Dr. Ronald Craig Rubenstein, MD, PHD is a pediatric allergist and immunologist in Saint Louis, MO specializing in pediatric allergy & immunology, pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics. Dr. Ronald Craig Rubenstein, MD, PHD is affiliated with Washington University Physicians, St. Louis Children's Hospital and BJC HealthCare.
1 Childrens Place
Saint Louis, MO 63110
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.
He has a state license in Missouri.
Licensed In: Missouri
Dr. Ronald Craig Rubenstein, MD, PHD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Ronald Craig Rubenstein, MD, PHD has an average of 1.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Ronald Craig Rubenstein, MD, PHD from all over the web to help you find the right in Saint Louis, MO.
This doctor is the very worst when it comes to interpersonal relations and also medical competence. We had a terrible experience with him when our son was admitted to Children's hospital with acute respiratory distress. His first mistake (despite our concerns) was discharging him after only one night breathing on his own without oxygen and with O2 SATs still around 90. This resulted in yet another rush to the emergency room and a second admit a day later. Second time around he went in the opposite direction and when our son was finally doing much better he fixated on his weight. Our son was low weight at 5th percentile but only because he had been in hospital and hadn't been eating well. He always gained the weight back much faster at home but instead of listening to us he told us they would keep our child in hospital for another 2 weeks or as long as it took for him to gain weight. He was advocating for putting in a nasogastric tube for a kid that was recovering well and eating on his own. It was absolutely crazy and caused us a lot of stress when we were already beside ourselves with worry for our son. His manner was rude and uncaring. It was obvious he had a huge ego and privately several nurses confided to us that he was a nightmare to work with. He then prescribed a reflux related drug for my son without consulting us first. He insisted our son had reflux despite our repeated assertions that he did not. Our son later underwent extensive testing to check for reflux and it was confirmed that he did not have any, nor has he ever had reflux since that time. Two days after he told us our now recovered child would have to stay in hospital for another two to three weeks Dr. Rubenstein thankfully went home for the weekend. The resident doctors came to check on our son and we told them everything Dr. Rubenstein had said. They immediately agreed that none of this was necessary and discharged our son from the hospital. We went through all this stress and heartache because Dr. Rubenstein made the mistake of discharging our son too early the first time and then took out his guilt or embarrassment on us and our child. I will never forget the pain he caused us and the only reason we didn't complain at the time or sue this man was because our son was admitted to hospital many times per year and we were afraid that his life could be placed in the hands of this doctor once again. The doctors and nurses at CHOP are generally excellent and we are so grateful to them for their repeated care of our son over the years. However, I would avoid this heartless man (and incompetent doctor) at all costs.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Ronald Craig Rubenstein, MD, PHD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Allergan Inc. |
$550
$550 |
---|---|
Actavis Pharma Inc |
$550
$550 |
Amgen Inc. |
$508
$508 |
FOREST PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
$500
$500 |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated |
$90
KALYDECO $90 |
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program | $1,600 |
---|---|
Consulting Fee | $508 |
Food and Beverage | $90 |
Dr. Ronald Craig Rubenstein, MD, PHD has received 129 research payments totaling $1,668,071.
Dr. Ronald Rubenstein practices pediatric allergy & immunology, pediatric pulmonology, and general pediatrics. Areas of particular interest for Dr. Rubenstein include cystic fibrosis (CF). He is professionally affiliated with Washington University Physicians and St. Louis Children's Hospital.