Dr. Sailesh Shah, DO

Dr. Sailesh Shah, DO is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive pulmonary care. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and 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. He is currently welcoming new patients to embark on this proactive health journey, and encourages you to call (813) 284-2220 to schedule an appointment. Born in India and having relocated to the US in 1976, Dr. Shah has called Tampa home since 1988. A graduate of Vivian Gaither Senior High School, he earned his medical degree from A. T. Still University Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine, and is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a dedicated family man, enjoying time with his wife and three sons, and his interests extend to football, travel, and discovering new vegetarian restaurants. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health. Dr. Shah offers consultations in Gujarati.

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

• Mycobacterial Lung Infection: Managing a mycobacterial lung infection effectively through prescribed medication helps prevent further damage and spreading the infection to others; proactive treatment is vital for preventing long-term health issues.
• Acute Sinusitis: While not directly a lung condition, acute sinusitis can sometimes trigger or worsen underlying respiratory problems, highlighting the need for preventative care of all aspects of your respiratory system.
• 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.
• Partial Lung Collapse: Regular health checkups, including chest X-rays if indicated, can help detect a partial lung collapse early, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of long-term breathing problems.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): Understanding the symptoms of a collapsed lung—such as sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing—is key to seeking timely medical care, which is essential for preventing further damage and ensuring a quicker recovery.
• Hypoxemia: Low blood oxygen, or hypoxemia, can be a sign of underlying lung problems; proactive screenings and lifestyle changes can help prevent serious complications.
• Emphysema: Emphysema, a lung disease causing shortness of breath, is preventable by avoiding smoking and managing existing respiratory conditions to prevent further damage.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Regular check-ups, especially if you're a smoker or have a family history of lung issues, can help detect COPD early, allowing for timely intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Lung Abscess: Managing risk factors like smoking and weakened immunity can help prevent the development of a lung abscess, a potentially life-threatening infection.
• 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.
• Benign Lung Neoplasms: Catching benign lung neoplasms early, even though they aren't malignant, is vital because they might lead to complications down the line if left untreated, emphasizing the value of preventive health screenings.
• Pneumonitis: Managing underlying conditions like autoimmune diseases can help prevent pneumonitis, highlighting the importance of proactive healthcare in protecting your lung 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. Sailesh Shah 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): To proactively manage your lung health, an arterial blood gas test measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, providing insights into your respiratory function.
• Bronchoscopy: For early detection and management of lung conditions, a bronchoscopy allows doctors to examine your airways directly and obtain tissue samples for testing, helping prevent the progression of diseases like lung cancer.
• 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): Proactively address sleep apnea with CPAP therapy to improve your daytime energy levels and overall well-being.
• Respiratory Management: Respiratory management helps prevent serious lung issues by detecting problems like asthma or COPD through regular checkups and assessments.
• 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: Quit smoking and improve your lung function with evidence-based cessation counseling, a vital step in preventing future respiratory complications.
• Thoracentesis: Taking a proactive step in managing your lung health, a thoracentesis involves removing fluid from your lungs for analysis, potentially preventing complications and improving breathing.

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. Sailesh Shah 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:

• Following a personalized treatment plan, a patient effectively managed their mycobacterial lung infection, significantly reducing the risk of further complications and ensuring a healthier future. Proactive care brought peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their overall well-being.
• By understanding the triggers for their acute sinusitis and following a proactive care plan, a patient felt empowered to manage their respiratory health and prevent future flare-ups. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and helped them avoid potential complications.

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. Sailesh Shah:

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 based on age and smoking history. Early detection is key, as lung cancer is most treatable when caught early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sailesh Shah 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 doesn't necessarily mean cancer. Dr. Shah is an expert in evaluating lung nodules, considering factors like size and appearance, and patient risk to determine the best course of action, which often involves careful monitoring. The vast majority of small nodules are benign and old scars.

What is a bronchoscopy?

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

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in various parts of the body, often the lungs. While many cases are mild, expert management by a specialist like Dr. Sailesh Shah is crucial to monitor the condition and prevent potential organ 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. Shah uses PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD, assess their severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

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 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.

13311 N 56th St
Tampa FL 33617
Phone: (813) 284-2220

Dr. Sailesh Shah, DO 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): 1437191244

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. Sailesh Shah 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.