You want the very best medical care for your children. If your family has found a pediatric specialist that you know and trust, there’s no reason to keep older kids from seeing them.
Some children’s medical practices have patient age limits, which can be frustrating. When it comes to pediatric pulmonology, there’s no need to worry. You can (and, in some cases, should) bring your older children to your family’s trusted doctor.
Continuity of care predicts better health outcomes in children and adults. Learn more about why pediatric pulmonologists continue to see patients throughout their teen and young adult years.
Pediatric Pulmonology Services: From Infancy to Young Adulthood
Respiratory problems affect millions of children every year. Nearly 7% of children have been diagnosed with asthma in the U.S. Getting consistent, reputable care from a lung health specialist can be the difference between daily debilitating symptoms and a better quality of life.
The appropriate age range for most pediatric pulmonologists to treat is between birth and 21 years of age. Infants, toddlers, teenagers, and young adults all fit into this range.
Depending on when you established care and the severity of your little one’s lung health concerns, it may be especially beneficial to stick with one pediatric specialist. This professional knows your child’s medical history and has built rapport with your family.
What Is Pediatric Pulmonology?
Pediatric pulmonologists assess, diagnose, and treat children’s breathing problems. They work with the entire respiratory system, including the lungs, throat, nose, and internal breathing structures. Their job is extremely valuable; childhood respiratory problems can have lifelong effects.
These professionals can treat:
- Asthma
- Chronic lung disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Interstitial lung disease
- Allergy-related lung problems
- Congenital lung problems (present at birth)
If you’re not sure whether your child has a given condition, a pediatric pulmonologist can assess them.
Pediatric pulmonologists can administer and prescribe breathing treatments, medications, and more intensive treatments when needed. These interventions often improve respiratory health outcomes. Their recommendations could preserve your child’s lung health for many years to come.
The Benefits of Continuous Care From a Pediatric Specialist
Why continue seeing the same pediatric specialist in adolescence and young adulthood? This is known as continuity of care, and your child’s overall health outcomes may be better for it.
Here are the advantages of keeping the same specialist in your child’s life.
Trust and Rapport
It’s not always easy to build rapport with children, especially once they reach their teenage years. The longer your child has seen a pediatric pulmonologist, the more they’ll trust them. Continuing a positive medical relationship is a lot easier than starting from scratch.
This type of rapport is essential in doctor-patient relationships. When your child trusts their doctor, they feel more comfortable at appointments and may be more keen to take their advice.
Mutual trust also encourages kids to speak up about difficult health problems and symptoms. This helps pediatric specialists catch problems early and intervene before they get worse.
Familiarity With Your Child’s Medical History
All aspects of your child’s health are intertwined. A familiar specialist will have seen and documented various health metrics throughout your child’s life.
Continuous visits over the years help the specialist provide holistic, comprehensive care that takes all health factors into account. Specialists who know your child well have access to their medical records, immunization history, treatment regimens, and personal details.
All of these things contribute to effective health interventions. For example, some vaccinations can prevent certain respiratory diseases altogether. Your child’s established pulmonologist will remind you when they’re due for these important shots.
Child Development Knowledge
Pediatric pulmonologists are very familiar with the different stages of child and adolescent development. They know what milestones and red flags to look for as your child gets older and grows into a young adult.
Your child’s lungs fully develop between the ages of 20 to 25. As they approach this age range, it’s important to have a specialist on hand who can watch for developmental problems. Early intervention helps prevent and reduce severe health outcomes.
When to See a Pediatric Lung Doctor
Whether your little one is a newborn or close to age 21, they may benefit from specialized lung care. Try to establish care as soon as you notice concerning signs and symptoms.
This list is not exhaustive, but it can serve as a guide for when to make a pediatric pulmonology appointment. Look for these respiratory health red flags and book with a children’s lung doctor if they arise.
Your Child Struggles to Breathe While Exercising
Exercise-induced asthma can be terrifying for children of all ages. If you notice your child struggling to breathe or wheezing during and after physical activity, it’s time to see a pulmonologist.
Your Child Shows Signs of a Sleep Disorder
Respiration and sleep go hand in hand in the pulmonology world. Children who exhibit signs of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, should get checked out by a pulmonologist. The specialist will combine sleep medicine with respiratory interventions to prevent long-term damage.
Your Child Has Allergies
Childhood allergies come in many forms. Not all allergic reactions are anaphylactic, meaning your child’s airway constricts and prevents them from breathing. Some allergies are mild but still cause respiratory irritation. In either case, a pediatric lung doctor can help relieve their symptoms.
Your Child Hasn’t Recovered From a Respiratory Infection
Most of the time, respiratory infections go away within two weeks. Persistent coughing, wheezing, hacking, and mucus drainage may indicate a deeper problem. Children’s pneumonia can be fatal if left untreated. Seek help from a pulmonologist if you suspect your little one has lasting breathing problems after an illness.
Establish Care at Newport Children’s Medical Group
The earlier you build a relationship with a pediatric specialist, the more they can do for your child’s long-term health. Now is the time to intervene if you suspect your child has breathing problems.
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we’re here to problem-solve and make your child more comfortable. Support their respiratory wellness by booking an appointment today!