Melbourne Paediatric Specialists

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Paediatric Respiratory Medicine

Management of breathing problems in children, of all ages, from birth to adolescence.

What is Paediatric Respiratory Medicine

Paediatric respiratory medicine deals with breathing problems in children, of all ages, from birth to adolescence.

There are different types of breathing problems that may relate to the lungs, the airways (breathing tubes) and upper airways. These problems can present in different ways and you may need to seek a clear diagnosis from a children’s respiratory expert. For example, your child may have prolonged cough, shortness of breath, breathing noises (wheeze or stridor), exercise limitation or snoring. Other common reasons to see a children’s respiratory expert is frequent, or recurrent, chest infections.

  • Breathing problems
    – prolonged cough, shortness of breath, breathing noises, exercise limitation or snoring
  • Frequent or recurrent chest infections
  • Asthma

Your child may already have a diagnosis, such as asthma, that is difficult to control and requires specialist help.

Some children have a number of different medical conditions, or a complex condition involving many body systems, and it can be difficult to sort out how important the breathing component is. This is a good reason to see a children’s respiratory expert.

Prof John Massie is an expert in children’s respiratory problems practicing at Melbourne Paediatric Specialists . He has access to excellent radiology facilities (X-ray and CT scan, all ages) and high quality lung function testing (for children over 6 years).