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Pulmonology

There’s no place like CHOC for the diagnosis and treatment of children with pulmonary illnesses and diseases.

We are committed to providing the highest quality care for kids of all ages with pulmonary disorders. We provide innovative programs and specialized treatments for a variety of pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, sleep disorders and more.

The CHOC Difference

CHOC Pulmonology is ranked among the Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for pulmonology.
Comprehensive chronic lung disease (CLD) in infancy program – the only one of its kind — staffed by board-certified pulmonologists and CLD specialist physicians.
Severe Asthma program for kids with life-threatening or severe/difficult-to-treat asthma.
The only cystic fibrosis care, research and treatment center for children in Orange County. We are also a core care center accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The only dedicated, comprehensive respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) program in Southern California where your child is followed by a team of RSV specialists.
The CHOC Asthma Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Pediatric Asthma Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.
All tracheostomy and home ventilator patients are followed by our pulmonology department, in partnership with CHOC otolaryngologists, to provide consistent care and better outcomes.
The only accredited primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) center in Southern California, which is part of the PCD Foundation Clinical and Research Centers Network.
Two state-of-the-art sleep centers, each accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and staffed by physicians board certified in pediatrics, pediatric pulmonary medicine, neurology and sleep medicine.

What We Treat

Helping kids feel better, grow and thrive is our passion. While we are experts in evaluating, treating and managing all forms of pulmonary conditions, our specialty programs and multidisciplinary approach in the following areas are what set us apart.

Aerodigestive problems
Asthma
Chronic cough
Chronic lung disease in Infancy (CLD)
or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
Congenital lung abnormalities
Cystic fibrosis
Immunology disorders
Neuromuscular disorders
Pediatric rare lung disease and interstitial lung disease

Prader-Willi Syndrome
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)
Pulmonary complication of other medical problems
Pulmonary hypertension
Recurrent pneumonia
Sleep disorders
Tracheostomy and home ventilator dependence
Upper airway abnormalities

State-of-the-Art Diagnostics

At CHOC, we are proud to feature a wide array of some of the most advanced diagnostics available. Some pulmonary patients may need extensive diagnostic evaluations. These tests can include:

Innovative Programs, Specialized Expertise

Asthma Center

The CHOC Asthma Center provides comprehensive evaluation and management for children with asthma. We use state-of-the-art equipment and technology and take a multidisciplinary treatment approach to offer the highest quality of care. We also offer a Severe Asthma program for kids with life-threatening or severe/difficult-to-treat asthma.

Chronic Lung Disease of Infancy (or Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia)

The CHOC chronic lung disease (CLD) of infancy (also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia or BPD) program is a multidisciplinary treatment program for long-term respiratory problems in premature babies from the use of a mechanical ventilator and extra oxygen for breathing.

Cystic Fibrosis Center

Our pulmonologists partner with CHOC's gastroenterologists and other specialists to treat medical problems associated with cystic fibrosis. Our convenient, multidisciplinary program allows patients to see all of their cystic fibrosis care team specialists at the same appointment. CHOC has the only core care center accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Orange County. Learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Program.

Sleep Center

The CHOC Sleep Center provides a complete range of sleep evaluations and treatment for newborns through teens with disorders of sleep apnea and related breathing disorders, and sleepiness and sleeplessness. We also assess behavior problems that may be caused or worsened by poor sleep, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Our pulmonogists and sleep specialists also partner with CHOC endocrinologists and other specialists to treat medical problems and sleep disorders associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program

The CHOC ‎respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) program provides monthly palivizumab (Synagis®) injections to infants and young children who are at high risk of hospitalization if they become infected with RSV. We offer the only specialized RSV prevention program in Southern California with full access to a full team of board-certified physicians, specialized pediatric nurse practitioners and a care coordinator.

Rare Lung Disease Program

CHOC is a leader in pediatric respiratory diseases, including rare lung diseases such as interstitial lung disease and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Our rare lung disease program consists of pulmonologists and experts from our more than 30 specialties, specialized nurses, respiratory therapists, nutritionists and social workers. We provide families with an individualized treatment plan depending on the specific condition.

Muscular Dystrophy Program

At CHOC, we have the only pediatric program in Orange County designated by the Muscular Dystrophy Association to help families understand and manage muscle disease. That means in addition to an entire team of CHOC specialists who care for your child, we also partner with the MDA to offer access to national research and community support. Learn more about the Muscular Dystrophy Association program.

Rheumatology/Pulmonology Program

CHOC offers the only multidisciplinary rheumatology/pulmonology program in the region. CHOC pulmonologists partner with our rheumatologists to treat medical problems associated with diseases of the joints, muscles and bones, such as interstitial lung disease, lupus and Wegener’s granulomatosis. This specialized program provides both specialists at your appointment to provide the highest quality, coordinated care for your child.

Aerodigestive Program

The CHOC Aerodigestive Program brings together pediatric specialists in otolaryngology (ears, nose and throat), gastroenterology, pulmonology and speech/swallow therapy to care for children with disorders involving the airway and digestive system.

Sickle Cell and other Red Cell Diseases

The CHOC hematology/pulmonology program brings together our pulmonologists and rheumatologists in one appointment. CHOC pulmonologists participate in the appointment to address the various sleep and respiratory disorders that can accompany sickle cell and other red cell disease. This specialized program provides both specialists at your appointment to provide the highest quality, coordinated care for your child.

Pulmonary Hypertension Program

CHOC offers the only pediatric pulmonary hypertension program in Orange County. Our pulmonologists participate in the program, which provides multidisciplinary care that eliminates the need for multiple appointments and brings together specialists who work together to treat the patient. Learn more about our pulmonary hypertension program.

Home Ventilation Services

young patient sitting in crib CHOC is dedicated to providing our patients and families the support they need when discharged with mechanical-assisted ventilation to their homes. We offer training and education to your family to enable your child to participate more fully in their family life, school, and even go on family vacations. Learn more about our mechanical ventilation services.