Dr. Christina Rigas, MD

Dr. Christina Rigas, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive pulmonary care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to preventive health strategies at her clinic in Largo, FL. Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Dr. Rigas is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (352) 663-0468 to schedule. My new office is opening as Rest Assured Pulmonology Inc on September 3rd, 2024 and we should be seeing patients shortly after. I am excited to be opening my own business with the hopes of providing excellent patient care. She completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at Indiana State University, followed by residency training in Pulmonology and fellowship training in University Of Pittsburgh. She is Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. I value a patient's comfort, input, and understanding of their care plan. Every patient should be heard and respected during decisions regarding their own medical care. I will always advise what I feel is best for you, but your opinion and input is always worthy of my time. I want you to understand the care plan and know you have a plan of action to take when needed. When my patients face a challenge, I want them to have every resource possible to overcome the challenge and take control of their own healthcare. Dr. Christina Rigas provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Christina Rigas is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Christina Rigas can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Christina Rigas provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (BPA) is a fungal infection affecting the lungs, and early diagnosis through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications and long-term lung damage.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor can help detect obstructive sleep apnea early, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of more severe consequences like cognitive impairment and mood disorders.
• Pneumonitis (Due to Solids or Liquids): Managing risk factors like exposure to dust, fumes, or aspiration helps prevent pneumonitis, a lung inflammation stemming from inhaled substances, safeguarding your respiratory well-being.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Protecting your lungs from further damage caused by chronic bronchitis starts with understanding your risks and actively managing the condition to slow its progression and avoid more severe respiratory problems.
• Empyema: Early detection of empyema, through chest X-rays or other imaging, is crucial for effective treatment and reducing the risk of long-term lung damage.
• Pulmonary Vascular Disease: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking is crucial for preventing pulmonary vascular disease and protecting your lung health.
• Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing risk factors for blood clots, such as immobility and certain medical conditions, can significantly reduce your chances of developing CTEPH, a potentially life-threatening lung disease.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Preventing blood clots that travel to your lungs (pulmonary embolism) is crucial for preventing serious complications, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, so maintaining healthy habits and getting early diagnosis is vital.
• Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease with no cure, highlighting the importance of preventing asbestos exposure to protect your lung health.
• Sleep Apnea: Early diagnosis of sleep apnea allows for timely intervention, preventing long-term complications like daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular issues, thus safeguarding your overall well-being.
• Mycobacterial Lung Infection: Managing a mycobacterial lung infection effectively through prescribed medication helps prevent further damage and spreading the infection to others; proactive treatment is vital for preventing long-term health issues.
• Rheumatoid Lung Disease: Rheumatoid lung disease is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that can affect your lungs, highlighting the importance of early and consistent management of rheumatoid arthritis to protect your respiratory health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Christina Rigas offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bronchoscopy: For early detection and management of lung conditions, a bronchoscopy allows doctors to examine your airways directly and obtain tissue samples for testing, helping prevent the progression of diseases like lung cancer.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: Taking charge of your respiratory health involves considering a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, a precise procedure to identify and address abnormalities in your lungs and breathing passages.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of stroke and other related issues through proactive CPAP therapy for sleep apnea.
• Endoscopic Biopsy Bronchus Robotic Assist: Taking a proactive step toward better lung health, this procedure uses a small camera and robot to collect tissue samples for accurate diagnosis of lung issues.
• Sleep Study: Take a proactive step towards better respiratory health with a sleep study; it can detect sleep apnea, a condition linked to increased risk of heart disease and lung problems.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and improve your overall well-being with professional smoking cessation counseling designed to help you quit for good.
• Thoracentesis: To check for infections or cancer, a thoracentesis may be used to safely remove fluid from around your lungs, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Christina Rigas is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing serious lung complications from bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, achieving peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By attending regular check-ups and discussing sleep concerns, a patient identified and addressed potential obstructive sleep apnea early, reducing their risk of long-term health issues.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Pulmonary care with Dr. Christina Rigas:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and muscles of breathing. They are experts in a wide range of conditions, from asthma and COPD to lung cancer and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for certain high-risk individuals, typically based on age and smoking history, as a critical preventive measure for early detection. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Christina Rigas to discuss your specific eligibility is advised.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in different parts of the body, often the lungs. While many cases are mild, expert management from a specialist like Dr. Christina Rigas is crucial to monitor and prevent organ damage.

How can I prevent my asthma or COPD from getting worse?

Preventing asthma or COPD from worsening is a partnership with Dr. Rigas. Key strategies include using your prescribed inhalers correctly, avoiding triggers like smoke and pollen, getting recommended vaccinations, and having a clear action plan for flare-ups.

What is a sleep study (polysomnography)?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is the gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It's an overnight study conducted in a comfortable lab setting that monitors your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels to assess sleep quality and identify any breathing problems.

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become permanently widened and damaged, leading to a buildup of mucus and recurrent infections. Management focuses on preventing infections and clearing mucus from the airways to preserve lung function.

My partner says I snore loudly and stop breathing at night. Should I be concerned?

Yes, this is a classic sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Treating OSA is crucial for preventing long-term health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, different from regular high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

1301 2nd Ave SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (352) 663-0468

Dr. Christina Rigas, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1679738694

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Pulmonology like Dr. Christina Rigas are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.