University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital has one of the most comprehensive and integrated pediatric pulmonology programs in the country. Our pulmonologists are at the forefront of life-changing clinical research, participating in clinical trials that offer new hope to patients and families affected by lung-related diseases. We take an integrated approach to treating lung diseases in children so that your child can meet with a range of specialists as needed, usually together in a multidisciplinary clinic.

Our Highly Specialized Team Provides Care for a Wide Range of Pulmonary Conditions

Pulmonary conditions affecting infants, children and teenagers range from common to highly complex and very rare and include:

• Aerodigestive Disorders: Disorders of the respiratory, ear/nose/throat and digestive systems, including the lungs, throat, mouth and esophagus, that make normal breathing or swallowing difficult for children.
• Asthma: Recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, often triggered by infections and allergies in children.
• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (Chronic Lung Disease): A breathing disorder in low-birth weight babies in which an infant's lungs become irritated and do not develop normally.
• Cystic Fibrosis (CF): A hereditary disease that usually appears in early childhood and causes a thick, sticky buildup of mucus in the child’s lungs and other organs, causing coughing, shortness of breath, lung damage and infection.
• Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the function of cilia, the tiny structures that line the airways, ears, sinuses and other organs, leading to frequent respiratory infections.
• Interstitial Lung Diseases: Also called childhood interstitial lung diseases, these rare lung disorders can affect babies, children and teenagers and can be identified within the first few months of life.
• Sleep Disorders: A wide range of sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or behavioral issues can affect the restful sleep children need for proper growth and development.
• Respiratory Support: Pediatric respiratory care is provided in all clinical areas of our Woman’s & Children’s Centers.
• Ventilator Dependence: UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Pulmonary Technology Assistance Center is dedicated to helping children who require breathing assistance due to chronic lung disease, chest wall deformity, respiratory muscle weakness, diaphragm muscle problems or central hypoventilation.