Introduction

Pediatric pulmonology is the study of lung disease in children. Pediatric pulmonologists provide specialty care for children with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other chronic lung diseases. The field emphasizes the importance of understanding respiratory physiology and paying detailed attention to the relevant physical exam. Pediatric pulmonologists also provide care to patients with complex aerodigestive disorders, those undergoing lung transplantation, and patients with tracheostomies who may or may not be technology dependent.

This guide provides an introduction to this dynamic pediatric subspecialty. It will prepare the resident or medical student to address pulmonary issues commonly encountered on the general pediatric service and during pulmonary rotations and electives. We also introduce the distinct but overlapping and expanding field of sleep medicine and provide useful links for related topics including flexible bronchoscopy and chest radiology.

The following topics are covered in this rotation guide:

Other relevant topics in Pediatric Pulmonology are covered in the following rotation guides:

Benjamin A. Nelson, MD, is the Program Director for the Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, the Director of Pediatric Bronchoscopy, and the Associate Director for CME. He is also an Instructor in Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

This rotation guide was developed by a collaborative team of contributors including:
Writers: Mengdi Lu, MD, and Kevin Gipson, MD
Peer Reviewers: Bethany Bartley, MD; Youyang Yang, MD; Jaclyn Davis, MD, and Ariana Rudnick, MD
Section Expert: Benjamin Nelson, MD
Senior Editor: Julie Ingelfinger, MD
Last updated: October 2023 by Jeffrey Sumner, MD

Brief Case Presentations with Videos

Pediatric Pulmonology Videos

Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in Children

Managing Procedural Anxiety in Children

When children need medical care, the situation can be stressful for both the parents and the child. This video describes the signs of acute anxiety in children and demonstrates approaches to interacting with children that minimize anxiety and maximize cooperation.