News Release

August 21, 2007

Contact: Christopher DeFrancesco, 860-679-3914
e-mail: cdefrancesco@uchc.edu

Health Center Opens Center for Bronchiectasis Care

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Those who suffer from the chronic respiratory disease bronchiectasis now have a place to turn for specialized care. The UConn Center for Bronchiectasis Care, under the leadership of lung disorders specialist Mark Metersky, M.D., F.C.C.P., is now open at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Bronchiectasis (pronounced BRON-kee-ECK-tuh-siss) is characterized by enlargement, inflammation and chronic infection of bronchi, which are the passageways between the windpipe and lungs. Severe viral or bacterial pulmonary infection can irreversibly damage the bronchi. Common symptoms are chronic coughing, frequent bouts of pneumonia and poor airway function.

“It is most common in older patients who suffered from pulmonary infections in the pre-antibiotic era, but it is not unusual to see it in younger patients,” Metersky says. “Although there is no cure, our team has considerable experience treating and effectively managing the symptoms.”

The UConn Center for Bronchiectasis Care is part of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care at the UConn Health Center. All bronchiectasis patients have a consultation with Metersky and meet with a respiratory specialist as part of their initial evaluation.

Dr. Mark Metersky’s primary specialties are pulmonary (lung) disorders. He has a special interest in lung infections and has published and lectured extensively in this area. A graduate of the New York University School of Medicine, he completed his residency at the Boston City Hospital and fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of California at San Diego. A high-resolution photo is available at: http://www.uchc.edu/ocomm/images/images_news/metersky.jpg. 

To schedule an appointment at the UConn Center Bronchiectasis Care, call 860-679-7526. More information about the Division of Pulmonary Medicine is available at: http://health.uchc.edu/clinicalservices/pulmonary/index.htm. 

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, the UConn Medical Group, University Dentists, and John Dempsey Hospital, a Solucient Top 100 Hospital® 2006. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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