Dr. Thomas Howard, MD

Dr. Thomas Howard, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic in Melbourne, 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). 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 (321) 637-3510 to confirm if Dr. Howard is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Thomas Howard, MD is a pulmonologist in Melbourne, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA in 1977. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of South Florida in 1977 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Howard's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, emphasizing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Thomas Howard provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Staphylococcal Pneumonia: Early detection of staphylococcal pneumonia is crucial, as prompt treatment can prevent serious complications like respiratory failure and sepsis.
• Idiopathic Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia: Managing IAEP promptly with appropriate treatment is essential to reduce the risk of long-term lung damage and improve your quality of life, emphasizing the value of proactive health management.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Preventing blood clots that travel to your lungs (pulmonary embolism) is crucial for preventing serious complications, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, so maintaining healthy habits and getting early diagnosis is vital.
• Acute Rhinitis: Managing acute rhinitis effectively with rest and hydration can help prevent its progression and reduce the risk of developing more serious respiratory problems later on.
• 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.
• Bronchiolitis: Understanding the risk factors for bronchiolitis, such as premature birth or exposure to respiratory viruses, allows for proactive preventive strategies and early intervention.

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

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy is a proactive step to improve sleep quality and manage sleep apnea, reducing your risk of serious health complications.
• Pleurodesis: As a preventative measure against recurring pleural effusion, pleurodesis helps avoid uncomfortable symptoms and potential complications.
• Allergy Drops: Take a proactive step towards better breathing by using allergy drops; they can pinpoint specific allergens triggering your symptoms, paving the way for effective avoidance strategies.
• Swan-Ganz Interpretation: As a key step in your care, a Swan-Ganz catheter helps your doctor get detailed information about your heart's function, enabling them to optimize treatment and minimize complications impacting your breathing.
• Stenting Procedures of the Airway (Trachea) and Esophagus: To ensure clear airways, stenting procedures can open narrowed passages in the trachea or esophagus, improving breathing and swallowing.
• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) or Thoracotomy: As part of your lung cancer screening journey, VATS or thoracotomy may be recommended to obtain a definitive tissue diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
• Transbronchial Needle Aspiration: To catch lung problems early, a TBNA involves using a thin needle to collect a tissue sample from your lungs, helping doctors diagnose conditions and start treatment sooner.

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. Thomas Howard 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 proactively addressing potential sleep apnea, a patient experienced improved sleep quality and reduced risk factors for heart problems, leading to greater overall well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and adhering to a personalized prevention plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing staphylococcal pneumonia, fostering a sense of well-being and peace of mind.

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. Thomas Howard:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. They are experts in a wide range of conditions, 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 high-risk individuals, often based on age and smoking history. Early detection is critical for successful treatment. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas Howard 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 sleep lab, monitoring brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels to assess sleep quality and identify any breathing problems.

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 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. Howard uses PFTs to diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD, assess their severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

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. The vast majority are benign, often old scars. Dr. Howard is experienced in evaluating nodules and will determine the best course of action, which may be simply monitoring over time.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in various parts of the body, often the lungs. Many cases are mild, but expert management from a specialist like Dr. Thomas Howard is needed to monitor and prevent organ damage.

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.

2900 Veterans Way
Melbourne FL 32940
Phone: (321) 637-3510

Dr. Thomas Howard, 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): 1629042676

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. Thomas Howard 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.