Aerodigestive Disorders We Treat

Some children are born with aerodigestive disorders that affect their ability to breathe, swallow or eat. It’s also possible for a child to develop aerodigestive problems later due to a medical procedure or another health condition.

Specialists at the Aerodigestive Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles expertly diagnose and manage all types of aerodigestive disorders in children.

Types of Pediatric Aerodigestive Disorders

Aerodigestive disorders can affect multiple parts of your child’s aerodigestive tract, which includes their airways, lungs and upper digestive tract. It’s possible for a child to have more than one type of aerodigestive disorder.

Aerodigestive disorders we treat include:

Achalasia
Airway malacias, including laryngomalacia and tracheomalacia
Airway obstructions, including laryngeal cysts and tumors
Aspiration
Bronchiectasis and bronchomalacia
Chronic aspiration and recurrent aspiration pneumonia
Chronic cough
Dysphagia
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs), such as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
Esophageal atresia, strictures and webs
Feeding disorders, including sensory or texture issues (oral aversions) and intestinal failure
Feeding tube dependency
Infant chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia)-related swallowing and airway disorders
Laryngeal and tracheal stenosis
Laryngeal clefts and webs
Noisy or high-pitched breathing (stridor)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with persistent symptoms
Recurrent croup, recurrent pneumonia, recurrent respiratory infections
Respiratory papillomatosis
Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) with or without esophageal atresia
Tracheostomy dependency
Vocal cord dysfunction or paralysis

Aerodigestive Disorders Care at Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Our expert team of aerodigestive specialists diagnose all types of breathing, feeding and swallowing issues in children. Learn more about the leading-edge care our Aerodigestive Program provides.