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Dr. Benjamin H. Hughes, MD is a pediatric pulmonologist in Aurora, CO specializing in pediatric pulmonology. He graduated from University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine in 2009 and has 15 years of experience. Dr. Benjamin H. Hughes, MD is affiliated with Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Medicine and UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS INCORPORATED.
13123 East 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
4090 Briargate Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease where the tissue and airways of the lungs become extremely sensitive to certain substances. When these substances are breathed in, the lungs become inflamed. The muscles around the airways tighten and squeeze the lungs, and passages within the lungs swell and tighten. The airways themselves produce mucus, which further clogs the tightened, swollen airways. A person having an asthma attack finds it very difficult to breathe, and a severe attack can even be fatal.
Asthma affects people of all ages, but people with asthma are most often diagnosed as children. Symptoms can include wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, and coughing. Some people have mild symptoms all the time, and some people have no symptoms at all, but everyone with asthma is susceptible to occasional severe attacks or flare-ups of symptoms when they are exposed to triggers. Triggers vary widely but can include:
Treatment for most asthma patients involves three steps. Patients learn what their asthma triggers are and avoid them. They take a daily control medication, usually an inhaled corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Also, they have rescue medication with them at all times to take in case of a severe attack. These quick-acting inhaled medications relax the muscles around the airways and allow the lungs to open up for air.
There is no cure for asthma, but with treatment it should not interfere with daily life and activities.
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. Benjamin H. Hughes, MD graduated from University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine in 2009. He completed residency at University of Colorado Denver Affiliated Hospitals. He has a state license in Colorado.
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine (2009)
Residency: University of Colorado Denver Affiliated Hospitals (2012)
Licensed In: Colorado
Dr. Benjamin H. Hughes, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Benjamin H. Hughes, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 10 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Benjamin H. Hughes, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Aurora, CO.
Dr. Benjamin Hughes practices pediatric pulmonology. He is conversant in Spanish. Dr. Hughes has a special interest in cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, and interstitial lung disease. His professional affiliations include Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado Medicine. Dr. Hughes studied medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine. His training includes a residency program at a hospital affiliated with the University of Colorado Denver.
