Pediatric pulmonologists at Ascension Illinois in Chicagoland have advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating breathing conditions in babies, children and teens. Using advanced pulmonary function testing, we are able to quickly diagnose even the most complex respiratory conditions. When you choose Ascension Illinois 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.
Diagnosing pediatric respiratory conditions
Your child’s first appointment starts with a conversation with your doctor about your child’s breathing and other related symptoms. Ask us your questions – big and small. Your child’s doctor may recommend additional testing to help make a diagnosis. 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.
Conditions we diagnose and treat include:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (when a baby’s lungs are irritated and don’t develop normally)
- Congenital malformations in the lungs and airway
- Croup
- Lung infection, including pneumonia
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Sleep disorders
If your child’s condition is related to another health concern, your child’s care team works with pediatric specialists at Ascension Illinois, such as ear, nose and throat doctors, and connects the dots for you between care teams and specialists. Together, we deliver care that focuses on the whole child.
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 Ascension Illinois, 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 Ascension Illinois.
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 Ascension Illinois sites of care have care teams delivering care 24/7 for respiratory emergencies.
Refer a patient to a pediatric specialist
Your patients and their families can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our pediatric specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and develop an individualized care plan. To make a referral, please call 224-299-4222.
If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest ER or call 911.
