Respiratory illnesses are common in pediatric patients, with conditions 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
We offer 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
We offer complete diagnostic, therapeutic and consultative services for infants, children and adolescents with chronic respiratory disorders such as:
- 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
Respiratory Therapy
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.”
Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways or bronchial tubes in the lungs become swollen or inflamed. When the airways become swollen, it is hard for the air to move in and out of the lungs.
Signs of asthma
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Coughing (especially at night or with activity)
Asthma flare
Airways or bronchial tubes become:
- Swollen or inflamed
- Congested with increased mucus
- Tight or constricted
- Sensitive and easily irritated
Triggers
During an asthma flare, your airways react more easily to:
- Colds (respiratory infections)
- Allergies (outdoor and indoor types)
- Cigarette smoke (and other kinds of smoke)
- Changes in the weather/temperature
- Animal hair and dander
- Exercise, sport and play
Asthma facts in children
- Asthma is one of the most common serious chronic diseases of childhood.
- Asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among children under 15.
- An average of one out of every ten school-aged children has asthma.
- Asthma in children is the cause of 7 million physician visits and nearly 200,000 hospitalizations in the US per year.
- 13 million school days and 15 million workdays are missed each year due to asthma.
- An estimated 400,000 to 1 million children with asthma have their condition worsened by exposure to secondhand smoke.
Asthma myths
- Children outgrow asthma.
- Asthma inhalers need only be used when the child is sick.
Camp Easy Breathers is a summer camp for children with asthma. It is designed to provide physical and social experiences that are fun while increasing the child's understanding of asthma. The children will be guided to manage their asthma so that they can fully enjoy all camp activities. This experience is designed for kids to have fun, make memories and gain valuable knowledge that will help long after camp is over.
Asthma Camp Guide 2025 (English)Asthma Camp Guide 2025 (Spanish)
When
June 9- 12, 2025
Applications for summer 2025 will be accepted starting in April.
All health forms and applications will be available for download at that time.
A parent education session and a camp celebration are held on the last day of camp. More information will be available when your child is registered. Dismissal takes place after the parent education session on Thursday. Parents must attend registration and education sessions—no exceptions.
All campers must have their own transportation to and from camp.
Who
Requirements for campers:
- Ages 7 to 14
- Have persistent asthma and no other limiting physical conditions
- Have had emergency visits to the doctors and/or an emergency department
- Could benefit from an asthma education program
- Take controller medications, such as inhaled steroids
Where
Camp Easy Breathers will be held at Camp Aranzazu, 5420 FM 1781, Rockport, Texas 78382, six miles from downtown Rockport.
How to Apply
Limited space and scholarships are available. We will accept the first 30 eligible applicants who submit their complete application and required forms.
Camper Application 2025 (English)Camper Application 2025 (Spanish)Cost
There is no charge to the families or volunteers to attend camp. Driscoll summer camp is made possible for your child through generous gifts from amazing individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations!
The camp includes all meals, snacks and activities.
About Camp Aranzazu
There is no charge to the families or volunteers to attend camp. Driscoll summer camp is made possible for your child through generous gifts from amazing individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations!
Seamless Specialist Care
Contact any of our specialty clinics to schedule a convenient one-day visit to all your child’s specialists.
Call 361-694-5000 or your
specialty clinic.
Pulmonology Locations
Driscoll Children's Pulmonology
Driscoll Children's Hospital, Corpus Christi
Specialty Center, Brownsville
Specialty Center, Victoria
Specialty Center, Laredo
Miracle Stories
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A Forever Family
Every Step of the Way
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