Why choose Geisinger for pediatric pulmonology?
Your child's lungs support every breath they take. And when something isn't right, you want a team that takes it as seriously as you do.
From common conditions like asthma to complex ones like cystic fibrosis, pediatric pulmonologists diagnose and treat a wide range of lung conditions.
Here you'll find specialized programs, including a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited clinic, a sleep apnea clinic and a mechanical ventilator program that provides at-home breathing support.
With Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville and specialists throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, care for your child's lungs is never far from home. Throughout treatment, our team will connect you with the right specialists, often in one visit. And they’ll help you and your child understand their care plan.
Treatments and services we offer
Conditions we treat
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Back to singing and playing: Mason’s story
Mason has both Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis — and after a serious bout of pneumonia, our pediatric pulmonology team helped her get back to doing what she loves most.
FAQs
What is a pediatric pulmonologist?
How do you diagnose pediatric pulmonary conditions?
Our pulmonologists are experienced in diagnosing all kinds of lung conditions in children. Depending on your child's symptoms, diagnostic tests may include:
- Spirometry: This lung-function test measures how much air your child breathes in and out and how fast.
- Chest X-ray: An X-ray lets your child's doctor see the condition of their lungs and heart and potentially rule out other causes of symptoms.
- Chest CT scan: This imaging test gives a more detailed look at the lungs than a standard X-ray.
- Bronchoscopy: During this diagnostic test, the doctor guides a thin, flexible tube with a camera through the nose or mouth to look inside the lungs and, if needed, collect samples.
- Blood test: An arterial blood gas analysis measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This is because low oxygen may be a sign of lung disease.
How do you treat pediatric pulmonary conditions?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of your child's condition. Options may include:
- Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, appropriate vaccines, education about environmental triggers and emotional support can all help manage symptoms.
- Medications: Prescription medications can help reduce symptoms and treat many pulmonary conditions.
- CPAP/BiPAP therapy: For children with sleep apnea, positive airway pressure therapy with a fitted sleep mask helps keep the airway open while they sleep.
- Oxygen therapy: Your child may need supplemental oxygen if their blood oxygen levels are low. Depending on their condition, they may need to use oxygen all the time or just some of the time.
- Surgery: Our surgeons use the latest techniques to treat pulmonary conditions, including minimally invasive surgery, to give your child the best possible outcome.
Pediatric lung and breathing care at Geisinger
Here, you'll find specialists dedicated to helping children thrive. We offer:
- Care tailored to your child: We’ll build a personalized treatment plan around your child's specific condition with the goal of getting them back to the activities they love.
- A team approach to complex conditions: Specialized clinics connect your child with multiple specialists, often in a single visit. Our Cystic Fibrosis Clinic is accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and our mechanical ventilator program offers at-home breathing support.
- Support for your whole family: We'll guide you throughout your child’s journey, from understanding their diagnosis to connecting you with community programs and resources to help you all get the most out of treatment.
- Care close to home: With Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville and specialists throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, you won't have to go far to get the type of care you want for your child.