Pulmonary Specialist

foreverapartofme

After having pneumonia twice in a three month period, my pediatrician recommended that I take DD (27 months old) to a pulmonary specialist.  My pediatrician is thinking she may have asthma and she received steroid and asthma treatments to help keep her oxygen levels up while being treated for pneumonia. Poor thing had been hospitalized for a week on oxygen support the first time, but this time the medicines really helped and her levels were good. She seemed to respond to all the medicines given through the nebulizer.  Also, we are waiting for lab results for blood work to check on my daughter's immune system and blood cells.  This is my first child and my first time going through all of this, so I am a little nervous. Also, I may be doing too much research online and freaking myself out more!  Has anyone else been through this?  What did the pulmonary specialist suggest?  Thanks!

jc&cat

It sounds as if your DD is a good candidate for a pediatric pulmonary specialist. DS saw a pulmonologist at 18 months for non stop night cough through the local children's hospital sleep center. He was diagnosed with asthma at that time. It never got as bad as your poor DD however these folks know there specialty VERY well and worked to pinpoint his triggers and problems. With your DD's short history, I can imagine a specialist will help sort things out with proper medication, action plan for illness, and regular follow up.

Divallyn

Pediatric pulmonologist is a great idea. My son was hospitalized four times from one year to eighteen months and was referred after that. We haven't been back to the hospital since. He didn't really suggest much expect for a morning puffer and we have a action plan we kick into high gear once he shows signs of sickness.

foreverapartofme

Thank you for sharing your insight and experiences! I do think in the long run, DD will be better off and it will definitely be nice to be able to keep her out of the hospital.