EXPERT
Andres Borja-Alvarez
Pulmonologist
Dr. Andres Borja-Alvarez is a top Pulmonologist in Jacksonville, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Andres Borja-Alvarez is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Andres Borja-Alvarez is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Andres Borja-Alvarez is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Andres Borja-Alvarez is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Andres Borja-Alvarez
- Phoenix, Arizona
- In Ecuador
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Will a chest x-ray detect daughter's bronchitis?
Hard to tell, bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis. Is this acute or chronic? If acute, why not treat and see? If chronic, X-ray is part of making a differential for the diagnosis, READ MORE
Hard to tell, bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis. Is this acute or chronic? If acute, why not treat and see? If chronic, X-ray is part of making a differential for the diagnosis, but so are pulmonary function tests and lab work.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
What is a scintigraphy?
This is a type of test in nuclear medicine that can evaluate ventilation (air entry to the lungs) and perfusion (blood supply to the lungs). I encourage you to understand why so READ MORE
This is a type of test in nuclear medicine that can evaluate ventilation (air entry to the lungs) and perfusion (blood supply to the lungs). I encourage you to understand why so you understand better what he/she is looking for.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Can I smoke before a pulmonary functioning test?
The PFTs will look different with smoking. If there is any smoking damage we want to see the background not the acute changes. Other pets look better with smoking than they are. READ MORE
The PFTs will look different with smoking. If there is any smoking damage we want to see the background not the acute changes. Other pets look better with smoking than they are. Don’t smoke before PFTs. I encourage you to quit.
What are the symptoms of detecting a pulmonary disorder?
Don't ever smoke, anything. Tobacco is bad, but all smoked substances damage the lungs. No evidence for screening just with family history. And, regrettably, no early symptoms READ MORE
Don't ever smoke, anything. Tobacco is bad, but all smoked substances damage the lungs. No evidence for screening just with family history. And, regrettably, no early symptoms either.
Can sleep apnea cause irregular breathing?
Yes, not all episodes are at regular intervals, they come at different times. It is important to have tests to differentiate between obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Andres READ MORE
Yes, not all episodes are at regular intervals, they come at different times. It is important to have tests to differentiate between obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Is breathless associated with the heart or the lungs?
It can be both, the electrocardiogram being normal only evaluated rhythm and ischemic events (heart attack) new or old. A more comprehensive work up is required including echocardiogram READ MORE
It can be both, the electrocardiogram being normal only evaluated rhythm and ischemic events (heart attack) new or old. A more comprehensive work up is required including echocardiogram to evaluate heart function and diastology. But it can also be related to lungs, especially current or former smokers. It can also be related to the communication between heart and lung which is called deconditioning.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Could there be another reason for my breathlessness or is it anxiety?
Blaming shortness of breath on anxiety alone should be a diagnosis of exclusion and making sure no underlying process.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
I feel very tired after walking a little bit. Should I consider a pulmonary check up or a cardiac check up?
It can be both or either of the two depending on the history. Your PCP can help guide and get some preliminary testing for either.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Can pneumonia be fatal?
Pneumonia can be deadly, just as much as a car accident, however, we still get in our cars. Most pneumonia cases improve rapidly with treatment and make sure you keep an eye on READ MORE
Pneumonia can be deadly, just as much as a car accident, however, we still get in our cars. Most pneumonia cases improve rapidly with treatment and make sure you keep an eye on him.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
What could be the reason my mother is breathless?
Many reasons to explain this, however, the most likely if the kidney is recently not working at 100% associated with diabetes. Just like the legs are swelling the lungs can fill READ MORE
Many reasons to explain this, however, the most likely if the kidney is recently not working at 100% associated with diabetes. Just like the legs are swelling the lungs can fill with water and there is breathlessness. Should also evaluate heart function, which can also be affected by diabetes.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Can people of ventilation ever get out of it?
The answer is complex, you need 4-8 weeks for complete recovery from pneumonia. The damage on the lungs, only the presence of fibrosis (fancy term for scar) is permanent and usually READ MORE
The answer is complex, you need 4-8 weeks for complete recovery from pneumonia. The damage on the lungs, only the presence of fibrosis (fancy term for scar) is permanent and usually needs oxygen not CPAP, I suggest follow up with Pulmonoligist outpatient after the 8 weeks to reassess the lungs with Pulmonary Function Tests, imaging and exercise oximetry.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
How to treat breathlessness in a metastatic breast cancer patient?
The reason for shortness of breath has to be investigated. There are multiple causes and include, but not limited to: progression of cancer (lung involvement or pleural effusion), READ MORE
The reason for shortness of breath has to be investigated. There are multiple causes and include, but not limited to: progression of cancer (lung involvement or pleural effusion), side effect of chemotherapy (many forms depending on the agent, muscular deconditioning, and others).
The more active she is within her comfort, the least it will progress.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
The more active she is within her comfort, the least it will progress.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
I have multiple small nodules in both the lungs. What should I do?
Depends on the cause. The cause of nodules is usually determined by history and risk factors. The differential is broad, and giving an approach without your history and images READ MORE
Depends on the cause. The cause of nodules is usually determined by history and risk factors. The differential is broad, and giving an approach without your history and images would be unethical and not helpful to you. I recommend you see a lung specialist in your area, most times follow up and time will tell, progression will hint at the cause.
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Andres Borja Alvarez, MD
Do the lungs have the capability to regenerate?
Quitting smoking is always important, there is no regeneration of the actual damage. As we age we loose lung function, but smokers lose function at a faster rate, by quitting you READ MORE
Quitting smoking is always important, there is no regeneration of the actual damage. As we age we loose lung function, but smokers lose function at a faster rate, by quitting you slow down the decrease in function to normal rate.
Can asthma go away?
There are many conditions that can simulate asthma, was this a brand new episode? First time ever? Consider reactive airway disease syndrome (RADS), wheezing and cough present READ MORE
There are many conditions that can simulate asthma, was this a brand new episode? First time ever? Consider reactive airway disease syndrome (RADS), wheezing and cough present only after common colds. Do you have chronic rhinitis or heartburn? Having a short period of asthma would be atypical.
