Andres Borja-Alvarez

Pulmonologist | Pulmonary Disease

3115 Kernan Lake Drive Apt 204 Jacksonville Florida, 32246 Show map

About
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About

Andres Borja Alvarez, MD, maintains a position with the Mayo Clinic, a world-renowned, internationally ranked medical center with locations in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Through the power of collaboration, the Mayo Clinic Health System provides patients with access to cutting-edge research, technology and resources. Dr. Borja Alvarez is a pulmonary critical care physician who is based out of the Florida clinic. After earning his medical degree in Ecuador, he completed an internship and residency at the St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. In addition, he has been fellowship trained at the Mayo Clinic and has over one year of experience. As a professional member of the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Thoracic Society, Society of Critical Care Medicine, the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association, he is able to stay up-to-date on any and all developments in his field.

Education and Training

In Ecuador

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 19 years of experience

Andres Borja-Alvarez

Andres Borja-Alvarez's Expert Contributions

My Answers

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, but so are pulmonary function tests and lab work. Andres Borja Alvarez, MD READ MORE
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 you understand better what he/she is looking for. Andres Borja Alvarez, MD READ MORE
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. Don’t smoke before PFTs. I encourage you to quit. READ MORE
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 either. READ MORE
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 Borja Alvarez, MD READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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 READ MORE
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 READ MORE
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 him. Andres Borja Alvarez, MD READ MORE
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 with water and there is breathlessness. Should also evaluate heart function, which can also be affected by diabetes. Andres Borja Alvarez, MD READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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), 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 READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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 slow down the decrease in function to normal rate. READ MORE
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 only after common colds. Do you have chronic rhinitis or heartburn? Having a short period of asthma would be atypical. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Pulmonary Critical Care

Faculty Titles & Positions

Local and National Public Speaking -

Fellowships

Mayo Clinic‎

Professional Society Memberships

American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Society of Critical Care Medicine, American College of Physicians, American Medical Association