Section of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine

The Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Section of the Department of Pediatrics specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing respiratory and sleep disorders in children. The Section combines expertise in pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine to address a wide range of conditions affecting the lungs and sleep patterns of young patients.

The Pediatric Pulmonary group, consisting of pediatric pulmonologists, pediatric Pulmonary Medicine fellows, advanced practice nurses, specialty nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, nutrition specialists and others, employs a team approach, providing full-service inpatient and outpatient care. In addition to our Little Rock location, a Pediatric Pulmonary Clinic is located at Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale, offering pulmonary services five days a week.

The following is an overview of the Section’s key areas of specialty:

Pediatric Pulmonology

• Respiratory disorders:  The Section treats various respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and congenital respiratory abnormalities.
• Diagnostic services: Comprehensive diagnostic services are provided, such as pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy, imaging studies (like chest X-rays and CT scans), and sleep studies.
• Management and treatment: Treatment plans often include medication management, respiratory therapy, patient education, and long-term follow-up to monitor and manage chronic conditions.
• Ventilatory Support: Expertise in managing children who require ventilatory support, including non-invasive ventilation (e.g., CPAP and BiPAP) and invasive mechanical ventilation.
• Multidisciplinary Care: Collaboration with other pediatric specialties, such as cardiology, immunology, and gastroenterology, to provide comprehensive care for complex cases involving multiple systems.

Pediatric Sleep Medicine

• Sleep Disorders: The Section addresses various sleep disorders in children, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, parasomnias (e.g., sleepwalking, night terrors), and circadian rhythm disorders.
• Sleep Studies: Conducting polysomnography (overnight sleep studies) and home sleep tests to diagnose sleep-related breathing disorders and other sleep issues.
• Behavioral and Cognitive Interventions: Offering behavioral and cognitive interventions to improve sleep hygiene and address insomnia and other behavioral sleep issues.
• Treatment Plans: Developing individualized treatment plans that may include the use of CPAP machines for sleep apnea, medication for sleep disorders, and lifestyle or behavioral modifications.
• Education and Support: Providing education and support to families about healthy sleep practices and the importance of sleep for overall health and development.

Research and Education

• Research Initiatives: Engaging in clinical and translational research to advance the understanding and treatment of pediatric respiratory and sleep disorders. This includes studies on new medications, treatment protocols, and the impact of sleep on overall health.
• Training and Education: Training the next generation of pediatric pulmonologists through the fellowship program, continuing medical education, and mentoring medical students and residents.

Patient and Family Centered Care

• Holistic Approach: Emphasizing a holistic approach to care that involves the family in the treatment process and considers the child’s overall well-being.
• Support Services: Providing access to support services, such as social work, nutrition counseling, and psychological support, to address the broader needs of patients and their families.