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Aerodigestive Program

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is home to Southern California’s first and most experienced pediatric Aerodigestive Program. Aerodigestive disorders affect a child’s ability to breathe, swallow or eat.

Our team of specialists work together to expertly diagnose all types of aerodigestive disorders in children. We help manage these complex breathing, swallowing and feeding issues so your child thrives.

Pediatric Aerodigestive Program: Why Choose Us

Children with aerodigestive disorders who come to CHLA benefit from:

  • Dedicated care team: Diagnosing and managing aerodigestive disorders requires a collaborative approach to care. Your child’s care team includes experts from different fields who specialize in breathing, feeding and swallowing disorders. Meet our team.
  • Specialized clinics and programs: Our aerodigestive clinic makes it easier for your child to see multiple care team members and undergo certain tests during the same visit. You leave each clinic visit with clear next steps, whether that’s a diagnostic test, specialist referral or treatment recommendations. We also collaborate closely with a dedicated Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID) Clinic, the Motility Disorders Program, and the Sleep Center.
  • Expert care for all aerodigestive disorders: We specialize in all types of aerodigestive disorders, from common to complex. We provide long-term care for children with certain aerodigestive disorders, such as complex airway disorders and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). TEF occurs when a child’s food pipe (esophagus) incorrectly connects to their windpipe (trachea) instead of their stomach. Explore the aerodigestive disorders we treat.
  • Comprehensive diagnostic testing: We offer a full range of diagnostic tests, including a triple endoscopy (triple scope). During this outpatient procedure, your child gets three endoscopic tests. This approach minimizes the need for multiple procedures that require anesthesia. We also offer pulmonary function tests, sleep studies, imaging scans and more. Learn more about how we diagnose aerodigestive disorders in children.
  • Aerodigestive services for all children: Children across California and neighboring states, as well as international patients, benefit from our expertise and comprehensive suite of aerodigestive diagnostic tests. We quickly pinpoint the cause of your child’s symptoms to get them started on the right treatments.

What Are Aerodigestive Disorders?

Aerodigestive disorders affect one or more sections of your child’s aerodigestive tract. Symptoms vary depending on the affected sections.

  • Aero refers to the airways or upper and lower respiratory tracts.
  • Digestive refers to the upper digestive tract.

Upper respiratory tract

Upper respiratory tract disorders can affect a child’s breathing, swallowing and speech. This tract includes:

  • Nasal cavity
  • Throat (pharynx)
  • Voice box (larynx)

Lower respiratory tract

Lower respiratory tract disorders affect a child’s lung function and breathing. These disorders can affect any part of the lower respiratory tract, including:

  • Windpipe (trachea)
  • Lungs
  • Bronchi (tubes that carry air from the windpipe to the lungs)

Upper digestive tract

Upper digestive tract disorders affect appetite, swallowing, digestion and absorption. The upper digestive tract includes:

  • Mouth
  • Esophagus (food pipe)
  • Stomach
  • Duodenum (first part of the small intestine)

Multidisciplinary Aerodigestive Care Team

Children with aerodigestive disorders receive coordinated care from a team of experts from various medical specialties. Your child’s care team may include:

Your child may also receive services from:

National and Regional Recognition

The Aerodigestive Program at CHLA is a subspecialty of our nationally ranked Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine and Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Hepatology services. U.S. News & World Report has consistently named CHLA a top children’s hospital in the nation. 

Innovative Research and Conferences

Our aerodigestive team participates in collaborative research and clinical trials to advance the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric aerodigestive disorders. We’re actively involved in the international Aerodigestive Society. We also present at national meetings and teaching seminars.

CHLA regularly hosts a one-day aerodigestive conference for health care professionals and families. This conference takes place at CHLA, as well as virtually.

Aerodigestive Disorders Care at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Our Aerodigestive Program provides the support and guidance your family needs to improve your child’s health. Discover our aerodigestive disorders patient and family resources.

Contact us

The Aerodigestive Program at CHLA welcomes new patients, referrals and second opinions. Please contact us to make an appointment.

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