Dr. Alex E Lechin, MD, FCCP

Expert Publications

• Candida lusitaniae catheter-related sepsis.
• Severe asthma and plasma serotonin.
• Plasma serotonin, pulmonary hypertension and bronchial asthma.
• Pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction and plasma serotonin: commentary on Deuchar et al.
• Tianeptine, plasma serotonin, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Tianeptine: a new exploratory therapy for asthma.
• Circulating neurotransmitters during the different wake-sleep stages in normal subjects.
• Neural sympathetic activity in essential hypertension.
• Autonomic nervous system assessment throughout the wake-sleep cycle and stress.
• Natural killer cells activity and neuroimmunological treatment of cancer.
• Treatment of bronchial asthma with tianeptine.
• Serotonin bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic cholangiopathy.
• Pimozide therapy for trigeminal neuralgia.
• Treatment of ulcerative colitis with clonidine.
• Effects of clonidine on blood pressure, noradrenaline, cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin plasma levels in high and low intestinal tone depressed patients.

Media Releases

Director of Texas Institute of Chest & Sleep Disorders, P.A. Celebrates Over Three Decades of Service to the Community

Dr. Alex E. Lechin, a board-certified pulmonologist fluent in both English and Spanish, is proudly marking his significant contributions to pulmonary health as the Director of the Texas Institute of Chest & Sleep Disorders, P.A., a practice he founded in 1994. With an unwavering commitment to serving the pulmonary needs of Houston, Pasadena, and the surrounding communities, Dr. Lechin and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including but not limited to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

Since its establishment over three decades ago, the Texas Institute of Chest & Sleep Disorders has become a cornerstone for individuals suffering from various pulmonary conditions. Dr. Lechin leads a dedicated team focused on providing comprehensive care to patients facing acute respiratory distress syndrome, pleural effusion, cystic fibrosis, and more. His practice has built a reputation for excellence, combining advanced medical knowledge with a compassionate approach to patient care.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Dr. Lechin’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree from Emil Friedman School in 1978. He later completed his BS degree at Southern Vermont College in 1979 before graduating with a Medical Degree from the Central University of Venezuela in 1986. 

Wanting to further his training, Dr. Lechin completed a clinical pharmacology fellowship at the Experimental Medicine Institute of the Central University of Venezuela in 1988. He then returned to the United States, undertaking an internal medicine internship at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem in 1989, followed by a residency in internal medicine at J. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee, in 1991. He further specialized with a clinical fellowship in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in 1994.

Dr. Lechin’s impressive medical background includes serving as an emergency room and receiving clinic physician at Mountain Home VA Hospital – East Tennessee State University from 1990 until 1991, and attending physician at the City of Houston Tuberculosis and Chest Clinic at Ben Taub Hospital from 1992 to 1994. He also held the position of flight physician at Methodist Hospital Aeromedical Service – Baylor College of Medicine, where he developed expertise in critical care and emergency medicine from 1993 to 1994. 

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Lechin has shared his knowledge and expertise as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Houston: College of Pharmacy, educating the next generation of healthcare professionals from 1995 to 2018. His academic involvement reflects his commitment to advancing medical education and research in the field of pulmonology.

Dr. Lechin holds prestigious designations as a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians (FCCP) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (FAASM). He is also an active member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the Texas Medical Association, and the American Federation for Clinical Research.

Among his significant achievements, Dr. Lechin is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, sleep medicine, and critical care medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine—an independent, physician-led organization committed to setting higher standards for quality care. Additionally, he holds board certification in sleep medicine from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, a U.S.-based professional society focused on the field of sleep medicine, including circadian rhythm disorders.

Dr. Lechin’s contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including SANDOZ: “Outstanding Contribution in Clinical Research” (1991), the Patients’ Choice Award (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011), and Most Compassionate Doctor (2010). His consistent recognition as one of Houston’s Best Pulmonologists by H TEXAS Magazine (September 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011) further highlights his reputation as a leading expert in the field.

As Dr. Alex E. Lechin continues to lead the Texas Institute of Chest & Sleep Disorders, he remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with pulmonary conditions. His commitment to patient-centered care and his extensive experience position him as a trusted physician in the Houston area.

Recommended Articles

• What Is Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia?

  Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is a very serious disease, which is characterized by a fluid buildup and inflammation in the lungs. This lung infection is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci. It is an opportunistic disease that usually infects immunosuppressed individuals, especially...

• Stem Cell Therapy Can Reduce Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis

  Cystic fibrosis can cause numerous lung infections that will lead to lung damage and a weaker respiratory system. Scientists have therefore taken to researching different rehabilitation methods on repairing lung damage. There have been a number of recent breakthroughs in lung rehabilitation, but one...

• How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

  Lung Cancer is one of the most common and serious forms of cancers in the world. In fact, it is also one of the leading causes of cancer deaths for both men and women. This form of cancer is known to mainly affect older people, primarily those in their seventies. Smoking has been identified as one...

• What Is Tachypnea?

  Introduction Tachypnea is a medical term, which means rapid and shallow breathing. This condition is often confused with hyperventilation, which is another type of abnormal breathing that is characterized by rapid but deep breathing. Both conditions are caused by carbon dioxide buildup in the...

• Persistent and Dry Cough: What to Do?

  There are two types of cough: dry and productive. When you cough and mucus or phlegm is expelled, then it is a productive cough. A dry cough, on the other hand, can be caused by a random tickle, allergy, or dry air. There are natural remedies that can be used to relieve a cough. Home Remedies for...

• Cough Medicine for Cystic Fibrosis

  Medications for cystic fibrosis can help control the mucus in the lungs and keep the lungs’ normal functioning as much as possible. What is Cystic Fibrosis?Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease known to affect the cells that make mucus, digestive fluids, and sweat. Usually, these fluids are thin...