Dr. Rajeesh Punnakkattu (Dr. Raj)
(520) 374-8915
Fax: (520) 233-7015
unitedpulmonary@gmail.com • Since 2008

Breathe Better.
Sleep Better.
Live Better.

Expert Pulmonary, Sleep Medicine, and Critical Care by Dr. Rajeesh Punnakkattu (Dr. Raj) — serving Casa Grande and surrounding communities with 22+ years of experience.

Board Certified
Accepting New Patients
22+ Years Experience
Hablamos Espanol

Our Specialties

Comprehensive care for pulmonary conditions, sleep disorders, and critical illness

Pulmonary Medicine

COPD, asthma, lung cancer evaluation, chronic cough, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchoscopy, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary function testing.

Sleep Medicine

Home sleep testing, in-lab sleep studies, sleep apnea treatment, CPAP/BiPAP, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy diagnosis and management.

Critical Care

Intensive care services at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, managing life-threatening respiratory failure and complex critical illness.

Valley Fever Care in Casa Grande

A common fungal lung infection in southern Arizona — and a condition we diagnose and treat regularly

What is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal infection caused by inhaling Coccidioides spores from desert soil. When soil is disturbed by wind, construction, or farming, spores become airborne. Casa Grande sits in Pinal County — one of Arizona's highest-risk areas. Thousands of Arizonans are affected each year, with seasonal peaks in summer and fall.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Persistent cough (sometimes with blood-tinged sputum)
  • Fever, chills, and night sweats
  • Chest pain and shortness of breath
  • Fatigue, body aches, and joint pain
  • Rash on lower legs

When to See a Pulmonologist

  • Cough, fever, or chest pain lasting more than 2 weeks
  • Abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan findings
  • Positive Valley Fever blood test
  • Weakened immune system or diabetes

Diagnosis

Blood tests (Valley Fever antibodies), chest X-ray or CT imaging, and when needed, bronchoscopy or biopsy.

Treatment

Mild cases often resolve with monitoring. Persistent or severe infections are treated with antifungal medications (fluconazole, itraconazole). Dr. Raj provides close follow-up with blood work and imaging.

Prevention Tips

Avoid outdoor activity during dust storms. Keep windows closed on windy days. Wear an N95 mask for dusty outdoor work. Use HEPA air filters at home.

Risk Factors

Adults 60+, diabetes, weakened immune system, outdoor workers, and residents of southern Arizona.

Think you may have Valley Fever?

Call (520) 374-8915
[ Dr. Raj Photo ]

Meet Dr. Raj

Dr. Rajeesh Punnakkattu (Dr. Raj) is a board-certified pulmonologist, critical care, and sleep medicine specialist with over 22 years of medical experience.

He earned his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India, completed his Internal Medicine residency at SUNY Buffalo, and fellowship in Pulmonary & Critical Care at the University of Louisville.

Dr. Raj is affiliated with Banner Casa Grande Medical Center and is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care to every patient.

Board Certified - Pulmonary Disease Board Certified - Critical Care Board Certified - Sleep Medicine Board Certified - Internal Medicine Fellow, ACP Fellow, ACCP Fellow, AASM

Access Your Patient Portal

View lab results, request prescription refills, message Dr. Raj's team, and schedule appointments online — 24/7.

Log In to eClinicalWorks Portal Request Appointment

Our Team

Dedicated professionals committed to your respiratory and sleep health

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Dr. Rajeesh Punnakkattu
Physician / Director
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Visit Our Office

United Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
1780 E Florence Blvd, Suite 110
Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Phone: (520) 374-8915
Fax: (520) 233-7015
Email: unitedpulmonary@gmail.com
Get Driving Directions
Office Hours
Monday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday8:30 - 11:30 AM *
Thursday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday - SundayClosed
* Wednesday: In-office until 11:30 AM. Available by phone until 5:30 PM.
Lunch: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM daily

UPSM Assistant

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