Dr. Ernest Inacay, MD

Dr. Ernest Inacay, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. Please call (813) 231-6204 to confirm if Dr. Inacay is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Ernest Inacay, MD, a pulmonologist in Tampa, FL, brings over 40 years of experience in the medical field to his practice. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1981. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he's affiliated with Tampa Community Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His extensive experience, coupled with his dedication to patient well-being, makes him a valuable partner in your health journey. Dr. Inacay offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Wheezing: Experiencing wheezing? Don't ignore it – early detection and management of conditions like asthma or COPD can significantly reduce future health problems.
• Pleural Effusion: A pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid around your lungs, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Sleep Apnea: Managing sleep apnea, even if symptoms are mild, is crucial for preventing its damaging effects on your heart and brain, underlining the value of proactive healthcare.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Regular monitoring and early intervention for chronic conditions affecting your heart and lungs are vital for preventing further damage and improving your overall health.
• Cough: A cough that doesn't go away could be a warning sign of a serious health issue; early diagnosis through medical consultation helps prevent long-term health problems.
• Pneumonitis (Due to Solids or Liquids): Protecting your lungs from pneumonitis, an inflammation from inhaled materials, involves proactive strategies to minimize exposure to irritants and promptly addressing any symptoms.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Regular medical checkups, including screenings if you're at risk, can lead to the early detection of pulmonary hypertension, making it possible to start treatment sooner and prevent irreversible damage.
• 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.
• Pulmonary Insufficiency: If you have pulmonary insufficiency, your body isn't getting the oxygen it needs; addressing underlying conditions and following your doctor's recommendations helps avoid worsening symptoms.
• Emphysema: Emphysema is a progressive lung disease, but proactive management with your doctor, including pulmonary rehabilitation, can help you breathe easier and live a fuller life.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Preventing the progression of an acute upper respiratory infection to a chronic respiratory issue involves timely treatment and rest, ensuring your lungs remain healthy.
• Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia is a serious condition that can be prevented through early diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, along with healthy lifestyle choices.

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

• 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.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a proactive treatment for sleep apnea, helping to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep and promoting better health.
• Respiratory Management: Take charge of your lung health with respiratory management, a proactive approach to identify and address potential breathing problems early.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Take control of your respiratory health and significantly reduce your risk of lung disease by receiving personalized guidance and support to quit smoking.
• Chest Physiotherapy: Chest physiotherapy is a proactive treatment that can help clear your airways, improving breathing and overall lung health.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Prioritize your health with a sleep study; identifying and treating sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can help you sleep better and improve your heart and lung health.
• Thoracoscopic Procedure: As part of your proactive lung health plan, a thoracoscopic procedure helps doctors assess your lung health by directly examining the lungs via a minimally invasive approach.

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. Ernest Inacay 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 their triggers and consistently following a proactive management plan, a patient significantly reduced wheezing episodes and gained confidence in managing their respiratory health.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following the pulmonologist's guidance, a patient successfully managed their risk factors for pleural effusion, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed them to focus on living life to the fullest.

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. Ernest Inacay:

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 those with a history of smoking and meeting certain age criteria. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Inacay to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. It's a small, quiet machine that delivers a gentle stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep. This therapy prevents dangerous drops in oxygen and dramatically improves sleep quality.

What is bronchiectasis?

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

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 a pleural effusion?

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

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

No, the vast majority of small lung nodules are benign and often old scars. Dr. Inacay is an expert in evaluating nodules and will determine the best course of action, which is often just careful monitoring.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

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

701 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Ste 2
Tampa FL 33603
Phone: (813) 231-6204

Dr. Ernest Inacay, 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): 1053386748

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. Ernest Inacay 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.