Tabassum Nafsi, MD, FCCPPulmonary, Critical Care & Internal Medicine · Menopause Practitioner

From Dr. Nafsi

Notes on breath, sleep, hormones and the next phase of life.

Short, practical articles from the clinic. Written by me, for the questions I hear most in the exam room.

Hormones & metabolic health · Latest The New Era of HRT: Why Physician-Led Care is Key to Protecting Your Heart and Brain in Midlife For nearly two decades, a cloud of fear has hung over the topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). If you’ve ever brought up the transition into perimenopause or menopause with a healthcare provider and were met with a shrug, a “just deal with it,” or a lecture on the “risks” of hormones, you aren’t alone. April 16, 2026 Read the post →
Hormones & metabolic healthWomen’s Midlife Metabolic & Respiratory Program BrochureAt Rockford Pulmonary Clinic, we believe that midlife shouldn’t feel like a mystery or a series of “new normals” you just have to tolerate. If you’ve noticed that your…March 29, 2026 Hormones & metabolic health“It’s Just Stress”: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Are Dismissed : and What’s Actually Happening in Your BodyYou go to your doctor with a list: weight gain you can’t explain, sleep that won’t come, a brain that feels wrapped in fog, a temper…March 6, 2026 SleepCPAP vs Oral Appliances vs Inspire: Which Is Better For Your Sleep Apnea?Let’s be honest: if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’ve probably had some frustrating nights. Maybe you’ve tried CPAP and found yourself wrestling with a mask…January 21, 2026 Lung cancer screeningLung Cancer Screening in Rockford IL: 5 Things Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About Early DetectionWhen it comes to lung cancer screening in Rockford IL, knowledge is power. While your doctor absolutely has your best interests at heart, the reality is that busy…November 8, 2025 Lungs & breathingCOPD Management 101Living with COPD doesn’t have to mean living in fear or going broke trying to manage your symptoms. As your local lung doctor in Rockford, we’ve seen countless patients…November 6, 2025 Lung cancer screeningLung Cancer Screening Rockford IL: The 5-Minute Test That Could Save Your Life  Lung cancer screening in Rockford IL is a fast, painless, and effective way to protect your health. At Rockford Pulmonary Clinic, our quick 5-minute…November 4, 2025 Lungs & breathingSeasonal Allergies and COPD: The Ultimate Guide to Managing Both Conditions in 2025If you’re managing both COPD and seasonal allergies, you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. The good news? You can take charge of both conditions with the right…November 3, 2025 Lungs & breathingWhat to Expect During a Pulmonary Function TestIf your doctor has recommended a pulmonary function test (PFT), you may be wondering what it involves, how to prepare, and what your results can tell you. At Rockford…October 9, 2025 Lung cancer screeningWhy Rockford Residents Trust RPC’s Transparent, No-Insurance Pulmonary CareAccessing high-quality pulmonary care should be straightforward and affordable. At Rockford Pulmonary Clinic (RPC), patients value our commitment to clear pricing and…September 20, 2025 Sleep10 Early Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea You Shouldn’t IgnoreSleep apnea is more than loud snoring. It is a serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Untreated, it can raise the risk of high blood…September 12, 2025 Hormones & metabolic healthHow a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program Can Help You Breathe Easier and Live HealthierAt Rockford Pulmonary Clinic, we often see the connection between weight and breathing challenges play out in real time. For many patients, excess weight can contribute…July 28, 2025 Lungs & breathingSeasonal Allergies and Your Lungs: How to Breathe Easier During Peak Allergy SeasonAs allergy season arrives in Rockford, many residents experience sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. However, for those with asthma or other lung conditions, seasonal…April 1, 2025 Lung cancer screeningBreathe Easier, Live Healthier: The Life-Saving Importance of Lung Cancer Screenings at Rockford Pulmonary ClinicLung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection through regular screenings significantly increases the chances of…March 3, 2025 SleepChronic Tiredness and Sleepiness: Could It Be Sleep Apnea?Do you often feel tired and sleepy throughout the day, even if you slept for eight hours or more the night before? Do you snore loudly or wake up frequently during the…May 16, 2023 Lungs & breathingDo you have a persistent cough that just won’t go away?You may be suffering from a chronic cough, which is defined as a cough that lasts for eight weeks or more. Chronic cough is not only annoying, but it can also be a sign…May 16, 2023 Lung cancer screeningLung cancer and risk factorsLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and early detection is critical for successful treatment. While smoking is the most…May 16, 2023 Lungs & breathingSmoking and Vaping: A Dangerous Habit You Should Quit TodaySmoking and vaping are some of the most common habits that people engage in, but they come with a hefty price to your health. Tobacco smoking is known to cause a range…May 16, 2023
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Asthma Control Questionnaire

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This questionnaire will ask a series of questions about your asthma symptoms over the last 4 weeks.

Who are you taking this test for?

How to take the Asthma Control Test™


Step 1
Answer the five questions asked. For each question, make sure you read all five possible answers before choosing the best one for you.

Step 2
Complete the test by clicking 'SUBMIT.'

Step 3
If your score is 19 or less, talk to your physician for better control of Asthma.
01

In the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did your asthma keep you from getting as much done at work, school or at home?

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02

During the past 4 weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath?

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03

During the past 4 weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain) wake you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning?

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04

During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your rescue inhaler or nebulizer medication (such as albuterol)?

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05

How would you rate your asthma control during the past 4 weeks?

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Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Screen for excessive sleepiness or follow response to treatment for a sleep disorder
About:

Please answer the questions to the best of your ability. This will give us a score which is suggestive of excessive sleepiness. 

01

Chance of dozing off while sitting and reading?

0
02

Chance of dozing off while watching TV?

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03

Chance of dozing off while Sitting, inactive in a public place?

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Chance of dozing off as a passenger in a car for an hour without a break? ?

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05

Chance of dozing off while lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit?

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Chance of dozing off while sitting and talking to someone?

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Chance of dozing off while sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol?

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08

Chance of dozing off while in a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic?

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Lung Cancer Screening

“*” indicates required fields
(2 packs per day for 10 years OR 1 pack per day for 20 years)

If you answered yes to all three questions, you are at high risk for lung cancer. Please contact your doctor for lung cancer screening CT chest or call RPC to schedule one.