Pediatric Pulmonology

What is pediatric pulmonology?

Pediatric pulmonology includes medical care for the needs of babies, children, and adults with lung diseases or other conditions that affect the lungs. A child’s lungs are smaller than an adult’s and function differently since they’re still developing. 

Furthermore, children’s immune systems are also still developing, making them more prone to respiratory infections. Children may have as many as six respiratory infections yearly.

Who benefits from pediatric pulmonology?

Babies, children, and teenagers with lung issues benefit from pediatric pulmonology at Pulmonary Medicine Associates. Examples of common chest and respiratory conditions in children include:

• Developmental disorders
• Lung growth abnormalities
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Bronchiolitis
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• Cystic fibrosis
• Children’s interstitial lung disease

Symptoms that may indicate your child needs pediatric pulmonology care include labored breathing, wheezing, persistent coughing, or crackling sounds in the chest. They might also have difficulty sleeping, snore loudly, or gasp for air while they sleep. 

What are the risk factors for pediatric lung problems?

While the cause of lung issues isn’t always clear, the common risk factors for developing them include:

• Weak immune system
• Family history of asthma or other lung problems
• Exposure to people with respiratory infections
• Breathing in smoke or other airborne toxins
• Allergens
• Genetic predisposition 
• Outdoor or indoor air pollution
• Family history of lung diseases

The best ways to reduce the chance of pediatric lung issues is to have your child wash their hands often, keep their distance from people with symptoms of illnesses, minimize exposure to toxins and air pollution, and keep the air in your home clean. 

Which pediatric pulmonology treatments are best for my child?

To determine which treatments may be best for your child, a Pulmonary Medicine Associates specialist reviews their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. The provider completes a physical exam, listens to your child’s breathing, and may order blood testing, lung function tests, sweat tests, bronchoscopy, chest X-rays, CT scans, or other diagnostic procedures. 

Which pediatric pulmonology treatments might my child need?

Examples of pediatric pulmonary treatments available at Pulmonary Medicine Associates include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Oral medications
• Inhalers
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Noninvasive ventilation therapy 
• Tracheostomy with a mechanical ventilator
• Surgery

It’s important to avoid exposure to smoke, keep your home clean, minimize dust, use air filters, and eliminate any mold that may be present in your home.

A specialist follows up as needed to ensure your child heals, breathes easier, and experiences the best quality of life possible.

Schedule an evaluation at Pulmonary Medicine Associates by phone or request one online today to take advantage of superior pediatric pulmonology services.