Dr. John Wachira, MD

Dr. John Wachira, MD is a Pulmonologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive pulmonary care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to partnering 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. Dr. John K Wachira, MD, a physician specializing in Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Internal Medicine, earned his medical degree from Southwest College Of Naturopathic Medicinehealth Sciences and is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his residency at Creighton University Medical Center Sanford School of Medicine, and is primarily located in Jacksonville, FL. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 253-6910 to schedule an appointment. Dr. John Wachira provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pneumoconiosis and Pneumonopathy: Pneumoconiosis and pneumonopathy are lung diseases caused by inhaling dust or other harmful particles, highlighting the importance of working in safe environments and using protective equipment to prevent these conditions.
• Wheezing: Preventative healthcare includes paying attention to your body. Wheezing warrants a doctor's visit to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment to avoid further issues.
• Mycobacterial Lung Infection: Protecting yourself from mycobacterial lung infections involves practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated when appropriate – this significantly reduces your risk and potential for chronic lung problems.
• 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.
• Influenza (Flu): Early detection and treatment of influenza can prevent serious complications like bronchitis and pneumonia, which may have long-term consequences for your lungs.
• 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.
• Chronic Bronchiolitis: Early identification of chronic bronchiolitis allows for timely intervention and management of symptoms, helping prevent serious complications and maintain better lung function over time.
• Sarcoidosis: Managing sarcoidosis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes can help prevent further inflammation and protect your lung function in the long term.
• Respiratory Failure: Preventing respiratory failure starts with proactive health choices, such as regular check-ups to detect and manage underlying respiratory issues before they worsen.
• Pulmonary Eosinophilia: Pulmonary eosinophilia is a condition where there's an excessive number of eosinophils in your lungs, potentially causing inflammation and damage; identifying and managing this condition prevents long-term respiratory problems.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries leading to your lungs, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious heart and lung complications.
• Acute Sinusitis: Managing acute sinusitis promptly helps prevent the spread of infection to your lungs and airways, thereby safeguarding your 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. John Wachira 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): 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.
• Bronchoscopy: Taking charge of your lung health, a bronchoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help discover and treat lung diseases in their early stages, when treatment is often most effective.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: This advanced bronchoscopy uses robotic technology to improve the precision and accuracy of examining your airways and lungs, helping to diagnose and treat lung issues promptly and effectively, potentially saving your life.
• 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.
• Laser Bronchoscopy: Laser bronchoscopy helps ensure the best possible outcomes by allowing for precise and minimally invasive tissue sampling for improved early detection and targeted treatment of lung abnormalities.
• Sleep Study: Improve your sleep and potentially prevent serious health complications by undergoing a sleep study; it assesses breathing patterns during sleep, detecting potential respiratory issues.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Quit smoking and improve your lung function with evidence-based cessation counseling, a vital step in preventing future respiratory complications.
• Spirometry: By undergoing spirometry, you're proactively assessing your lung function, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that could affect your breathing.
• Thoracentesis: To check for infections or cancer, a thoracentesis may be used to safely remove fluid from around your lungs, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

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. John Wachira 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 consistently using protective gear and adhering to safety protocols at work, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing pneumoconiosis and pneumonopathy, maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle.
• By understanding the triggers of their wheezing and following a personalized plan, a family found relief and peace of mind, knowing they could proactively manage their respiratory health.

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. John Wachira:

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 ranging 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 some individuals with a significant smoking history, often based on age and pack-years smoked. Early detection through screening can improve treatment outcomes. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Wachira to discuss your specific eligibility.

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.

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

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

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

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

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in different parts of the body, often the lungs. While many cases are mild, expert management by a specialist like Dr. John Wachira is crucial to monitor and prevent organ damage.

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

No, a small lung nodule on a CT scan does not necessarily mean cancer. The vast majority are benign, often old scars from past infections. Dr. Wachira is experienced in evaluating lung nodules and will determine the best course of action, which often involves careful monitoring.

What is a pleural effusion?

A pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Dr. Wachira can perform a thoracentesis to drain and test the fluid, helping to identify the underlying cause, which may include heart failure or infection.

1325 San Marco Blvd Ste 300
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 253-6910

Dr. John Wachira, 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): 1659699122

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. John Wachira 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.