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Doctor's Note: Asthma Inhalers
Being able to breathe easily is something many of us take for granted. Not all kids in the Gulf South, however, are so lucky. Pediatric asthma and sleep apnea are on the rise in our region. And, more families than ever before are caring for babies with issues related to prematurity and underdeveloped lungs. Our team is here to help.
The Ochsner Hospital for Children Pulmonology Team
Our Pediatric Pulmonology team is made up of physician specialists, pediatric respiratory therapists, allergists, dieticians and social workers. Together, we work closely with referring pediatricians and parents at our hospital on Jefferson Highway as well as at Ochsner pediatric clinics in Covington, Raceland and Monroe, Louisiana.
Our team identifies underlying problems and triggers that can make the simple act of breathing a real struggle for some kids. Our patients receive thorough evaluations in our state-of-the-art pulmonary diagnostics lab with equipment not available anywhere else in the region. After diagnosis, patients receive a personalized management plan designed by a doctor specialized in treating children.
We treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Airway malacia
- Asthma
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia/ Chronic lung disease of prematurity
- Chronic cough
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm
- Interstitial lung disease
- Oxygen dependency or chronic home ventilation
- Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea
- Pulmonary hypertension
The Ochsner team provides:
- Inpatient and outpatient consultations
- Interpretation of pulmonary function
- Bronchoscopy
- Exercise testing
- Evaluation of special chest imaging procedures (MRI, CT scan)
- Ongoing follow up
In addition, we help with the management of children who are dependent on technology – those with oxygen dependence, tracheostomy and chronic assisted ventilation.
Plus, our pediatric pulmonologists lead educational programs for healthcare providers and participate in clinical research.
When to take your child to a pediatric pulmonologist
If your child is experiencing a chronic cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, an appointment with a pulmonologist is warranted. We’ll work closely with your general pediatrician to ensure that your child is properly diagnosed and is not being undertreated or over-treated. At Ochsner, we consider parents part of the team and empower you to be proactive. No one knows your child like you do. We’re here to listen and come up with solutions.
Special Programs for Kids With Breathing Disorders
Many kids with breathing disorders suffer from childhood obesity. Elmwood Fitness Center also offers the “I Can Do It” Program for kids needing to adapt healthier lifestyles. Ask your doctor for information about these programs.
