Dr. Kristal Carthan, MD

Dr. Kristal Carthan, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive pulmonary care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Lake Mary, FL, and is registered with 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. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Dr. Carthan is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (239) 276-6250 to schedule.

Dr. Kristal Carthan, MD is a pulmonologist in Lake Mary, FL with extensive experience in Obstructive Lung Disease. She is affiliated with HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital and Oviedo Medical Center. Dr. Carthan earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago, followed by an internship at Medical College of Wisconsin. Her residency training in Pulmonology was at Emory University, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of patients. She then pursued fellowship training at Emory University, deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. Dr. Carthan is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She strives to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare that exceeds the national standards of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Dr. Carthan is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Consultations are primarily offered in English.

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

• Pulmonary Embolism: Regular check-ups and awareness of risk factors are vital in preventing pulmonary embolism, a serious condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the lungs; early intervention is crucial for recovery.
• Influenza (Flu): Managing the flu promptly with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications can lessen its impact on your lungs and prevent secondary infections like pneumonia.
• 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.
• 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.
• Mycobacterial Lung Infection: Early diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial lung infections are crucial to minimizing long-term complications like chronic lung disease; don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience concerning symptoms.
• Hypoxemia: Managing chronic respiratory conditions like COPD is vital to prevent hypoxemia, improving your quality of life and reducing the risk of hospitalizations.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): Regular health checkups, including chest X-rays if you're at high risk, are crucial for early detection of a pneumothorax, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing long-term lung damage.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, making it harder to breathe, and early detection through regular checkups can help slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Bronchospasm: To prevent serious respiratory issues, understanding your risk factors for bronchospasm and actively managing your condition through medication and lifestyle changes is crucial.
• Chronic Bronchiolitis: Protecting your lungs from further damage caused by chronic bronchiolitis starts with proactive steps; regular check-ups and managing existing conditions can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare condition where blood pressure in the arteries leading to your lungs is abnormally high, and early detection through regular checkups with your doctor can help prevent serious complications.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis can negatively impact your breathing and quality of life, so early intervention and management are crucial for preventive care and avoiding further health issues.

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. Kristal Carthan 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: 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: 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.
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): To assess your sleep patterns and identify potential problems, a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) evaluates your sleepiness and helps in early diagnosis and management of sleep disorders.
• 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: Protect your lungs and future health by participating in respiratory management; it's key to early diagnosis of conditions such as lung cancer or chronic bronchitis.
• 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: Take control of your respiratory health and significantly reduce your risk of lung disease by receiving personalized guidance and support to quit smoking.
• Spirometry: Take charge of your lung health with spirometry: a quick test that measures how well your lungs work, helping identify and manage conditions like asthma and COPD.
• Thoracentesis: As part of your lung health journey, a thoracentesis helps doctors identify the cause of fluid buildup around your lungs through fluid removal and analysis, facilitating prompt 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. Kristal Carthan 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 attending regular check-ups and understanding their risk factors, a patient proactively reduced the chance of a pulmonary embolism, gaining confidence in their long-term health.
• Knowing the importance of prompt flu management, a family proactively sought guidance on preventing secondary infections. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a healthy and comfortable winter season.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Kristal Carthan:

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 certain high-risk individuals, including those with a long smoking history. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kristal Carthan to discuss your eligibility is advised.

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. Kristal Carthan is key to starting treatments that can slow the disease's progression.

What is a pleural effusion?

A pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Dr. Carthan can perform a thoracentesis to drain the fluid and test it to find the cause, which could be anything from heart failure to an infection.

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, preventing dangerous drops in oxygen and dramatically improving sleep quality.

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 hypertension. It's a complex condition needing 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, typically has reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a series of breathing tests that measure lung function, similar to an EKG for your lungs. Dr. Carthan uses PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD, assess their severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

749 Stirling Center Pl
Lake Mary FL 32746
Phone: (239) 276-6250

Dr. Kristal Carthan, 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): 1265605836

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. Kristal Carthan 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.