Pulmonology

Pediatric pulmonologists at Dell Children’s in Central Texas diagnose and treat children with breathing conditions.

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Pediatric pulmonology at Dell Children's

Pediatric pulmonologists at Dell Children’s Medical Center at Ascension Seton have advanced expertise in diagnosing, managing and treating respiratory conditions in babies, children and teens. Using our dedicated pulmonary function lab, we are able to quickly diagnose even the most complex respiratory concerns or disorders. When you choose Dell Children’s for your child’s care, your child will have a care team of pediatric pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, sleep medicine specialists, hospitalists, child life specialists and more.

Advanced treatment for pediatric respiratory conditions

Our goal is to improve your child’s lung function. So, our care team works to quickly diagnose and treat pulmonary disorders. At Dell Children’s, we offer some of the latest and most advanced treatments for respiratory conditions. Your child’s care plan may include advanced therapies, medications, or in some cases, surgery. If surgery is needed, we connect you with the right pediatric surgeon at Dell Children’s Medical Center.

Diagnosing pediatric respiratory conditions

Your child’s first appointment starts with a conversation with your child’s doctor about your child’s breathing and other related symptoms. Ask us your questions – big and small. To help make a diagnosis, your child’s doctor may recommend tests such as X-ray or pulmonary function tests (PFT), including spirometry, plethysmography or methacholine challenge. Together, we discuss your child’s diagnosis, treatment options and ongoing care. Then, we create a care plan that’s right for your child and family.
  • Asthma
  • Airway anomalies
  • Bronchitis
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (when a baby’s lungs are irritated and do not develop normally)
  • Chest wall disorders
  • Congenital malformations in the lungs and airway (abnormal tissues that form in a baby during pregnancy)
  • Chronic aspiration
  • Chronic cough
  • Croup
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Lung infection, including pneumonia
  • Lung lesions
  • Neuromuscular disease
  • Pneumonia
  • Premature lung disease
  • Pulmonary conditions related to sickle cell disease
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Recurrent lung infections
  • Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea
  • Trach and ventilator requirements
  • Wheezing

Get emergency care for respiratory distress

When your child is having trouble breathing, it's important to seek emergency care right away. If your child is showing signs of respiratory distress, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Signs of respiratory distress may include increased breathing rate, color changes in the lips, face or nails, noisy breathing or grunting, and retractions (chest sinking below the neck with each inhale). Emergency rooms at Dell Children’s and Ascension Seton sites of care have pediatric care teams delivering care 24/7 for respiratory emergencies.

If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest ER or call 911.

What sets us apart

Caring for the whole child

Certified child life specialists work with your family to create a care plan that supports your child’s emotional health and well-being.

Accredited by the CF Foundation

Our comprehensive clinical care and services help manage cystic fibrosis from infancy into adulthood.

Care closer to home

With locations throughout the Austin area, the care your child needs is closer to home.

Pulmonology