Dr. Monica Liliana Arango, MD is a pediatrician in Katy, TX specializing in general pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology. Dr. Monica Liliana Arango, MD is affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, UT Physicians, Memorial Hermann and Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center (TMC).
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.
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.
When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:
Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.
Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.
Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.
The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.
She completed residency at University of Kansas Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has a state license in Texas.
Residency: University of Kansas Medical Center (2012)
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Monica Liliana Arango, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Monica Liliana Arango, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, Superior Health Plan, Amerigroup Star Plus, Amerigroup Star, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), WellCare, Medicare Advantage, AARP, MultiPlan, United Healthcare Medicare Complete, HealthSpring, US Family Health Plan, Amerigroup, United Healthcare, Galaxy Health Network, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Coventry, HealthSmart, First Health, Beech Street, HealthLink, Memorial Hermann Solutions, Memorial Hermann Advantage HMO, Memorial Hermann Advantage PPO, Community Health Choice Chip, Independant Medical Systems, Community Health Choice Marketplace QHP, Community Health Choice, Amerivantage, Aetna Most Benefit Plans, Reny Company Worker's Comp, WorkLink Worker's Comp, OccuNet PPO - PPO Network, Coastal Comp Healthnetworks Work Comp, Medicare Traditional, Aetna Signature Administrators PPO, Community Health Choice Marketplace Kelsey QHP, USA Managed Care Organization - PPO Network, Medicus International - PPO Network and Community Health Choice Star.
According to our sources, Dr. Monica Liliana Arango, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Monica Liliana Arango, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 50 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Monica Liliana Arango, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Katy, TX.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Monica Liliana Arango, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
| AbbVie Inc. |
$219
Lupron Depot $219 |
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| Abbott Laboratories |
$106
FREESTYLE LIBRE 3 $106 |
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| EMD Serono, Inc. |
$91
Saizen $91 |
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| Medtronic, Inc. |
$89
MINIMED 780G $89 |
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| INSULET CORPORATION |
$88
Omnipod $88 |
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| Other |
$339
DEXCOM G6 TRANSMITTER $50 |
Peripheral Orbital Atherectomy System $49 |
Auvi-Q $41 |
SPINRAZA $31 |
Lenvima $28 |
Other $141 |
| Food and Beverage | $818 |
|---|---|
| Gift | $91 |
| Education | $24 |
Dr. Monica Arango sees patients in Katy, TX. Her medical specialties are pediatric endocrinology and general pediatrics. She is rated highly by her patients. Areas of particular interest for Dr. Arango include obesity, diabetes, and thyroid problems. She is affiliated with UT Physicians, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. She accepts Amerigroup, Blue California, and Coventry, in addition to other insurance carriers. Her practice in Katy, TX is open to new patients as reported by Memorial Hermann. Dr. Arango completed her residency training at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In addition to English, Dr. Arango speaks Spanish.