric Schilling, MD

Dr. Eric Schilling, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Schilling understands that 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. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (727) 822-6661 to schedule.

Dr. Eric Schilling, MD is a pulmonologist in Saint Petersburg, FL. Dr. Schilling has extensive experience in Obstructive Lung Disease and is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital and St. Anthony's Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. His commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, is central to his practice. Dr. Schilling is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease by both the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Eric Schilling 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. Eric Schilling 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. Eric Schilling 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): Pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling solids or liquids, highlights the importance of preventative measures like avoiding exposure to harmful substances to protect your lung health.
• Emphysema: Early detection of emphysema through regular check-ups and lung function tests can help slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Sleep Related Hypoxemia: Addressing sleep disorders and improving sleep quality are crucial steps in preventing and managing sleep-related hypoxemia and reducing your risk of serious health issues.
• Pleural Effusion: Regular health screenings and proactive management of chronic conditions are key to early detection and treatment of pleural effusions, thereby preventing severe consequences.
• Sarcoidosis: Regular monitoring for sarcoidosis, particularly if you have a family history or other risk factors, can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
• Respiratory Failure: Respiratory failure means your lungs aren't getting enough oxygen into your blood, highlighting the importance of preventive measures like avoiding smoking and managing chronic lung conditions to prevent this serious complication.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Protecting your lungs from damage, particularly through avoiding smoking and managing respiratory infections, is key to preventing or delaying the onset of COPD.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Managing hypersensitivity pneumonitis involves promptly recognizing symptoms like cough and shortness of breath and taking steps to reduce exposure to the offending allergens to slow disease progression.
• Aspergillosis: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for aspergillosis, making proactive health monitoring and preventive measures essential.
• Bronchospasm: Bronchospasm, a narrowing of the airways, underscores the need for preventive measures such as identifying and avoiding allergens or irritants to minimize future occurrences and potential complications.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Managing chronic sinusitis effectively is a key part of preventive care, reducing your risk of more severe infections and related respiratory problems.
• Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: Living with chronic pulmonary embolism requires proactive healthcare, including regular check-ups and prescribed medication, to minimize clot formation and improve your quality of life.

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. Eric Schilling 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of breathing problems.
• Bronchoscopy: A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into your lungs to detect and diagnose potential lung problems early, helping you take proactive steps for better respiratory health.
• 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.
• 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: Take charge of your lung health with respiratory management, a proactive approach to identify and address potential breathing problems early.
• Sleep Study: A sleep study helps identify sleep disorders like apnea that can worsen heart and lung health, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by getting expert help to quit smoking—a crucial step in preventing lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.
• 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.

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. Eric Schilling 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 potential triggers and implementing protective measures, a patient successfully minimized their risk of developing lung inflammation, ensuring a healthier future.
• By scheduling regular lung function tests and adhering to a personalized plan, a patient was able to proactively manage their risk of emphysema, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy their favorite activities without limitations.

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. Eric Schilling:

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 certain high-risk individuals, typically based on age and smoking history. Early detection is critical because lung cancer is most treatable when found early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric Schilling to discuss your specific eligibility.

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

No, a small lung nodule on a CT scan is not necessarily cancerous. The vast majority are benign, often old scars. Dr. Schilling is an expert in evaluating nodules and will determine the best course of action, which may simply be careful monitoring.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure that affects 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 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.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help patients with chronic lung disease breathe better, increase strength and stamina, and improve overall quality of life.

What is a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a procedure where Dr. Schilling uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look directly inside your airways. This allows us to diagnose issues such as lung infections, bleeding, or take a biopsy of suspicious areas like lung nodules.

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. Eric Schilling is key to starting treatments that can slow the disease's progression.

2639 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St N
Saint Petersburg FL 33704
Phone: (727) 822-6661

Dr. Eric Schilling, 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): 1740509348

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. Eric Schilling 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.