Pediatric Pulmonology

Pediatric pulmonologists treat a child's respiratory system, all of the organs and structures related to breathing. The respiratory system includes the nose, sinuses, throat, vocal cords, windpipe, and airways leading to and inside the lungs. Beaumont Children's Hospital's pediatric pulmonology program specializes in breathing problems that affect infants, children and teens. Among the problems treated by pediatric pulmonologists are

• Aspiration syndrome
• Asthma
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• Chronic cough
• Chronic sinusitis
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Vocal cord dysfunction

Extensive pediatric training qualifies Beaumont Children's Hospital's pediatric pulmonologists to evaluate all of a patient's breathing symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and prepare an individualized treatment plan. They are skilled in testing the function of the lungs (pulmonary function and peak flow testing) and examining the windpipe and airways in the lungs with flexible, fiberoptic "scopes." Procedures called laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy allow doctors to inspect the walls of the airway using tiny cameras. The pulmonologists work with other doctors on the patient's medical team to coordinate delivery of comprehensive treatment, including addressing the diseases that cause breathing symptoms.

For patients with asthma and other airway diseases, Beaumont Children's Hospital's pediatric pulmonologists teach patients how to use inhalers and nebulizers, review medications and how to use them correctly, and monitor response to treatment. These steps help patients and families become more confident about managing airway conditions. The pediatric pulmonologists are also available to answer questions and discuss how well treatment is progressing.

Beaumont Children's Hospital's pediatric pulmonology program reaches out to the community through the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program, which helps to identify young people who are at risk for or already have asthma. Finding asthma early means that it can be managed more effectively.

To learn more about the Beaumont pediatric pulmonology program, visit Allergy and Immunology, About Beaumont Children's Hospital, Children's Health Services, and Patients and Families.