When Should Your Child See a Pediatric Pulmonologist?
A checklist of symptoms and situations that may warrant a specialist evaluation.
Pediatric pulmonologists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of breathing and lung conditions in children.
Dr. Folashade Farri is a board-certified pediatric pulmonologist at CLAPS MD. Pediatric pulmonologists evaluate and treat conditions such as asthma, chronic cough, recurrent pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, sleep-related breathing disorders, stridor, upper airway obstruction, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and other complex respiratory concerns.
Consider a specialist visit if your child has any of the following:
- Frequent need for albuterol (more than 2 times per week)
- Persistent asthma symptoms despite a maintenance regimen
- Hospital admission for asthma, especially more than once
- Needing oral steroids more than 2 times per year
- A diagnosis of asthma and you would like a second opinion
- Persistent cough associated with vomiting
- Cough with running, activity, or exercise
- Chronic or frequent respiratory infections
- Frequent or recurrent pneumonia (more than 1 confirmed pneumonia)
- Rapid, labored, or difficult breathing on a frequent basis
- Pauses or stopping breathing, especially while asleep
- Seeming overly tired during the day or overly hyperactive
- Positive newborn screen for cystic fibrosis
- Neuromuscular weakness or spasticity with drooling, choking, aspiration, or frequent pneumonia
- Sickle cell disease and frequent breathing problems or asthma
- Progressive scoliosis with breathing concerns
If you are unsure whether your child's symptoms require a specialist, we are happy to help guide you. Early evaluation can improve comfort, sleep, school performance, and overall quality of life.
Call our office or request an appointment online today.