Several types of chronic lung diseases can affect kids and teens. We help them get the care they need to manage their disease.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) affects premature babies who needed oxygen or a breathing machine early in life. Their lungs are still growing and may become bothered or inflamed, making it harder to breathe. Many kids with BPD improve as they get older, but some need extra support long term.

Restrictive lung disease

Restrictive lung disease occurs when a child’s lungs can’t fully expand and take in enough air. It often happens because of problems like stiff chest muscles or a curved spine, such as scoliosis. Kids with this condition may breathe faster, get tired quicker or need breathing support.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare lung condition in which the tiny hair-like fibers in the airways don’t work properly. This causes mucus to build up in the lungs, leading to frequent lung infections, coughing and congestion. Kids with PCD often need daily treatments to keep their lungs clear.

Neuromuscular-related breathing problems

These chronic lung problems occur when the muscles that help a child breathe are weak due to a nerve or muscle condition. When those muscles don’t work well, it becomes harder for a child to take deep breaths, cough up mucus or get enough air. They may need special breathing support.

Asthma

Asthma occurs when a child’s airways become inflamed and narrowed, often due to colds, allergies or exercise. It can cause noisy breathing, coughing and shortness of breath, mostly during flare-ups. Even though symptoms may come and go, asthma needs constant care.

Our lung disease experts will help you find the right treatment for your child based on their condition, cause and symptoms.

Medicines

Depending on the type of chronic lung disease, medicine can help control symptoms.

Common types of medicine include those that help:

• Open the lungs and relax the airways
• Thin mucus
• Stop swelling in the airway and a drop in lung function
• Remove fluid from the lungs
• Cut down stomach acid and reflux
• Reduce congestion

We may also offer nutrition support to help a child’s lungs develop, avoid foods that trigger reflux and promote overall growth.

Supplemental oxygen

Supplemental oxygen helps kids with chronic lung diseases get enough oxygen when their lungs can’t do it on their own. It supports their brain and organs, reduces strain on the heart and lungs and can help them feel less tired or breathless. Some kids may need it only during sleep or illness, while others may use it more often.

Infant apnea and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Program

The Infant Apnea and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Program at Children's Wisconsin treats kids with breathing issues, including those with BPD.

When a child needs further testing to diagnose or treat a condition, our experts use:

• Cardiorespiratory monitors: These devices track heart rate and breathing. They help find issues or pauses in breathing.
• Polysomnography: This test records sleep patterns, breathing and heart rate. It checks for issues like sleep apnea or breathing problems during sleep.
• Infant lung function testing: This test watches how well the lungs work. It checks for problems with breathing or low oxygen levels.
• Fiberoptic bronchoscopy: In this test, a doctor uses a thin tube with a camera. They insert it into the airway to look for a blockage.

CPAP Program

Sometimes kids need to wear a special mask while sleeping to keep the airway open.

Our CPAP Program offers support for kids who need one of these treatments:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine
• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine
• Home ventilator with a mask

The Children's Wisconsin Pulmonary Medicine Program helps kids and teens with chronic lung diseases get the care and treatment they need.

Top doctors: Our doctors rank among the Best Doctors in America. This highlights their strong reputation in pediatric care.

Award-winning care: U.S. News & World Report ranked pulmonary care at Children's Wisconsin among the best in the nation. Lung care is part of our pulmonary care.

Health care heroes: BizTimes Milwaukee honored our tracheostomy and home ventilator team as Notable Heroes in Health Care for their outstanding work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hands-on training: We provide a monthly Pediatric Ventilator Certification Course for home care nurses. Our patient and family training also helps parents and caregivers prepare to care for their child at home.

Local resources: We partner with home nurses, medical device companies and school staff. This helps kids return to their daily lives after tracheostomy surgery.

The Children's Wisconsin Pulmonary Medicine Program helps kids and teens with chronic lung diseases get the care and treatment they need.

Top doctors: Our doctors rank among the Best Doctors in America. This highlights their strong reputation in pediatric care.

Award-winning care: U.S. News & World Report ranked pulmonary care at Children's Wisconsin among the best in the nation. Lung care is part of our pulmonary care.

Health care heroes: BizTimes Milwaukee honored our tracheostomy and home ventilator team as Notable Heroes in Health Care for their outstanding work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hands-on training: We provide a monthly Pediatric Ventilator Certification Course for home care nurses. Our patient and family training also helps parents and caregivers prepare to care for their child at home.

Local resources: We partner with home nurses, medical device companies and school staff. This helps kids return to their daily lives after tracheostomy surgery.