A doctor who specializes in treating respiratory illnesses in children.
A pulmonologist is involved in caring for infants, children and adolescents with breathing problems.
Children are not “tiny adults”, thus, their chest problems are best managed by a pediatric respiratory specialist.
Pediatric pulmonologist has expertise in performing skilled procedures like flexible bronchoscopy, Intercostal drain insertion and thoracocentesis
Interpretation of specialized tests like sweat chloride test, skin prick test, FENO, Spirometry, lung function tests, tests for evaluation of GERD/aspiration, pediatric sleep studies.
Dr Ritika has received special training in pediatric chest medicine and allergies
Dr Ritika exclusively practices pediatric pulmonology and allergies
When do you need to see a pulmonologist?
Child has recurrent chest infections requiring antibiotic treatment or hospital admissions (>3 times in a year)
Child has persistent cough or cold (runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, nose blocks), itchy skin rash, watery and itchy eyes
Child has asthma and is not improving with standard treatment. Child needs a lung function test or spirometry
Child has mouth breathing or snoring, noisy breathing
Child suffering from tuberculosis (complicated, diagnosis not confirmed, not responding to treatment)
Child diagnosed with CYSTIC FIBROSIS, BRONCHIECTASIS, INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE
Child has neuromuscular disease and muscle weakness involving respiratory muscles
Child has recurrent vomiting, choking on feeds, inadequate weight gain, where GERD is suspected
