Pulmonary hypertension care at Dell Children’s
Pediatric pulmonologists at Dell Children’s Medical Center, a part of Ascension Seton, have advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). Babies born with underdeveloped lungs are at risk for developing pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension can also develop as a child grows. Using heart and lung imaging, stress tests, and EKG, we are able to quickly diagnose even the most complex pulmonary hypertension disorder. When you choose Dell Children’s for your child’s care, your child will have a care team of pediatric pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, hospitalists, certified child life specialists and more.
Diagnosing pediatric pulmonary hypertension conditions
Your child’s first appointment starts with a conversation about your child’s symptoms. In children, symptoms may include slow growth, trouble breathing during activity (hyperventilating), and tiring easily (fatigue). More severe symptoms may include coughing up blood, blue discoloration in the lips, hands or feet, dizziness and fainting. When left untreated, pulmonary hypertension can lead to heart failure.
To help make a diagnosis, your child’s doctor may recommend heart and lung tests. 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.
Advanced treatment for pediatric pulmonary hypertension
Our goal is to improve your child’s lung function. At Dell Children’s, we provide some of the latest and most advanced treatments. Your child’s care plan may include advanced medication and oxygen therapy. If surgery is needed, we connect you with the right pediatric surgeon at Dell Children’s Medical Center who specializes in lung and heart surgery.
Team approach to your child’s care
When you choose Dell Children’s, your family is connected to the most pediatric specialists in Central Texas. That means if your child’s breathing condition is related to another health concern, your child’s pulmonology team works closely with other pediatric specialists at Dell Children’s, including sleep medicine specialists, craniofacial specialists, neurologists, intensive care specialists, gastroenterologists (GI doctors), endocrinologists, cardiologists, psychologists and more. We collaborate on your child’s care plan to deliver comprehensive, multispecialty care.
Depending on your child’s condition, they may be cared for by the highly experienced and specialized teams of pediatric specialists who collaborate to treat complex conditions. Multispecialty programs at Dell Children’s include:
- Aerodigestive program
- Complex airway program
- Cystic fibrosis program
- Neuromuscular program
- Sickle cell disease program
- Sleep apnea program
- Trach-ventilator program
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.
Caring for the whole child
Certified child life specialists are part of your family’s care team. These specialists are experienced in helping children cope through managing fears, stress and other challenges while they are receiving care in the hospital and in our clinics. Our specialists meet with your child and family and work with you to create a care plan that supports your child’s emotional health and well-being.