Dr. Vichaya Arunthari, MD

Dr. Vichaya Arunthari, 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. Please call (904) 953-2000 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Vichaya Arunthari, MD is a pulmonologist in Jacksonville, FL with extensive experience in Obstructive Lung Disease. He is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida, and is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Arunthari completed rigorous medical training at renowned institutions, culminating in a residency in Pulmonology at University Of Illinois At Advocate Christ Medical Center (2006), followed by fellowship training in Mayo Clinic Hospital (2008) and Mayo Clinic Jacksonville (2009), further specializing his expertise. He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Arunthari provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Influenza (Flu): Early detection and treatment of influenza can prevent serious complications like bronchitis and pneumonia, which may have long-term consequences for your lungs.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Regular check-ups and addressing chronic sinusitis promptly are vital for preventive care, as it can affect your lungs and overall respiratory well-being.
• 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.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus, especially dangerous for infants and the elderly, so early detection and preventative measures like good hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath might indicate a need for lung cancer screening, especially if you have risk factors, potentially saving your life through early detection.
• Sleep Apnea: Early diagnosis of sleep apnea allows for timely intervention, preventing long-term complications like daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular issues, thus safeguarding your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Emphysema: Protecting your lungs from environmental irritants like pollution and managing risk factors like smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing emphysema.
• Pulmonary Edema: Preventing heart conditions and high blood pressure can significantly reduce your risk of developing pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid fills your lungs.
• Sleep Related Hypoxemia: Untreated sleep-related hypoxemia can lead to severe health problems; proactive steps like sleep studies and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk.
• Acute Bronchitis: Early detection of acute bronchitis symptoms allows for prompt treatment, reducing the duration and severity of illness, and minimizing the risk of long-term breathing problems.

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. Vichaya Arunthari 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: A bronchoscopy with robotic assist allows your doctor to get a closer look inside your lungs and airways to detect potential problems early, helping prevent serious complications.
• Respiratory Management: Proactive respiratory management ensures you receive tailored treatment plans and guidance for managing and improving your breathing.
• Sleep Study: Protect your lungs and heart by scheduling a sleep study – it's a simple test that can uncover hidden sleep disorders impacting your overall health and well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Quit smoking and improve your lung function with evidence-based cessation counseling, a vital step in preventing future respiratory complications.
• Thoracentesis: To check for infections or cancer, a thoracentesis may be used to safely remove fluid from around your lungs, allowing for early diagnosis and 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. Vichaya Arunthari 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 following a proactive plan, a patient successfully avoided frequent episodes of acute sinusitis, ensuring a healthier respiratory system overall. This proactive approach allowed them to breathe easier and enjoy their daily activities without interruption.
• By proactively scheduling flu vaccinations and monitoring symptoms, a family significantly reduced their risk of influenza complications, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable holiday season.

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. Vichaya Arunthari:

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 crucial for successful treatment, and we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vichaya Arunthari to discuss your specific eligibility.

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 caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

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 high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

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. It helps Dr. Arunthari diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD, assess their severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

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 from a specialist like Dr. Vichaya Arunthari is needed to monitor and prevent organ damage.

How can I prevent my asthma or COPD from getting worse?

Preventing asthma or COPD from worsening is a partnership with Dr. Arunthari. Key strategies include using your inhalers as prescribed, avoiding triggers like smoke and pollen, getting recommended vaccinations, and having a clear action plan for flare-ups.

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.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Vichaya Arunthari, 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): 1659304939

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. Vichaya Arunthari 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.