The most experience, the best in pulmonology and respiratory care

We treat patients with both acute and chronic breathing problems in the Children’s Minnesota pulmonology and respiratory medicine program. Our asthma clinic is the largest pediatric asthma center in the state. Our Cystic Fibrosis Center – where kids with CF, a pulmonary related condition are seen, is in the top tier of cystic fibrosis centers in the Midwest. We’ve even been accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Therapeutics Development Center. That means we are able to offer leading-edge clinical trial drugs to patients.

We believe that continuity of care means excellent care. That’s why we assign every patient a dedicated primary pulmonary clinician. This doctor or nurse practitioner is responsible for a child’s care from the moment they step in our doors through their follow-up care. The highly trained team also supports other specialists when they need expertise in breathing issues.

Comprehensive care for breathing disorders

Many lung and respiratory conditions are chronic problems. That’s why we’re experts in not only diagnosis and treatment, but also management.

We’re much more than doctors of the lungs. Pulmonologists deal with any condition that affects breathing, from neurological disorders to spine disorders. If it’s keeping a child from breathing well, we’re there to help. A few of the conditions we treat include:

• Asthma — A chronic disease where the airways become sore, swollen and narrow so that the lungs take in less air
• Aspiration — Breathing in a foreign object
• Bronchitis — Inflammation of the airways that bring air in and out of the lungs (bronchial tubes)
• Bronchiolitis— Inflammation of the tiny airways that branch off from the bronchial tubes
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia — Inflammation and scarring of the lungs, most common in severely premature babies
• Croup — A loud, barking cough usually caused by a viral infection resulting in respiratory distress
• Congenital lung malformations — When lungs develop improperly while a baby is in the womb
• Cystic fibrosis — A disease that causes the mucus in the lungs, sinuses and other organs to become sticky and thick, clogging the lungs and causing lung infections
• Chronic breathing disorders due to premature birth—A condition resulting in apnea or breathing problems from an immature brain and respiratory system
• Dysphagia — Swallowing impairment due to brain injury, which adversely affects breathing
• Gastroesophageal reflux — The result of the esophagus (food tube) not closing properly, allowing stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus and cause irritation (Hmong and Spanish translations available at link)
• Neuromuscular disorders — Disorders such as muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy that cause voluntary muscles to weaken, causing movement trouble, pain and twitching
• Newborn screen follow-up services due to an abnormal screen
• Pneumonia — A lung infection that causes fever, cough, chest pain and shortness of breath (Hmong, Somali, and Spanish translations available at link).
• Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) —An inherited disorder which can result in chronic, recurrent infections in the lungs, ears and sinuses due to the loss of ciliary activity in those areas.
• Respiratory failure — What happens when there is too little oxygen going from the lungs to the rest of the body, caused by lung diseases, nerve problems, damage to the tissues surrounding the lungs or other reasons
• Respiratory infections (chronic and acute) — A bacterial or viral infection of the respiratory tract, including the common cold and influenza
• Scoliosis — Spinal curvature, which can affect the position and function of the lungs and respiratory system
• Sleep apnea — A condition where the airway closes during sleep leading to sleep disordered breathing

Pediatric pulmonology and respiratory experts

The team of dedicated, expert doctors and nurses from Children’s and Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists gives 110 percent every day. Because that’s what your child deserves. Here’s a snapshot of what makes us stand out:

• Largest pediatric asthma center in the state.
• Renowned Cystic Fibrosis Center where kids with CF, a pulmonary related condition, are seen is accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
• Leaders in cystic fibrosis research through our Therapeutics Development Center, which offers patients the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials.
• We have close relationships with pulmonologists in the critical care unit, caring for the sickest of kids when they need a respiratory specialist the most.
• Accredited Primary  Ciliary Dyskineshia Center
• Specialize in other rare pulmonary diseases such as autoimmune lung disease, interstitial lung disease

We offer the latest and most effective options to diagnose, treat and manage breathing problems. It’s just another part of our commitment to the highest level of care.

• Pulmonary diagnostic services:
  • Bedside bronchoscopy
  • Home apnea monitoring
  • Premature infant car seat evaluation
  • Pneumocardiograms/memory monitor scoring
  • Pulmonary function testing

• Respiratory care therapeutic services:
  • Aerosol therapy
  • Bronchial drainage
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Non-invasive ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapies
  • Oxygen and humidity therapy

• Respiratory care diagnostic services:
  • Continuous arterial blood gas monitoring
  • Point of care testing
  • End tidal CO2 monitoring
  • Pulse oximetry

• Preventive services:
  • Asthma education
  • Parent instruction for home therapy
  • Trach instruction
  • CPR instruction
  • Gastroesophageal reflux education

As an organization dedicated to family-centered care, we offer many child and family services and resources, such as interpretive services.

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