Julie Silverman's Story

Allergy clinic nurse practitioner discovers rare condition

Julie Sivam developed a persistent cough and sought treatment from various doctors who could not find the cause. While receiving weekly allergy shots at an allergy clinic, she met Alison, a nurse practitioner, who became perplexed by Julie's symptoms. Alison persisted in her concern, noting that Julie's voice sounded odd and her breathing was difficult. She urged a physician to perform a scope on Julie's trachea, revealing idiopathic subglottic stenosis, a rare and potentially fatal condition where the airway narrows due to scar tissue. Julie credits Alison's persistence and diligence for saving her life by getting her the timely diagnosis and treatment she needed.