Medical specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital practice some of the most innovative treatments available, due in part to their affiliation with the Washington University School of Medicine. Features of the program include:
- The largest pediatric lung transplant program in the world
- The largest Cystic Fibrosis Center in Missouri and one of the largest in the Midwest
- A national leader in treating childhood asthma
- One of the best equipped pediatric sleep labs in the Midwest
- A fully-equipped and nationally acclaimed Pulmonary Function Lab
Conditions treated
- Allergic conditions
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea
- Acute or chronic respiratory difficulties
- Repeated or unresolved pneumonia
- Chronic cough
Evaluating lung function
To accurately diagnose and treat pediatric patients with allergy or pulmonary difficulties, the specialists utilize a fully equipped Pulmonary Function Laboratory to evaluate all aspects of lung function including:
- Assessment of airflow via spirometry with and without bronchodilator therapy
- Lung volume determination via body plethysmography and/or nitrogen washout
- Measurement of oxygenation via diffusion capacity and arterial blood gas measurement
- Muscle strength assessment
- Assessment of airway reactivity elicited via methacholine challenge, cold air inhalation, and/or exercise
- Evaluation of fitness via maximal cardiopulmonary stress testing
- Infant pulmonary function studies to include rapid thoracoabdominal compressions, nitrogen washout lung volumes, single breath occlusion compliance, and response to carbon dioxide inhalation
- Respiratory induction plethysmography
Home care
Evaluating and treating a child's allergy or pulmonary disorder is only part of the care provided by the professionals at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Many of the difficulties children endure also require extensive treatment at home. Therefore, educating parents and caregivers about home care and progress monitoring is a primary concern for the Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine staff. In most instances, the staff works with other team members throughout the hospital, such as Social work, child life services and physical therapy, to provide parents with the education and assistance they need to care for their children.
