Does your child have trouble breathing? Is swallowing difficult?
All can be signs of airway, voice or swallowing problems, known as aerodigestive disorders. The good news? Many of the complex airway problems that cause these symptoms are treatable. The trick is pinpointing what’s going on and finding the right mix of pediatric healthcare providers to get your child the help they need.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s takes the guesswork out of this often-time-consuming process. We have a team of pediatric providers who specialize in treating conditions that can affect your child’s breathing, speech and swallowing. And we can coordinate evaluations, testing, appointments and treatment so you can focus on what’s most important — your child.
Many pediatric healthcare providers refer kids to Cleveland Clinic Children’s for treatment of airway, voice and swallowing disorders and conditions. They know we deliver the best care. If you choose to come to us, you can rest easy knowing pediatric providers trust our team to treat these disorders in kids. Meet our team.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s providers treat more than your child’s condition. Our caring team helps your child and family know what to expect at each step. And if needed, we can connect you with counselors, support groups and more.
For many kids, getting medical treatment can be scary. Cleveland Clinic Children’s understands this. That’s why we have a team of caring child life specialists to explain things to your child on their level, so they feel more comfortable about what’s going on.
When you come to Cleveland Clinic Children’s, your family is part of a larger team. You have the support, knowledge and skill of many pediatric providers from different specialties on your child’s side. This team works together (and with you) to make sure your child gets highly personalized treatment with the best possible results.
You don’t always need to get your child ready and out the door for an in-person appointment. Cleveland Clinic Children’s offers convenient virtual visits for check-ins and follow-ups.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized throughout the U.S. for our expertise and care.
Many things can affect your child’s airway (trachea), throat (pharynx), food tube (esophagus), voice box (larynx) and vocal cords. We diagnose and treat all types of complex airway problems including dysphagia (trouble swallowing), chronic aspiration, airway obstruction, pediatric tracheostomy management, structural problems and related feeding issues, vocal cord paralysis and more.
To make your child’s appointment with us as efficient as possible, we recommend having a virtual visit first. We’ll collect important health information, update medical records and gather any questions or concerns you may have about your child. We’ll share this information with our team members prior to your in-person appointment.
Our team-based approach to care is an efficient way for your child to see all of the specialists on their team in one convenient, half-day (3 to 4 hours) appointment. During this time, you and your child will meet with each of their providers. To make things as easy and convenient as possible, each specialist will come to you, so you don’t have to move from room to room.
In addition to evaluating your child, their providers may ask you questions, too, so we can better understand your child’s condition. They may ask:
Once your child has met with each provider, their team will get together to go over what they learned in their visits with your child and their conversations with you. Then, they’ll begin to put together a personalized treatment plan. This comprehensive method of care makes sure your child gets care that matches their needs exactly.
Your child’s pediatric care team will also do some tests. We may do imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs or CT scans. Your child may also need some minimally invasive tests like:
Cleveland Clinic Children’s approaches treatment with team-based care. This means your child will have a dedicated group of providers from different specialities thoughtfully chosen and personalized to their needs. This team might include:
Our compassionate care coordinators are also important members of your team. Often your first point of contact, it’s their goal to make things go as smoothly and easily as possible for you and your child while you’re here. As their name suggests, they help coordinate your child’s care at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. They work with each of your child’s providers to gather information so it’s easier for you to navigate. They help coordinate appointments with multiple providers. They help you avoid duplicate services and unnecessary charges. They answer questions, help you understand your child’s condition and treatments and provide educational materials and resources if needed. You can talk to a care coordinator by calling 216.445.7572.
You may work with our clinical program coordinator Anne Banas, CNP and Diane Cowles, RN.
Our healthcare providers see patients in Northeast Ohio.
Your child’s pediatric care team works together to build a highly tailored treatment plan. This plan is based on the kind of airway, voice or swallowing disorder your child has and their specific needs.
We specialize in managing a range of conditions that impact breathing, digestion, and overall health, including:
Some conditions may need surgery to widen a narrowed or closed-off airway or swallowing tube (esophagus). These include:
Some children are born with these conditions (congenital), while others develop them after birth. These conditions can happen if a child is born too early (premature), had a difficult birth, uses a breathing tube (intubation) for a long time or has a prolonged stay in the neonatal ICU.
We do not recommend surgery lightly. Your child’s care team will carefully consider their diagnosis before recommending a procedure. This team-based approach ensures your child has comprehensive, coordinated and personalized care from the all the providers they need.
Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive procedures including:
There are also times when an open surgery is the best option. This may include airway reconstructions and other procedures to help optimize a child’s airway. But no matter the type of surgery your child needs, you can rest assured knowing they’re in the most capable hands.
When your child wheezes, doesn’t speak loudly or won’t eat because it’s too hard to swallow, you may feel helpless. And that’s when you need experts on your team. Cleveland Clinic Children’s has caring providers specializing in airway, voice and swallowing disorders in children. From the moment you reach out to us, we’ll work with you to schedule an evaluation. We’ll coordinate appointments for you — and stay by your child’s side through every step of treatment.
Getting an appointment with one of Cleveland Clinic Children’s airway, voice and swallowing disorders experts is easy. We help your child get care.
Manage your Cleveland Clinic account. Find billing information and financial assistance, plus FAQs.
Securely access your personal health information at any time, day or night.
Health LibraryFind answers to your health questions from experts you can trust. It's like having a friend who's a doctor.
