
Pulmonology
Respiratory illnesses can include a variety of problems, including common colds, chronic cough, respiratory infections (such as RSV or the flu) and pneumonia. Some children may also have chronic illnesses that affect the breathing system, including asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF).
Conditions Treated
Complete diagnostic, therapeutic and consultative services for infants, children and adolescents with chronic respiratory disorders such as:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Asthma
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease of prematurity)
- Chronic cough
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Tracheostomy
- Home ventilators
- Sleep problems
- Apnea
- Lung malformations
- Muscle problems that affect breathing
- Swallow dysfunctions
- Rare lung diseases
Pulmonary function and treatment services
- Spirometry with and without bronchodilator challenge
- Lung volume analysis
- Lung diffusion studies
- Airway resistance measurement
- Respiratory muscular strength assessment
- Exercise airways challenges
- Complete cardiopulmonary stress testing
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) defines respiratory therapy as a specialized healthcare field where practitioners are trained in pulmonary medicine, in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from pulmonary disease.
When it comes to being a respiratory therapist, the AARC says:
Service to others is the foundation of the respiratory care profession. RTs make it their mission to deliver consistent, high quality patient care. You’ll find RTs helping improve the care of patients at all stages of life and in dozens of circumstances. Keeping the patient experience forefront is paramount. Treating each patient with skill, dedication, and genuine care makes the respiratory care profession a vital piece to the entire health care system.
Resources
- KidsHealth - What is Asthma video
- Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics
- For Kids: How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler with a Spacer
- For Kids: How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler with a Spacer and a Mask
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Asthma Triggers, Gain Control
- Quest for the Code: Asthma Game
- National Jewish Medical and Research Center - Asthma Wizard for Kids
- NHLBI: Asthma Guidelines
- Weather/Allergy Updates
- Texas Quit Smoking Line 877-937-7848 (available 24 hours/day)
Learn More
Visit all your child's specialists in one trip to Driscoll Children's Hospital.
For your convenience, please ask any of our specialty clinics to coordinate all of your child's appointments in one day.
You can contact us at (361) 694-5000 or call your specialty clinic directly for further assistance.