Respiratory Care Specialist

Your respiratory system includes your lungs, nose, mouth, and air passages between them. Many different conditions can affect respiratory system function, making it difficult to breathe when active or at rest.

Children are at risk of developing chronic and acute respiratory conditions, from allergies and asthma to lung infections like bronchiolitis. As a parent, it’s important to familiarize yourself with signs of illness in your child. Signs that your child may need respiratory care include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Headache

Other symptoms, like itchy or watery eyes, could indicate environmental allergies. If your child shows signs of severe illness, like difficulty breathing or fever, contact the office as soon as possible.

If you have a newborn, physical exams should be done more frequently. The pediatricians like to see newborns every few months. They also provide specialized care for preterm and premature babies.

Along with annual wellness checks, your child will need a physical if they’re just starting school, going to a new school, or entering a new grade. The pediatric team also offers sports physicals, pre-college physicals, and pre-military physicals for teens and young adults.

Two common respiratory conditions found in children are allergies and asthma. The providers at Great Destinations Pediatrics diagnose children of all ages with these conditions and develop treatment plans to reduce their symptoms and help them live active lifestyles.

Allergies occur when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks otherwise harmless substances. Among the most common allergens are pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and foods like nuts and milk. Allergy treatments can include avoiding triggers and taking medication to reduce your body’s immune response.

Asthma is a common respiratory condition affecting children. It develops when the airways become inflamed and narrow, causing breathing difficulties and asthma attacks. Kids with asthma often need medication to reduce inflammation. They should always carry rescue inhalers, especially if they’re active or play sports.

Allergies and asthma are chronic conditions. The Great Destinations Pediatrics team partners with children and their parents to keep symptoms at bay. But children are susceptible to acute respiratory conditions too.

Pulmonary infections can develop if your child is exposed to bacteria and viruses, even the common cold. The team diagnoses many different respiratory infections, like pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis. Treatments can include rest, at-home care, and prescription antibiotics, depending on the infection.

Keep your child healthy and safe with respiratory care at Great Destinations Pediatrics. Schedule an appointment online today or call the office to learn more.