Dr. Kevin Sierra, MD

Dr. Kevin Sierra, MD is a Pulmonology specialist at Tampa Lung Specialists, P.A. in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health, 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 (813) 686-9130 to schedule. Dr. Sierra, a Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician, completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Pulmonology at Wayne State University - Im (graduated 1984), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of patients. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Wayne State University - Pulm, Cc (graduated 1987), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Sierra's care philosophy, shared by the team at Tampa Lung Specialists, P.A., emphasizes comprehensive, patient-centered care. This group of board-certified physicians, along with a team of highly talented Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, provides Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine in and around Tampa, Florida. Dr. Kevin Sierra offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can be effectively managed with early detection and a personalized prevention plan, significantly reducing the risk of serious attacks and long-term lung damage.
• Swine Flu: Managing swine flu effectively, including rest and medication as directed by your doctor, helps to shorten the duration and lessen the severity of the illness.
• Bronchitis: Catching bronchitis early and managing it properly helps prevent serious complications like pneumonia, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and prompt medical attention.
• 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 Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis, if left untreated, can lead to more serious respiratory problems, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management for overall preventive health.
• Empyema: Early detection of empyema, through chest X-rays or other imaging, is crucial for effective treatment and reducing the risk of long-term lung damage.
• Pleural Effusion: By addressing underlying health issues and participating in regular check-ups, you can reduce your risk of developing a pleural effusion and maintain healthy lung function.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a preventable lung disease where early detection and proactive management, such as quitting smoking, can significantly slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Hypoxemia: Low blood oxygen, or hypoxemia, can be a sign of underlying lung problems; proactive screenings and lifestyle changes can help prevent serious complications.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Preventing severe complications from chronic lung diseases affecting your heart requires proactive healthcare, including regular check-ups and adherence to treatment plans.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: If you have risk factors for primary pulmonary hypertension, proactive health monitoring and regular medical checkups are essential for early detection and timely management to prevent serious long-term consequences.
• Severe Asthma: Early detection and effective management of asthma are crucial in preventing severe asthma, allowing you to live a healthier, more active life, free from frequent attacks and hospital visits.

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. Kevin Sierra 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: 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: To proactively safeguard your lung health, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy provides a minimally invasive way for your doctor to accurately diagnose and treat lung conditions before they worsen.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Take charge of your breathing and sleep health by using CPAP; it's a proven treatment to help prevent the long-term effects of sleep apnea.
• Respiratory Management: Proactive respiratory management ensures you receive tailored treatment plans and guidance for managing and improving your breathing.
• 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.
• 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. Kevin Sierra 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:

• A family felt empowered to proactively manage their child's asthma, reducing the likelihood of future attacks and ensuring a healthier, more comfortable life. Regular check-ups and a personalized prevention plan brought peace of mind and confidence in managing the condition.
• By following a proactive health plan, including rest and medication as directed, a family quickly recovered from swine flu, experiencing a shorter, less severe illness. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and a swift return to their normal routines.

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. Kevin Sierra:

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 such as 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 long smoking history and meeting specific age criteria. Early detection is crucial, as lung cancer is most treatable when caught early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sierra to discuss your eligibility.

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

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

What is the role of a pulmonologist in the ICU?

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

Can you help me quit smoking?

Yes, quitting smoking is the single most important step for lung health. Dr. Kevin Sierra 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 from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, involves airway obstruction that's typically reversible with medication. COPD, usually caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

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.

Tampa Lung Specialists, P.A.
4129 N Armenia Ave
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 686-9130

Dr. Kevin Sierra, 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): 1659318913

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. Kevin Sierra 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.