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Dr. Sofia Shakir, MD is a pediatrician in Plainfield, IL specializing in general pediatrics. She graduated from Aga Khan University Medical College in 2000 and has 26 years of experience. Dr. Sofia Shakir, MD is affiliated with Endeavor Health, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern 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. Sofia Shakir, MD graduated from Aga Khan University Medical College in 2000. She completed residency at John Stroger Hospital of Cook County. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics - Pediatrics (Certified) and has a state license in Illinois.
Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical College (2000)
Residency: John Stroger Hospital of Cook County (2004)
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics - Pediatrics (Certified)
Licensed In: Illinois
Dr. Sofia Shakir, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Sofia Shakir's medical specialty is general pediatrics. Dr. Shakir (or staff) speaks Urdu, Spanish, and Hindi. She has a special interest in newborn care, asthma, and nutrition issues. She is professionally affiliated with Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Endeavor Health. Dr. Shakir attended medical school at Aga Khan University Medical College. She trained at John Stroger Hospital of Cook County for residency.
