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Dr. Becky Jo Ennis, MD is a neonatologist in Dallas, TX specializing in neonatology. She graduated from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 2000 and has 24 years of experience. Dr. Becky Jo Ennis, MD is affiliated with Children's Health (Texas), CHRISTUS Health, Children's Health System and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
1935 Medical District Drive
Dallas, TX 75235
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75390
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which blood cannot clot normally. After an injury, people who have hemophilia bleed longer because they lack certain blood proteins that are responsible for clotting, called clotting factors. Some hemophiliacs are mildly deficient in this protein, so they bleed only when injured or after surgery. Those who are severely deficient, however, may experience symptoms of spontaneous bleeding, including the following:
Most people with hemophilia have a family history of the disorder, though about 30% do not. The most common forms are hemophilia A (classic hemophilia) and hemophilia B (Christmas disease). Hemophilia A and B share certain characteristics, but different genes are involved. Acquired hemophilia is very rare and has been linked to autoimmune conditions, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Hemophilia may be diagnosed using a blood test. If there is family history of the disorder, testing may be done prenatally. Treatment involves regular intravenous replacement of clotting factors, which may be produced in a laboratory (recombinant) or come from blood donors. For people with milder forms of the disease, a hormone called desmopressin may stimulate the body to produce clotting factors. Other drug therapies include medications that help slow the breakdown of blood clots and medications that are applied directly to the wound to promote clotting.
Living with hemophilia can be challenging, but simple things may help prevent excessive bleeding. For example, choosing activities like walking or swimming over contact sports can prevent injuries and strengthen muscles while protecting the joints. Chances for bleeding may also be reduced by making sure that children wear helmets and elbow pads during activities like bicycle rides.
Hydrocephalus
Normally, the brain is bathed in a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions and nurtures the brain cells as it flows around and through the brain. Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid does not get reabsorbed into the body properly, or a blockage in the brain can stop it from flowing. This causes a buildup of pressure called hydrocephalus. This condition affects a wide range of people, but it is much more prevalent among infants and older adults. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision, and eventually may cause brain damage.
Hydrocephalus is most often treated with an implanted device called a shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube that is used to drain excess fluid. One end is placed within the brain. The tube runs under the skin, along the neck behind the ear, and to another part of the body where the fluid can be reabsorbed. Most often this is the abdomen, but the chest or other areas can also be used. Shunts have a valve that allows doctors to monitor and control the pressure within the brain. Insertion of a shunt is a surgical procedure that takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in the head and the abdomen, and the shunt is threaded into place before the openings are stitched closed.
In cases where hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage, a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, may be performed. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a dime-sized hole in the skull and uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) to see inside the brain. The surgeon punctures a hole in the floor of the third ventricle, a fluid-filled space within the brain. The hole provides an opening for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the blockage, normalizing pressure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients can often go home the following day. ETV can provide a permanent and safe alternative to a shunt, but it is only useful for patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage.
Lung Issues
Every cell in the body requires oxygen to function and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. In order to keep the body's tissues constantly supplied with fresh oxygen and to keep waste from building up, the lungs pump air in and out, even while sleeping or unaware. Unfortunately, diseases and disorders affecting the lungs are some of the most common medical problems afflicting people around the world. Some of the most common lung problems include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
Asthma is a chronic disease where swollen, inflamed airways make it hard to breathe. It is often brought on by specific triggers. While asthma is a common condition, affecting millions of people, it can also be serious and even fatal in severe cases. Treatment involves avoiding triggers and using inhaled corticosteroid medications.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the name given to two illnesses that both cause difficulty breathing: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, while with bronchitis they become clogged with mucus. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is almost always caused by breathing irritants into the lungs, such as smoking or heavy pollution.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in a week or two, but for some people pneumonia can be fatal. There are treatments available for pneumonia, but the best treatment is to prevent getting sick in the first place. People who are at risk should make sure they get a flu shot every year. There is also a vaccine available for the type of bacteria that causes pneumonia.
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells inside the lung grow into a tumor, destroying healthy tissue. Because it is so difficult to detect lung cancer in early stages when it has few symptoms, it is the deadliest form of cancer, responsible for the most cancer deaths both in the U.S. and worldwide. Most lung cancer is caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, but between 10-15% of cases are not linked to smoking.
Some problems with the lungs are minor and are not cause for concern. However if symptoms have lasted for a month or more, even if they are minor, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional. A cough, shortness of breath, or excess mucus production that lingers for weeks are all worth getting looked at.
Dr. Becky Jo Ennis, MD graduated from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 2000. She completed residency at Children's Medical Center Dallas. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics/Neonatal-Perinatal and has a state license in Texas.
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (2000)
Residency: Children's Medical Center Dallas (2003)
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics/Neonatal-Perinatal
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Becky Jo Ennis, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Becky Jo Ennis, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Sobi, Inc |
$28
SYNAGIS $28 |
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Food and Beverage | $28 |
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Dr. Becky Ennis specializes in neonatology and practices in Dallas, TX. Dr. Ennis studied medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Her training includes a residency program at Children's Medical Center Dallas. Her areas of expertise include cystic fibrosis (CF), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and syphilis. Distinctions awarded to Dr. Ennis include: Patient and Family Recognition Award; UT Southwestern Leaders in Clinical Excellence Awards; and Patient and Family Recognition Award - Nominee. Her hospital/clinic affiliations include Children's Health (Texas) and UT Southwestern Medical Center.