Ask the Expert: Breathe Better, Sleep Better

If you’re having trouble breathing or sleeping, you’re not alone—and there’s help available. As a pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist, I work with patients every day to diagnose and treat conditions that interfere with both breathing and quality sleep.

Pulmonary Care

I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of lung conditions including asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, pneumonia, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. I also help patients with pleural effusion—a buildup of fluid around the lungs that can lead to shortness of breath and discomfort. In many cases, I use diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy to examine the airways and identify issues such as inflammation, infection, or blockages.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like a chronic cough, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing up blood or mucus, or unusual findings on imaging, it may be time to see a pulmonologist. Treatments can include inhalers, medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures designed to help you breathe more easily.

Sleep Medicine

Many people don’t realize how strongly sleep affects everything from memory and mood to heart health and immune function. As a sleep specialist, I treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, loud snoring, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, parasomnias like sleep talking or walking, and persistent fatigue even after a full night of sleep.

These issues can significantly interfere with your ability to function during the day and may even increase your risk of serious conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. If you struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling tired, a sleep evaluation can help identify the root cause.

Through diagnostic tools like sleep studies, I’m able to assess sleep patterns and breathing disturbances. Depending on the results, treatment options may include CPAP therapy, medication, behavioral changes, or a combination of strategies to help you sleep more soundly and feel more alert and focused during the day.

About Dr. Juan Ortiz

Dr. Juan Ortiz is a board-certified pulmonologist, sleep, and critical care specialist with over 35 years of experience. He provides pulmonary and sleep medicine services in the outpatient setting and is also involved in the care of critically ill patients through DHR Health’s state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Ortiz is committed to early diagnosis, patient education, and prevention-focused care to help individuals breathe easier, sleep better, and live healthier lives.

Dr. Juan Ortiz, DHR Health Pulmonologist, Sleep & Critical Care Specialist
4770 Frontage Rd Suite 301 Brownsville, TX 78520
101 FM 3167 Suite 106 Rio Grande City, TX 78582
To schedule an appointment, call (956) 362-3980 for Brownsville and (956) 362-3920 for Rio Grande City

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