Pediatrics – Pulmonary & Allergy

Services

• Breathing tests
• 24-hour Telephone/Pager
• Home Allergy Inspections
• Housing Information
• Follow-up to Appointments
• Home Allergy Control
• Home Peak Flow Checks
• Interpreter Services
• Help With Medicine & Supplies
• Allergy Tests

Measurement of pulmonary
function enables accurate
diagnosis of asthma and
permits monitoring the
impact of therapy.

Evaluation in the Pulmonary and Allergy Clinic begins with a detailed history and physical examination. Diagnostic testing follows, as appropriate. From about age five years onward, children are usually able to do breathing tests successfully.  Measurement of pulmonary function enables accurate diagnosis of asthma and permits monitoring the impact of therapy. Measurement of FVC and FEV-1 enables accurate diagnosis of asthma and subsequently permits monitoring the impact of therapy. Measurement of the Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) provides an index of airway inflammation, which again helps to confirm the diagnosis of asthma and to adjust inhaled anti-inflammatory therapy safely. Exercise challenge tests are carried out to assess exercise-induced bronchospasm, while for children with chronic lung disease, a six-minute walk test can detect progression over time.

When allergy is suspected, allergy skin tests are essential to define specific sensitivities and to guide counseling for allergen avoidance. Clinic staff devotes special attention to educating patients and families about non-pharmacologic steps to control their allergic condition, such as avoidance and use of tools in the home ranging for bed encasings to air purifiers.

We work collaboratively with other disciplines and medical specialties at Boston Medical Center to meet the needs of individual patients.  Among the departments with whom we work are:

• • The Pediatric Radiology Department, conveniently located near the Pulmonary and Allergy Clinic, provides prompt and specialized imaging of the chest, sinuses and airways to assist AIR Clinic staff in patient care.
  
  
• The Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Clinic works collaboratively to evaluate patients with sinus disease, laryngomalacia, adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy, obstructive sleep apnea and tracheal malformations.
  
  
• The Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic provides in depth assessment and therapy for children with severe gastroesophageal reflux, often a factor in chronic asthma and other respiratory disorders.

Testing procedures available in Pulmonary and Allergy Clinic include full spirometry, flow / volume loops, oximetry, six-minute walk test, fractional exhaled nitric oxide test, allergy skin testing for foods and environmental agents and referral for polysomnography.

Other Programs

Health Leads Asthma Swim Program
Swimming, asthma education and tutoring provided by Harvard University volunteers for kids with asthma ages 10 to 12.

National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership
Legal assistance regarding entitlements and housing issues related to allergies and to asthma.

The Kids Fund
Generously makes available necessary asthma care equipment to families in need.

Health Fair Presentations at Boston Public Schools Events

Continued Medical Education for Medical and Nursing Professionals in Asthma Education and Case Management

Training for Home Visitors in Identifying Allergen and Irritant Asthma and Allergy Aggravators