Dr. Thomas Szwed, MD

Dr. Thomas Szwed, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, 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. Dr. Szwed is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey and encourages you to call (904) 308-6900 to schedule.

Dr. Thomas Szwed, MD is a pulmonology specialist in Jacksonville, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1996 and completed his residency training in Pulmonology at Georgetown University Hospital/University of Florida in 1999, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of individuals of all ages. He is Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County Hospital and Ascension Saint Vincent's Saint Johns County. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Szwed provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Protecting your heart and lungs from chronic diseases starts with understanding your risks and taking steps to reduce them – early diagnosis is key for better long-term outcomes.
• Acute Bronchitis: Protecting your lungs from acute bronchitis starts with avoiding exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke and practicing regular handwashing to prevent the spread of infection.
• 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.
• Partial Lung Collapse: A partial lung collapse, or pneumothorax, highlights the importance of seeking medical attention for sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, as early intervention can prevent further lung damage and complications.
• 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: Mycobacterial lung infections can be prevented or managed effectively through adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding exposure to infected individuals; this helps maintain lung health and prevents future complications.
• Shortness of Breath: Experiencing shortness of breath? Don't ignore it; proactive management of this symptom can help prevent the progression of chronic respiratory diseases.
• Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (BPA) is a fungal infection affecting the lungs, and early diagnosis through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications and long-term lung damage.
• Pulmonary Insufficiency: Pulmonary insufficiency means your lungs aren't working as well as they should, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Managing hypersensitivity pneumonitis involves promptly recognizing symptoms like cough and shortness of breath and taking steps to reduce exposure to the offending allergens to slow disease progression.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: An acute upper respiratory infection (URI) is a common illness affecting your nose, throat, and sinuses, and catching it early can help prevent more serious complications like pneumonia or bronchitis.

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 Szwed 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): This test helps ensure your lungs are working efficiently by directly measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, aiding in early diagnosis of lung conditions.
• 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: Taking charge of your respiratory health involves considering a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, a precise procedure to identify and address abnormalities in your lungs and breathing passages.
• 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.
• Respiratory Management: Respiratory management offers personalized support to help you breathe easier and live fuller by identifying and treating respiratory concerns promptly.
• Sleep Study: A sleep study is a valuable tool for early detection of sleep apnea, a condition that can negatively affect lung function and increase the risk of other health problems.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by getting expert help to quit smoking—a crucial step in preventing lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.
• Thoracentesis: A thoracentesis is a procedure to extract fluid from around your lungs, aiding in the early detection of serious lung issues and guiding treatment decisions for better health outcomes.

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 Szwed 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 scheduling regular check-ups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed underlying respiratory issues, significantly reducing their risk of respiratory failure and gaining peace of mind.
• By understanding their individual risk factors and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced the chance of developing chronic pulmonary heart diseases, allowing them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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 Szwed:

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 history of smoking and a certain age. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, so scheduling a consultation with Dr. Szwed to discuss your eligibility is important.

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, distinct from regular hypertension. It's a complex condition needing specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

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

My partner says I snore loudly and stop breathing at night. Should I be concerned?

Yes, this is a classic sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Treating OSA is crucial for preventing long-term health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

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.

What is sarcoidosis?

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

3 Shircliff Way Ste 625
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (904) 308-6900

Dr. Thomas Szwed, 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): 1790712933

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 Szwed 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.