Loading Page
Dr. Debra R. Simon, MD is a pediatrician in Glenshaw, PA specializing in general pediatrics and general practice. Dr. Debra R. Simon, MD is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network and AHN Pediatrics.
3394 Saxonburg Boulevard Suite 600
Glenshaw, PA 15116
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.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children. Nine percent of children in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms, which include hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus or paying attention, can last into adulthood for some patients. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls, although experts don't know why this is.
There are three main types of ADHD:
When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.
Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.
ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.
She completed residency at University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Health Care. She has a state license in Virginia.
Residency: University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Health Care
Licensed In: Virginia
Dr. Debra R. Simon, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Debra R. Simon, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 38 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Debra R. Simon, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Glenshaw, PA.
Dr. Debra Simon's areas of specialization are general practice and general pediatrics. Dr. Simon trained at the University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Health Care for her residency. These areas are among her clinical interests: immunization (preventive vaccines), attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), and asthma. Her patients gave her an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5). Dr. Simon is professionally affiliated with Allegheny Health Network. Yext reports that she is closed to new patients at this time.
