Loading Page
Dr. Shelly V. Flais, MD is a pediatrician in Chicago, IL specializing in general pediatrics. She graduated from Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in 1999 and has 27 years of experience. Dr. Shelly V. Flais, MD is affiliated with Endeavor Health, Northwestern Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Northwestern Medicine
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
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.
Dr. Shelly V. Flais, MD graduated from Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in 1999. She completed residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics - Pediatrics (Certified) and has a state license in Illinois.
Medical School: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine (1999)
Residency: McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (2002)
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics - Pediatrics (Certified)
Licensed In: Illinois
Dr. Shelly V. Flais, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Shelly V. Flais, MD does not have any reviews yet, be the first to leave a review of Dr. Shelly V. Flais, MD here: Leave a Review
Dr. Shelly Flais' area of specialization is general pediatrics. Before performing her residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Dr. Flais attended Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. These areas are among Dr. Flais's clinical interests: newborn care, asthma, and food allergy. Awards and/or distinctions she has received include John X. Thomas Jr. Best Teachers of Feinberg Award, Feinberg School of Medicine; Outstanding Teacher, Delivery of Care, Feinberg School of Medicine; and Outstanding Teacher, Outpatient Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine. She speaks Spanish. She is professionally affiliated with Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
