Pediatric Pulmonology

Our team of pediatric pulmonologists treat children affected with asthma, sleep disorders and congenital abnormalities in lung and airways functions. In severe cases, sufferers are dependent upon the constant availability of medical machines and skilled caregivers for assisted and supported breathing.

It is vital for parents of children suffering from pediatric respiratory conditions to be well-informed on the range of treatment options available for long-term home care and the management of these symptoms.

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Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 300 million people worldwide and 14–17 million people in the United States are affected by asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children.

Sleep

Lack of adequate sleep can contribute to issues with growth and development, behavioral problems, and overall heath. We evaluate a number of sleep problems including but not limited to snoring, apnea, restless sleep, reflux, night seizures, gasping and nocturnal hypoxia.

Non-Invasive

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep, caused by throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. Snoring is a possible warning sign of sleep apnea. We offer a Polysomnography
(sleep study) to electronically monitor your child’s body functions during sleep.

Hypoventilation

Hypoventilation occurs when a reduced amount or air enters lungs, resulting in decreased levels of oxygen in the blood. This can be caused by breathing that is too slow or too shallow. This can be evaluated by your child participating in a sleep study.

Treatment

There are two main methods of non-invasive positive airway pressure therapies: CPAP and BiPAP. Both options involve mechanically generated air pressure that is transported through a tube to a breathing apparatus (mask) worn by the user. The air pressure travels through the nostrils and back of throat to keep airways open. The pressure of the machines is adjustable in suiting the individual needs of each child.

Invasive

Trach

This is an invasive procedure for children who require long-term use of a ventilator due to severe lung diseases or chronic respiratory failure. The delicate procedure involves a surgical incision made at the front of the neck, which creates a direct route to the trachea/windpipe.

A machine ventilator generates air pressure that is transported through a tracheostomy tube that is directly linked to the opening of the windpipe. The method works through delivering oxygen to the lungs while bypassing blockages found in the airways.

Congenital malformations

Congenital malformations are defects of certain organs, such as the lungs, which typically are identified at birth. For patients that present symptoms of these malformations we will order the appropriate procedures, such as bronchoscopy or ct scans, but don't assess/diagnose in our practice.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure designed to detect the cause of breathing difficulties and lung problems. Doctors can examine the inside of the lungs with a thin tube containing a light and camera via the mouth. The procedure is quick and painless but is a highly efficient way for doctors to assess possible lung issues.

CT scan

CT scans (also known as CAT scans) are X-ray that yield a dynamic cross-section image of the body, giving doctors better insight into the organs, much like slicing a loaf of bread.