Meaning: Pediatric Pulmonology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory and lung diseases in children, from infancy through adolescence. Since children's lungs and airways are still developing, they can face a variety of respiratory challenges that differ from those seen in adults. Pediatric pulmonologists specialize in handling these unique conditions.
Common Conditions Treated in Pediatric Pulmonology
Asthma: A chronic condition causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to breathing problems and frequent infections.
Bronchiolitis: A viral infection of the small airways in the lungs, often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common in infants and young children.
Pneumonia: Infection in the lungs that can cause symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. It may be viral, bacterial, or fungal.
Chronic Cough: Persistent coughing that lasts for weeks and may be due to conditions like asthma, allergies, or reflux.
Sleep Apnea: A condition where a child experiences interrupted breathing during sleep, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Interstitial Lung Diseases: Rare conditions that affect the tissue and space around the air sacs in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing.
Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the lungs' arteries, which can strain the heart and cause symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): A chronic lung condition that affects premature infants, often related to prolonged ventilation and oxygen therapy.
Diagnostic Tools in Pediatric Pulmonology
Chest X-rays: To check for infections, lung abnormalities, or conditions like pneumonia.
Spirometry: A test to measure lung function and airflow, helping to diagnose conditions like asthma.
Pulse Oximetry: A non-invasive test to measure the oxygen level in the blood.
Bronchoscopy: A procedure where a doctor uses a thin tube to look inside the airways and lungs for abnormalities.
Sweat Test: Used to diagnose cystic fibrosis by measuring the amount of salt in a child’s sweat.
Allergy Testing: To identify potential allergens causing respiratory issues like asthma or allergic rhinitis.
