If your child struggles with respiratory issues, your pediatrician might have referred them to a pediatric lung specialist. The first appointment with these professionals can cause anxiety, both for you and your child, so taking time to prepare for your visit is important to make the experience as positive as possible.
Learn when your child may need to see a pediatric lung specialist and get some of the most helpful tips for preparing to attend the first appointment.
Pediatric Lung Specialists: What Conditions They Treat
Pediatric lung specialists, also known as pediatric pulmonary specialists, can help with a variety of breathing conditions in children of all ages. They can help diagnose issues such as:
- Asthma
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiolitis
- Exercise limitation
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Congenital lung abnormalities
Children who suffer from recurrent pneumonia and rare lung abnormalities also benefit from visits to these specialists. You may be referred to a pediatric pulmonologist if your child tends to aspirate food or liquids into their lungs.
Pediatric lung specialists help plan the most appropriate treatments, which could include medications, lifestyle modifications, and a variety of therapies. These professionals are essential for the management of chronic conditions.
If your child has asthma or a persistent cough or if they have been placed on a ventilator at any point, they will likely be referred to a pediatric pulmonologist. This type of specialist may also be necessary if your child has sleep apnea.
Preparing for a Pediatric Lung Specialist Appointment
As you get ready to attend your child’s first appointment with pediatric lung specialists, keep a few important tips in mind.
Collect Your Child’s Medical Records
You will need to provide the lung specialist with your child’s full medical records. Make sure you have all insurance information on hand, along with the results of previous tests, including X-rays and CT scans. You’ll also need a list of all of the medications your child takes or has taken.
The pediatric lung specialist will ask about your child’s medical history, so be prepared to offer a lot of information on the breathing problems they have experienced.
It’s a good idea to write down if your child has any triggers that impact their health. Do they have allergies? Is stress a factor in the condition’s symptoms? When do the symptoms seem to get worse?
It’s also essential to have a list of these symptoms and how the condition has progressed. The doctor will need to know how frequently the breathing issues occur and their typical severity level.
Prepare a List of Questions for Your Pulmonologist
Once you get to the appointment, you may be so worried about ensuring your child isn’t anxious or frightened that you may not remember all of the things you wanted to ask. The best way to avoid this issue is to write down the questions you have and bring them to the appointment.
You may want to inquire about the official diagnosis. If your child doesn’t have one, it’s important to ask about the further tests necessary to pinpoint what the condition is. You can also ask about the treatment process and what you and your child can expect in terms of medications and therapies.
Having a list of questions ready ensures you don’t miss vital pieces of information. You’ll have one less worry.
Talk to Your Child About the Visit Before Introducing Them to Doctors
As apprehensive as you may be about the visit to the pediatric lung specialist, your child could be even more anxious if they’re old enough to understand what a specialist is. They may not know what to expect, and that lack of knowledge can spike fear. One of the best ways to help them is to offer as much information as possible.
One option is to contact the location where the appointment will take place and ask whether it’s possible to have a pre-appointment visit. Even if you don’t get to see the doctor, your child can get a sense of the facilities and meet some of the staff. If that’s not possible, showing them photos online can also help.
Answer all of the questions your child has to the best of your ability. Stick to age-appropriate terms and be honest if you’re not sure about the answer to one of their concerns. Let your child know that they can share what they’re feeling with you.
Get to the Appointment Early
When you arrive for the appointment, you’ll likely have to fill out forms, which you shouldn’t do in a hurry. Having to rush can make you and your child more anxious, so getting to the location at least half an hour earlier than the appointment can help. This extra time will also allow your child to acclimate to the location and the staff.
If your child feels more comfortable when they have a certain toy, bring it with you. Having familiar objects nearby can make a significant difference in their stress levels. Remaining calm is particularly vital for children who have respiratory issues since anxiety can often trigger these problems.
Ensure Your Child Is Dressed Comfortably
Loose clothing can be a good option for the first appointment, especially if your child needs to undergo exercise tests. Make sure they have as much range of motion as possible in the outfit they choose to wear. Also, the specialist should be able to access the chest and back areas for the use of stethoscopes without too much trouble.
Rely on Newport Children’s Medical Group’s Breathing Specialists
If your child has breathing difficulties that could point to more serious conditions than simple childhood illnesses, it may be time to consider getting help from a specialist. A pediatric lung specialist offers the chance to get an accurate diagnosis and get started on a treatment plan that can bring relief from the worst symptoms.
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, our team of professionals has the answers you and your child need. Schedule an appointment to speak with trusted pediatric lung specialists and get the answers you need.