Aerodigestive Program
Expert care for children with breathing, swallowing, and feeding challenges
If your child struggles with breathing, eating or swallowing due to complex medical conditions, our aerodigestive clinic is here to help. As the largest program of its kind in the Upper Midwest, we focus on treating airway abnormalities and provide care that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs through a collaborative, family-centered approach.
Patients who benefit from our program
Patients are referred to our aerodigestive clinic when they have multiple health concerns that affect breathing, swallowing, or feeding. We care for children with both medical and surgical airway needs, ensuring they receive expert care, all in one convenient location.
Patient & family education materials
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Treating a wide range of conditions
- Airway abnormalities
- Voice problems
- Fetal airway conditions
- Swallowing and feeding difficulties
- Chronic cough and noisy breathing
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Subglottic stenosis (narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords)
- Chronic aspiration
Why choose our aerodigestive clinic
A team approach: Our clinic has specialists from multiple pediatric disciplines including ear, nose and throat (ENT), gastroenterology, pulmonology and speech and swallowing therapy. We also work closely with our pediatric surgery, radiology, and cardiothoracic surgery teams as needed.
Clear communication: The best care starts with good communication. We see you and your child’s referring providers as essential members of our team. Together, we’ll talk through your child’s challenges, explore treatment options and stay connected through their care journey.
Specialized care for fetal head and neck conditions: Our team has deep experience treating fetal head and neck abnormalities. These conditions present at birth and can affect a child’s ability to breathe, swallow, or eat. From blockages and cysts to unusual growths, we provide early, expert care.
Comprehensive visits: We take a ‘big picture’ approach to care. Your child gets all the care they need in one visit, in one location. No need for multiple appointments at different locations. Our coordinated care means fewer trips to the operating room, less anesthesia, and hopefully less stress for your whole family.
Personalized, whole-child treatment: Every child is unique and so is their care plan. That is why we create a personalized care plan that best fits your child, while also supporting their emotional and developmental well-being. See what to expect at your first clinic visit.
Specialized care for voice problems: Some children experience voice problems, these conditions often start in the larynx (voice box). Our team works with the pediatric voice center to diagnose and treat these conditions – so your child can speak more clearly and confidently.
Patient stories
