Respiratory (Paediatrics)

The Paediatric Respiratory Team provides care for children with respiratory conditions across Cambridgeshire and the East of England. Our multidisciplinary team cares for patients admitted to CUH, as well as running specialised outpatient clinics in clinic 6 and in some shared-care facilities across the region. We perform a wide range of specialised diagnostic respiratory tests for children such as flexible bronchoscopy, sleep studies, lung function tests. We are also a research centre and are committed to finding the best and most effective treatments and interventions for patients.

Meet the paediatric respiratory team

About the service

Conditions we treat:

Asthma and complex asthma
Complex respiratory disorders
Cystic fibrosis
Non-CF bronchiectasis
Long Term Ventilation
Sleep breathing-related disorders
Recurrent respiratory infections in children with complex medical needs, especially those with neuromuscular conditions or cerebral palsy
Respiratory problems related to cleft palate, scoliosis or other surgical issues
Pneumothoraces
Immunodeficiency disorders and respiratory problems related to or due to immunodeficiency

Special investigations:

Regional Flexible Bronchoscopy service
Home Overnight sleep studies (oximetry, oxycapnography and cardiorespiratory study)
In-Patient (cardiorespiratory) Sleep studies
Lung Function Testing including FeNO
Sweat Chloride Testing

Paediatric Respiratory Multi Disciplinary Team

Respiratory physiotherapy

Respiratory physiotherapy is a vital part of managing long term conditions and they work alongside the Respiratory doctors and other members of the Respiratory team. They are present in the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) clinics, Difficult Asthma, Complex Chest and Lung Defence clinics.

They also run their own Respiratory Physiotherapy clinic once a week for children who have problems with breathing. Respiratory Physiotherapy focuses on maintaining and improving lung health by means of airway clearance, correction of breathing patterns and physical exercise for overall fitness and improving posture.

Dietetic support in the respiratory service

The Paediatric Dietitians work closely with the other members of the team to support all infants and children with CF to manage their nutritional treatments and help them to achieve their full growth potential.

They monitor growth, nutrient intake, pancreatic enzyme therapy, vitamin levels and bone strength and give tailored advice to improve these when necessary.

Support is provided from CF diagnosis until transition at clinic visits, during inpatient admissions and by telephone or email contact as required

Upon referral from the Respiratory Consultants, the Dietitians can also provide nutritional support and advice for infants and children with other respiratory conditions who are admitted to a paediatric Ward at Addenbrooke’s hospital or to local patients seen at the Lung defence clinic.

Psychology support in the Respiratory service

The paediatric psychologists work closely with other members of the Respiratory team to support children, young people and their families to understand and cope with any difficulties they might be experiencing as a result of their health condition. This might include coping with medication and procedures, support with the difficult thoughts or feelings that can come from living with a health condition (such as anxiety, sadness and anger), and support to manage the impact that this can have on other areas of life (such as school and relationships).

The paediatric psychologists meet with families regularly as part of the Cystic Fibrosis clinics. A psychologist will also be part of the assessment appointments in the Complex Asthma clinics. If you are coming to one of the other Respiratory service clinics and you would like support from the psychology team, you will be able to discuss a referral with your doctor, nurse, or other health professional.

Clinical Nurse Specialists

The Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are registered nurses who have chosen to specialise and care for children aged 0-16 years who have a respiratory diagnosis. We aim to deliver expert, evidence-based, high quality and safe care for our patients.

The CNS team work cohesively with the other members of the MDT team to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. We care for patients within the Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Long Term Ventilation, Sleep, Asthma, Complex Chest and Lung Defence clinics.

The CNS team are often the first point of contact for patients and their families to discuss respiratory health, and to offer advice and support. We foster the treatment and management of patients’ health concerns, whilst working to promote holistic health and wellbeing.

The CNS team are also involved in the diagnostic testing of patients. These tests include lung function, peak flow, forced expiratory nitric oxide, nasal nitric oxide, blood tests, sweat tests, and airborne allergy testing.

We also play an integral role in teaching and training patients and carers; and provide education and support for nurses and schools/nurseries. In addition we participate in audit and research within the Paediatric Respiratory Service.

Referral information

A referral to the service can be made via post or email (details provided above on the right hand side).

Getting around the hospital

We know our hospitals and campus are very large and complex to navigate.

Our maps will help you find your way around to many different areas of our site.

There are large maps and signage displayed in our hospitals' corridors to help you if you are not sure where to go. Please also ask at reception, or speak to one of our many volunteers, if you need help finding your way around.