This article originally appeared in Star Chronicle, a newsletter
published for the Children's Medical Center.
From asthma to sleep disorders, the Children's Medical Center treats some of
the most complex pulmonary cases in Central Massachusetts. Premature newborns to
adolescents seen at the center are diagnosed with a variety of lung disorders.
"It is our staff 's attention to detail and the continuity of care that have
such a huge impact on the quality of care we provide," says Robert Zwerdling,
MD, chief of pediatric pulmonology, asthma and allergy.
Our Cystic Fibrosis Center currently has the best respiratory outcomes in the
country for children and adolescents. Brian O'Sullivan, MD, who directs the
center, was asked to cochair a committee to set standards of care by the
National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Staff prides itself on participating in a
number of cutting-edge research projects that improve lives of those suffering
from this incurable disease.
Another potentially debilitating illness affecting millions of kids is
asthma. Physicians and nurse practitioners provide comprehensive assessments to
evaluate asthma symptoms, measure lung function and identify triggers for asthma
attacks. A treatment program is tailored to make sure that the child is able to
lead an active lifestyle that includes participating in sports.
Sleep medicine is an expanding and developing program led by Ted Kremer, MD,
a specialist in lung disease and sleep disorders. Children often suffer from
headaches, and behavioral and school problems when a sleep disorder is present.
Sleep studies are performed in a sleep lab followed by treatment recommendations
to reduce symptoms.
"We have a great team that is specially trained in working with children who
have common lung ailments to those with rare or more complex diseases," says Dr.
Zwerdling. "If a child has a lung problem, the Children's Medical Center is the
place to go for excellent and timely care."