Dr. Thomas Truncale, DO

Dr. Thomas Truncale, DO is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic 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). 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. Truncale is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and they should call (813) 972-2000 to schedule.

Dr. Thomas Truncale, DO is a pulmonologist in Tampa, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from A. T. Still University Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Pulmonology at University Of S Fl College Of Med, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of patients. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Occupational Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Preventive Medicine. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as AdventHealth Orlando and AdventHealth Zephyrhills. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Truncale provides consultations primarily in English.

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.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Thomas Truncale 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 Truncale 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 Truncale 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 Hypertension: Understanding your risk factors for pulmonary hypertension and taking steps to mitigate them, such as managing underlying conditions, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this serious condition.
• 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.
• Bronchitis: While some cases of bronchitis are viral and unavoidable, good respiratory health practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding secondhand smoke, can still lessen the risk of acquiring the condition and its severity.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Understanding the risk factors for acute upper respiratory infections, such as close contact with sick individuals, helps in implementing preventive measures like handwashing and social distancing.
• Influenza (Flu): The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be prevented through annual vaccination, helping to protect your lungs and overall health.
• Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia means your blood isn't getting enough oxygen, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups to catch and manage lung conditions early.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Managing interstitial lung disease effectively involves working closely with your doctor to slow its progression and minimize the risk of severe complications, significantly improving your long-term respiratory health.
• Empyema: Empyema, a serious lung infection with pus buildup, highlights the importance of promptly treating pneumonia and other respiratory infections to prevent life-threatening complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Acute Bronchitis: Managing acute bronchitis effectively, often through rest and supportive care, is crucial for preventing further lung damage and complications in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Bronchiectasis: Recognizing and addressing risk factors, and getting regular checkups and treatment for bronchiectasis, is crucial for managing this chronic lung condition and preventing its progression, improving your long-term 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. Thomas Truncale 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): As a step towards preventing serious lung complications, this simple blood test assesses your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, helping your doctor understand your respiratory health.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diaphragmatic Pacing: Diaphragmatic pacing uses electrical impulses to exercise your diaphragm, enhancing your breathing capacity and potentially delaying the need for more intensive interventions.
• Thoracoscopic Drainage of Pleural Cavity With Robotic Assistance: Taking a proactive approach to your lung health, this procedure uses robotic assistance for precise drainage of fluid from your pleural cavity, which helps identify the underlying cause and prevent future issues.

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 Truncale 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 understanding their risk factors and proactively managing an underlying condition, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing pulmonary hypertension, achieving a healthier future.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a proactive health plan, a patient felt empowered to significantly reduce their chances of developing a pulmonary embolism, ensuring a healthier future.

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 Truncale:

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 ranging 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 those with a history of smoking and a certain age. Early detection is key, as lung cancer is most treatable when caught early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Truncale to discuss your specific eligibility.

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.

What is a pleural effusion?

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

My CT scan showed a 'lung nodule.' Does this mean I have cancer?

A lung nodule on a CT scan is often benign, possibly an old scar from a past infection. Dr. Truncale is skilled in evaluating nodules, considering their characteristics and your risk factors to determine the best course of action, which may simply be ongoing monitoring.

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. Truncale uses PFTs to 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 the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically involves reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually stemming from smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. Thomas Truncale, 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): 1447292339

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 Truncale 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.