Respiratory Conditions

Destiny Internal Medicine prioritizes nuanced care for your respiratory conditions, ensuring that breathing well translates to living well. From common concerns like asthma and allergies to more complex conditions, such as COPD and pneumonia, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive approach to your care. 

We craft personalized care plans that address your specific needs. 

Destiny Internal Medicine specializes in the comprehensive care of conditions like asthma, allergies, COPD, bronchitis, and cough.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition caused by the inflammation and narrowing of airways, impacting airflow in and out of the lungs. Asthma can lead to recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. 

Symptoms of asthma can include:

• Wheezing or high-pitched whistling sounds during breathing.
• Shortness of breath accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest.
• Chest tightness or pressure in the chest
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning

While the exact cause of asthma is not known, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Common asthma triggers include:

• Allergens (pollen, mold, pet dander)
• Irritants (tobacco smoke, air pollution)
• Respiratory infections
• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Cold air or changes in weather

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective asthma management. Our diagnostic approach at Destiny Internal Medicine includes:

• Understanding your symptoms, triggers, and overall health
• Listening for wheezing and assessing overall respiratory health through a physical exam
• Measuring the amount and speed of the air you can exhale using a Spirometry test
• Identifying specific allergens triggering asthma symptoms

Our treatment approach involves more than just managing symptoms. We dig deeper into your condition to understand your unique triggers and provide custom treatment plans. This can include:

• Avoiding triggers
• Medication
• Lifestyle modifications
• Learning to recognize early signs of an asthma attack 

Allergies involve the body's immune system reacting to specific substances, triggering a range of respiratory symptoms. Allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, and fatigue.

Allergies can be triggered by allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites, and insect stings. 

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective allergy management. Our diagnostic approach includes detailed symptom assessment, allergy testing, and identifying potential sources of allergen exposure.

Treatment options usually aim to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying cause. This can include avoiding triggers, medication, and immunotherapy. We provide ongoing support to help you avoid triggers and manage symptoms effectively.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which impact airflow, causing breathing difficulties. 

Symptoms of COPD include:

• Persistent coughing, often with mucus production.
• Gradual onset of breathlessness, especially during physical activity.
• High-pitched whistling sounds during breathing.
• Discomfort or pressure in the chest.

COPD is commonly caused by long-term exposure to irritants, including tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes.

The diagnostic process for COPD may involve a lung function test to assess airflow limitation and chest X-rays to check lung structure.

Treatment options include Oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Smoking is one of the leading causes of COPD, and we advise patients to quit smoking.

A cough can be a symptom of various respiratory conditions, ranging from mild irritations to more severe illnesses. Symptoms typically include dry or productive cough, hoarse voice, tightness or pressure in the chest, and shortness of breath.

Coughs can be caused by respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Diagnosis may be confirmed through physical exam, symptom assessment, and chest X-rays.

Treatment for coughs include:

• Cough suppressants: Medications to reduce the urge to cough.
• Expectorants: Promoting the clearance of mucus.
• Treatment of underlying causes: Addressing the root cause, such as infections or allergies.
• Fluid Intake: Staying well-hydrated to soothe the throat.
• Avoiding irritants: Minimizing exposure to environmental factors triggering coughs.
• Hydration and rest: Promoting overall health and respiratory well-being.
• Smoking cessation: Tobacco use is not advised for those with respiratory diseases.

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection. It is caused by the inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms such as cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Cough that produces mucus that may be green or tinged with blood.
• Fever accompanied by sweating and chills.
• Difficulty in breathing, especially during physical activity.
• Sharp pain in the chest that worsens with coughing or deep breaths.
• Feeling unusually tired or weak.

Various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia. This includes Streptococcus pneumoniae (the most common bacterial cause) and the Influenza virus.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective pneumonia treatment. Our diagnostic approach may involve:

• Understanding the nature and duration of symptoms.
• Listening for abnormal breath sounds in the chest and assessing overall respiratory health.
• Chest X-rays to visualize the extent and location of lung involvement.
• Blood tests to identify the underlying cause, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal.

Our treatment approach focuses on alleviating symptoms and promoting a full recovery. This may include:

• Antibiotics or antiviral medications
• Fever and pain management using over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• Increased fluid intake
• Preventive measures to prevent recurrent episodes

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occur due to inflamed or infected sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull). This condition can cause symptoms, including nasal congestion, facial pain, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of sinus infections can include:

• Nasal congestion, causing difficulty breathing.
• Facial pain or pressure, especially around the eyes, nose, and forehead.
• Yellow or green nasal discharge indicating infection.
• Headaches
• Coughing when lying down at night

Sinus infections can be triggered by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, or even allergies. 

Accurate diagnosis is vital for targeted sinus infection management. Our diagnostic approach at Destiny Internal Medicine includes:

• Understanding the nature and duration of symptoms
• Evaluating the nasal passages and assessing overall sinus health
• Imaging studies for a detailed view of your condition

Treatment for sinus infections usually involves:

• Antibiotics
• Nasal Decongestants
• Nasal Irrigation
• Pain Management
• Hydration and Humidification
• Avoiding Allergic Triggers

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) refer to infections affecting the nose, throat, and other areas of the upper respiratory system. These infections can vary in complexity from the common cold to more severe conditions. 

Destiny Internal Medicine provides holistic care for optimal nasal and throat health.

Symptoms of URIs can include:

• Blockage in the nasal passages, often accompanied by runny nose.
• Pain or irritation in the throat.
• Dry or phlegmy cough.
• Frequent sneezing, especially in the early stages.
• Feeling unusually tired or weak.

URIs are most often caused by viruses, with the common cold being the most prevalent. Typical causative agents include Rhinovirus, Influenza Virus, and Coronavirus.

Our diagnostic approach for respiratory infections includes analyzing symptoms, examining your nasal passages, and tests to identify specific viral or bacterial agents.

Treatment options for upper respiratory infections usually involve addressing specific symptoms, staying well-hydrated, allowing the body time to recover, and using OTC medication.

Pharyngitis, commonly known as a sore throat, is the inflammation of the pharynx, which is the part of the throat between the tonsils and the voice box. This condition can be induced by viral or bacterial infections, environmental irritants, and other factors. 

Symptoms of pharyngitis can include:

• Discomfort or scratchiness in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Visible signs of inflammation in the throat
• Enlarged or reddened tonsils
• Hoarse voice

Pharyngitis can be caused by:

• Viral infections like common cold viruses, influenza, or infectious mononucleosis
• Bacterial infections like Streptococcal bacteria (strep throat) or other bacterial strains
• Environmental irritants like smoke, pollutants, or dry air contribute to throat irritation

A sore throat is usually diagnosed through a physical examination, symptoms assessment, and a Rapid Strep Test to determine the presence of streptococcal bacteria.

At Destiny Internal Medicine, our staff provides gentle care to alleviate your symptoms and promote recovery. In most cases, addressing and easing symptoms can make a marked difference. 

Additionally, we recommend staying well hydrated, gargling with saline water, and resting to allow the body to heal. OTC medications may be taken to manage pain and discomfort.

At Destiny Internal Medicine, we address your respiratory conditions comprehensively by managing the underlying cause and providing ongoing support. We are committed to providing gentle care for your condition. 

Connect with our experienced team in Aurora for a personalized consultation. 

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call us at 720-324-4777 or request an appointment online.