Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine
The Albany Med Health System's Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis Center offers quality, family-centered health care to patients with a wide variety of respiratory and lung disorders.
We strive to help children breathe easier by providing specialized medical care, education and counseling in a convenient and comforting environment. The center receives patients up to 18 years old for consultations and follow-up care. We also offer pulmonary function testing, including spirometry and exercise evaluations. We are the only hospital in the region providing care for children and adults with cystic fibrosis.
To make an appointment at Albany Medical Center, call 518-262-6880.
- Asthma
- Breathing disorders
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Chronic croup or stridor
- Chronic respiratory failure/ventilated patients
- Congenital abnormalities of the lungs
- Cystic fibrosis
- Lung problems secondary to other diseases (such as: scoliosis, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell disease and immunologic disorders)
- Neuromuscular respiratory diseases
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Recurrent or chronic pneumonia
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Wheezing and noisy breathing
Evaluating and diagnosing respiratory diseases in children may require one or more of the tests listed below. Some tests are performed in the clinic, while others are completed at the hospital or in a diagnostic center. These tests include:
- Asthma management
- Barium swallow or pH probe (to rule out gastroesophageal reflux)
- Blood tests
- Bronchoscopy (to visualize the airways)
- Chest, sinus, or airway x-rays
- Exhaled nitric oxide test
- Pulmonary function tests
- Pulse oximetry (to measure oxygen levels in the blood)
- Sweat chloride test (to rule out cystic fibrosis)
We do not perform allergy skin tests or sleep studies as part of our practice, but can refer you to local centers if necessary. Additional resources are available at Albany Medical Center's Sleep Clinic.
Research & Education
Our pediatric pulmonary specialists conduct research on pulmonary complications in children. These include primary immune deficiencies and the treatment of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Our specialists also are involved in cystic fibrosis research and studies of the effects of tobacco exposure to children with respiratory diseases.
Our staff provides education to respiratory therapy students from Hudson Valley Community College and nursing students. We also teach about asthma through our participation in the Greater Capital District Asthma Coalition, which serves a seven-county region of upstate New York.
