Pediatric Pulmonology

Pediatric pulmonology is the branch of medicine that deals with respiratory disorders and diseases in young children or adolescents up to the age of 18. While adults can face a number of pulmonary disorders, they are different from the type that young children can contract. Some of the conditions most frequently associated with pediatric pulmonology are asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and any other lung development related disorder.

The pediatric pulmonology department at Winthrop Pediatric Associates is one of the most respected and well known on Long Island. We have a team of board certified pediatric pulmonologists who use a variety of diagnostic tools and approaches to fully determine the exact condition faced by our young patients. Most of our patients come to us after their primary-care doctor notices some kind of respiratory abnormality. We then proceed to accurately diagnose, treat and prevent any recurrences of the condition. Some of the specific conditions we treat are:

  -  Pediatric asthma
  -  Cystic fibrosis
  -  Neuromuscular Conditions
  -  Lung Infections                     
  -  Chronic cough
  -  Interstitial Lung Disease
  -  Chronic Aspiration Syndrome
  -  Sleep disorders in children
  -  Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder & pulmonary complications

Symptoms of Pediatric Pulmonology Disorders

As a variety of conditions fall under this category, varied symptoms can develop, each relating to different disorders. Pediatric asthma is usually associated with the child having noticeable difficulty breathing along with constant breathlessness. Such patients may also have a persistent nighttime cough as well as some kind of tightness in the chest.

Pediatric bronchitis is accompanied by difficulty breathing along with mucus filled cough. The other respiratory symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath will also be seen. Pediatric pneumonia usually develops when bronchitis is left untreated. It is accompanied by fever, a worsening cough and increased rate of breathing.

Other pediatric pulmonology disorders include pulmonary hypertension and emphysema both of which have similar symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest.

Causes of Pediatric Pulmonology Conditions

A number of factors can cause these disorders. For example asthma in young children is commonly linked with allergens in the environment along with poor hygiene. It could also be a genetically inherited condition.

Pediatric bronchitis can be caused due to bacterial infection, constant exposure to smokers and possible external allergens or irritants. Pneumonia can occur if bronchitis is left untreated and the bacteria that caused it remains in the system. It can also occur due to viral and fungal infections.

Treating Respiratory Disorders

Our pediatric pulmonologists will adopt a variety of treatment plans when faced with different respiratory disorders. The first step will of course involve accurate diagnosis, which is accompanied by using a variety of tools to identify the root cause of the condition. Once this is established a treatment plan can be formulated. It could include daily medication, antibiotics and in the case of asthma, providing an inhaler to assist in proper breathing. For a number of pediatric pulmonary disorders, the patient may also be required to abstain from the harmful irritants or allergens that triggered the condition.

Contact Winthrop Pediatric Associates today to make an appointment.

Winthrop Pediatric Associates proudly serves Nassau & Suffolk counties in Long Island, New York, and the entire NY-Metropolitan area.