Your child’s lungs are smaller and function differently than yours because they are still developing. And because your child’s immune system is also developing, respiratory infections in children are normal and very common.
Although you can expect your child to have as many as six respiratory infections per year, there are some symptoms that should prompt you to take him or her to see a doctor. Fast or labored breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, crackling sounds in the chest are all reasons to see a doctor.
The pediatric pulmonary specialists in the Sutter Health network can pinpoint the source of your child’s disorder and rule out other diseases using a range of diagnostic tests including imaging technologies and pediatric pulmonary function tests.
We provide specialized care for children who have chronic respiratory and chest conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchiolitis
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Children’s interstitial lung disease
- Developmental disorders
- Lung growth abnormalities
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Pneumonia
Depending on the age and overall health of your child, his or her treatment plan may include a mix of breathing devices, medications, procedures and therapies including:
- Mechanical ventilator
- Quick-relief medications
- Oxygen therapy
- Lung transplant
- Physical therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
