A specialist trained in the diagnosis and treatment of breathing and lung-related diseases in infants and children. They treat conditions such as asthma, chronic cough, cystic fibrosis, sleep apnea, and recurrent pneumonia.

Pediatric pulmonologists — unlike a general pediatrician, pediatric pulmonologists receive additional training in complex breathing problems and often collaborate with ENT specialists, allergists, and sleep specialists.

Your child will need to see a pediatric pulmonologist if:

Coughing or wheezing again and again

Recurring chest infections or pneumonia may become associated with menstruation in women.

Shortness of breath with exercise or while sleeping

Noisy or labored breathing

Symptoms of asthma that do not get better with medicine

Referral is critical if your child lives in a city such as Bangalore, where air pollution can exacerbate breathing-related illnesses.

Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Lung Disease. These are some commonly observed signs of pediatric lung disease:

Chronic dry or wet cough

Rapid or difficult breathing

Wheezing or noisy breathing

Weight faltering/failure to thrive or feeding difficulties

Tiredness after mild activity

Regular episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia

If these remain unresponsive, a pediatric pulmonology consultation should be sought.

Children’s pulmonologists perform special exams to evaluate lung function :

Spirometry: Tests for lung capacity and airflow.

CHEST X-RAYS/CT SCANS: To assess the structure of the lungs.

Polysomnography (Sleep Study): Specializes in the diagnosis of sleep apnea.

Bronchoscopy: Examination of the airways using a lighted instrument.

Pulse oximetry: Used for measuring oxygen levels.

These pulmonology tests for children are safe and kid-friendly.

Possible causes for weak lungs in children include:

Prematurity (causing underdeveloped lungs)

Recurrent respiratory infections

Asthma or inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis

Passive smoking or air pollution

Malnutrition or low birth weight

Prompt diagnosis can prevent chronic sequelae if treated accordingly.

Stage 1 pediatric lung disease usually describes a mild–but chronic–condition in which the child’s lungs are inflamed or otherwise damaged less severely, and symptoms are manageable. Symptoms in your child: Coughs occasionally, runs out of steam a little, or wheezes here and there.

And this stage is usually well treated with lifestyle changes and medications if the patient is identified early by a pediatric respiratory specialist.

Asthma in children doesn’t tend to be curable, but it can usually be well managed. Most children, with proper treatment — including inhalers, avoidance of triggers, and individualized asthma management plans — can be symptom-free.

Many children experience fewer symptoms as they get older, especially if their asthma is mild or caused by allergies.

Yes, certain childhood respiratory conditions — such as mild asthma, chronic bronchitis, or wheezing due to viral infections — may improve or disappear as you become an adult. But the genetic or physical conditions that cause cystic fibrosis, or result in extensive lung damage, usually demand lifelong attention.

Regular follow-ups with a pediatric pulmonologist in Bangalore will enable us to monitor her progress and tailor the treatment accordingly.

Yes, diagnostic tests such as spirometry, pulse oximetry, sleep studies, and even bronchoscopy have been appropriately modified and used in children. They are safe in the hands of trained pediatric pulmonologists in child-friendly hospital settings.

Hospitals like Rainbow, Manipal, and Aster in Bangalore make these surgeries a less invasive and trauma-free experience for children.

Look for doctors with:

Further certifications in pediatric pulmonology

Experience with your child’s particular condition

Hospital tie-up with NABH-accredited hospitals