Breathing Easier: A Conversation With Dr. Nijim on Lung Health at CRMC

At Carrollton Regional Medical Center, our pulmonology team is committed to helping patients breathe better and live better. We spoke with Dr. Ala Nijim, Head of Pulmonology, to learn more about her role, the conditions she treats, and how people can protect their lung health.

What Does the Pulmonology Team at CRMC Do?

Dr. Nijim leads a specialized team that diagnoses and treats a wide range of respiratory conditions. “Every day, we see patients who struggle with shortness of breath, chronic cough, or fatigue,” she explains. “Our goal is to help them find relief and improve their quality of life.”

Some of the most common conditions treated in the department include:

• Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia and bronchitis
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders
• Post-COVID or post-viral lung complications

From the hospital to the clinic, the care provided is comprehensive and coordinated, ensuring patients receive support wherever they are in their treatment journey.

When Should You See a Pulmonologist?

Dr. Nijim notes that many people don’t realize they need to see a lung specialist until their symptoms begin to interfere with daily life. She advises patients to consider scheduling an appointment if they experience:

• A persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Sleep disturbances or snoring that interrupts rest
• Swelling in the legs or ankles associated with breathing difficulty

“The earlier we can identify what’s causing breathing issues,” she says, “the better we can treat it and in many cases, prevent it from worsening.”

How Can People Protect Their Lung Health?

Prevention is at the heart of Dr. Nijim’s approach. She recommends a few simple, but powerful, steps to keep lungs strong and healthy:

• Avoid smoking and limit exposure to secondhand smoke or pollutants
• Stay physically active to improve lung capacity
• Eat a balanced diet to support overall immune health
• Get vaccinated, especially for flu and pneumonia
• See your doctor regularly — particularly if you have asthma, COPD, or another chronic lung condition

“Most of us take breathing for granted until it becomes difficult,” she reflects. “Taking care of your lungs now helps protect your overall health for years to come.”

How CRMC Supports Patients Through Recovery

At Carrollton Regional, the pulmonology team takes a collaborative, patient-focused approach. Dr. Nijim shares that they work closely with primary care physicians, cardiologists, and respiratory therapists to deliver well-rounded care. Whether someone needs advanced diagnostics, ongoing therapy, or inpatient support, CRMC’s team is ready to support them every step of the way.

“Our mission is simple,” Dr. Nijim says. “We want to help patients breathe easier, recover faster, and return to the activities they love.”

Carrollton Regional Medical Center is a 216 - bed Acute Care Hospital managed by Sana Healthcare. CRMC serves Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Lewisville, The Colony, and other surrounding communities. CRMC offers an array of services including 24/7 Emergency Care, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Imaging Services, Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, Cancer Care, a 16- bed Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Services, and an Inpatient Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Our Women’s Imaging Center is just 2 blocks north of the hospital and provides 3D digital mammography and other specialized breast procedures. CRMC is here to serve its community with high quality, patient-focused care, close to home. Visit www.crmc.health.a