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PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
Pediatric Pulmonary Care in NYC
Let Dr. Shukla help you breathe easier. Pulmonary care is a subspecialty of medicine that is focused on the respiratory system of the human body, namely the lungs, bronchi, and upper airways. While common respiratory problems can be handled by general practitioners, pulmonologists specialize in the more complex and difficult cases of respiratory illnesses. For the past 15 years, Dr. Shukla has been the premier pulmonary specialist in New York City. Inflammatory infections, structural disorders, and chronic asthma plague so many people across the country. This is why it’s important to have a highly qualified and experienced pulmonologist by your side every step of the way.
Pediatric Pulmonology NYC
Everyone has the right to healthy, unobstructed breathing, especially kids. Pediatric pulmonary medicine aims to diagnose and treat respiratory problems from birth to 21 years of age. Dr. Shukla treats both adults and children but finds it most rewarding allowing kids to breathe easier. A strong respiratory system is crucial for children as their bodies continue to grow and develop. Healthy lungs and unimpeded breathing ensure your little one has every chance possible at an active and flourishing childhood.
Common conditions treated by pediatric pulmonologists include:
- Chronic coughing
- Asthma
- Lung disease
- Pneumonia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Difficulty or raspy breathing
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Respiratory infections
It is not uncommon for small children to experience more than one infection every year. These are mild infections but cause for proper care and treatment nonetheless. Our respiratory system is typically split into two halves, each with their own unique conditions and symptoms.
The Upper Respiratory System
This includes the sinuses, throat, mouth, and nose. Our respiratory tract is coated with a special mucous membrane. This mucous catches outside particles and contaminants as they enter our nose and mouth. Hair like structures help these particles exit through our nose. This part of our body is responsible for cleaning, warming, and moistening the air we breathe every day. Most congestive problems in children occur in the upper respiratory system and tend to feel very uncomfortable. When the nasal passage is blocked from an infection, symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, and fevers begin to take over. This inevitably leads to trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, low energy, and irritability.
The Lower Respiratory System
This includes the lungs and bronchial tubes. The bronchi in our chest branch out into smaller airways and eventually into smaller alveolar sacs. It is here where critical gas exchange and blood transport takes place. Even though problems are less common here than they are in the upper respiratory system, when they do occur, they tend to be more severe. A qualified pediatric pulmonary specialist is especially important for children with lower respiratory problems. Catching these problems early is so important to getting the most effective treatment possible. High fevers, shallow coughing, and rapid breathing are all symptoms to watch out for that could potentially be signs of developing illnesses such as pneumonia.
Dr. Shukla’s pediatric pulmonary care in New York City is the most qualified medical practice in NYC to treat both upper and lower respiratory problems in children from birth to 21. His innovative treatments and unique approach to pediatric care aims to give children the best care possible.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and can be bacterial or viral. The infection causes the air sacs in your lungs to become inflamed and prone to fill with fluid.Pneumonia tends to be more common in children, accounting for over 10% of all infections in those under two years old. Infants with pneumonia display coughing, fever, congestion, and decreased feeding. Infants aged 1-3 months’ old commonly experience Streptococcus Pneumoniae, a prevailing but potentially very dangerous bacterial infection of the lungs.
Asthma
Asthma is an often times chronic lung condition that causes the inflammation of the airways, making it very difficult to breathe. Though it affects everyone, kids are especially prone. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “In the United States, more than 25 million people are known to have asthma. About 7 million of these people are children.” In both infants and children, asthma can be difficult to diagnose, however if caught early, can be managed very well.
Asthma commonly displays the following symptoms:
- Difficulty or labored breathing
- Chronic wheezing
- Chest pain
- Decreased energy
- Rapid breathing
- Panic or anxiety
When asthma inflames the airways in your throat and chest, they become swollen and narrow, letting in less and less oxygen. Specific substances, when inhaled, trigger these bouts of asthma and can be different from person to person. Additionally, many children experience exercise-induced bronchospasms that are brought on from over-exerting themselves during play or sports. Asthma has no cure;however, medication and lifestyle awareness is often enough to keep attacks at a minimum and allow your child to live a completely normal and healthy life.
His one of a kind blend of sleep, allergy, and pulmonarymedical training makes Dr. Shukla the ideal choice for parents with children experiencing chronic asthma problems. No one more than children deserve the absolute best in pediatric pulmonary medicine.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis (often confused with the more popular bronchitis) is very common in infants and young children, commonly occurring within the first two years of life. A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects and inflames the airways leading to the lungs and fills with mucous. Wheezing and coughing are the two primary symptoms with the potential for complications such as ear infections. Bronchiolitis is more common in males and premature babies,in addition to those with a weakened immune system.
Other Pulmonary Problems
While more severe respiratory issues like pneumonia or asthma are cause for concern, that doesn’t mean we can forget about the more common day to day ailments that are common in so many children across the country. With over 200 different viruses causing them, common colds continue to plague infants, children and adults. Though these only last for about 10 days on average, colds can lead to more serious conditions like ear and sinus infections. Colds are spread through contact with respiratory fluids, making coughing and sneezing variable grenades of contagious germs to parents and siblings.
Sinus infections are another common illness among our young ones. Children are far more susceptible to sinus infections because their sinuses are still developing and they can develop out of common colds or allergies. Sinus infections are often difficult to diagnose early on for these reasons. Symptoms of a sinus infection include thick yellow mucous, post-nasal drip, headache, fatigue, and swelling around the eyes. Sinus infections are not contagious and can almost always be treated by visiting a pediatric pulmonary specialist.
Pediatric Pulmonary Specialist in New York City
With so many different infections and respiratory problems out there, it’s wise to be well-informed and in touch with a doctor that focuses on what is best for children. Dr. Shukla’s unique practice in New York City combines his knowledge of asthma, sleep, and pediatric pulmonary care to effectively treat a variety of respiratory conditions in kids. Each diagnosis and treatment is custom tailored to each patient. Every individual has different needs which means no two patients should be treated alike. Advanced diagnostic techniques and personalized care make Dr. Shukla the finest pediatric pulmonary specialist to help your little one breathe easier. And when your little one breathes easier, you breathe easier.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Mayank Shukla Top-Rated Pulmonologist 2018 - 2025
