Jersey Shore ICU Saves Man from Rare Lung Disease
Never again will Tim Moynihan, 21, of tinton Falls, brush off cold symptoms. Not after a recent stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Jersey Shore University Medical Center saved him from a rare and deadly lung disease.

Tim Moynihan is ready to swing for the fences again, after beating a life-threatening respiratory disease with the help of the experts at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

In summer 2008, Tim Moynihan developed what felt like a cold. But in the course of a few days, the symptoms escalated, to a point where Tim's breathing became labored. Then he collapsed. Tim's parents called 911, and an ambulance took him directly to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Once there, a series of tests and a chest X-ray made it clear Tim needed to be admitted to the ICU. Jersey Shore pulmonologists — specialists who treat diseases of the lung and respiratory tract — quickly diagnosed him with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

ARDS is a condition in which the lung's blood vessels leak fluid, which prevents the lungs from filling with air and moving oxygen into the bloodstream. Some factors that can lead to ARDS are sepsis, pneumonia, severe bleeding due to an injury, and inhalation of harmful fumes or smoke.

"ARDS is a life-threatening disease that can require round-the-clock care," says Eric Costanzo, D.O., Tim's pulmonologist.

Tim's mom, Kim Moynihan, was shocked. "We didn't comprehend how serious things were at that point," she says. "When the doctors told us this was going to get a lot worse before it got better, I was so upset and scared — I kept thinking I should have done something sooner."

But most people wouldn't think symptoms such as congestion and weakness are potentially life-threatening, nor are they likely to have heard of ARDS. "ARDS is rare, but it can impact anyone at any point in life," says Dr. Costanzo. "Luckily, very few with common illnesses ever reach such a severe state."

Dr. Costanzo and Jeffrey A. Miskoff, D.O., led the specially trained, interdisciplinary team at Jersey Shore that treated Tim. "When it comes to treating ARDS, teamwork is paramount," says Dr. Costanzo. "In Jersey Shore's ICU, we value the input of everyone in the process, from the family and patient to the nursing staff, house staff, clinical pharmacologists, nutritionists, and respiratory therapists."

The team started aggressive treatment immediately after Tim's diagnosis. Treatment for ARDS typically involves strategies to protect the lungs and maximize the flow of oxygen, while treating the underlying cause of ARDS, which differs from patient to patient. Patients often require mechanical ventilation to ensure the flow of oxygen during treatment.

This was the case with Tim, who remained in the ICU for nearly a month, relying on a respirator to breathe. The ICU team was there for him 24 hours a day, working to keep his heart rate and body temperature — it topped 105 degrees — under control.

As his health improved, Tim was taken off the respirator and his rehabilitation began. He had lost nearly 25 pounds in less than a month. Physical therapists helped him regain the strength to get out of bed and start walking again.

His immune system is still compromised, so he needs to take any cold symptom seriously. But now Tim is looking forward to getting back to things he loves this spring, like playing baseball.

– Ryan Younger

About The Doctor

Costanzo, Eric, D.O. Board certified in Internal Medicine Manasquan, NJ  08736 (732) 528-5900

Miskoff, Jeffrey A., D.O. Board certified in Internal Medicine Ocean, NJ  07712 (732) 775-9075