ABSTRACT
Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 436 Pulmonary Di•erences in Children ......................................................................................... 436 Congenital Disorders vs. Acquired Disorders ........................................................................... 437 Asthma .................................................................................................................................... 437
Introduction and Pathophysiology ...................................................................................... 437 Classication of Disease Severity ......................................................................................... 438 Management ....................................................................................................................... 438 Life Care Planning Implications.......................................................................................... 439
Cystic Fibrosis ......................................................................................................................... 440 Introduction and Pathophysiology ...................................................................................... 440 Initial Presentation and Diagnosis ....................................................................................... 441 Treatment ........................................................................................................................... 441 Nonpulmonary Manifestations ........................................................................................... 442 Complications and Life Care Planning Implications ........................................................... 442
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity .................................. 445 Pathophysiology.................................................................................................................. 446 Treatment ........................................................................................................................... 446 Complications .................................................................................................................... 447 Outcomes ........................................................................................................................... 447 Life Care Planning Implications.......................................................................................... 448
Introduction Respiratory illnesses are prevalent in children due to maturational, developmental, and immunologic causes and account for many physician visits, hospitalizations, and missed school days. While most children develop minor respiratory illnesses, serious respiratory illness is one of the most frequent causes of admission to pediatric intensive care units. ’ese children can have ongoing health care needs for the span of their lifetime. Within the framework of complex needs, chronic respiratory disorder diagnoses may not initially be considered when developing a life care plan (LCP); however, many of these illnesses span the child’s lifetime into adulthood, resulting in costly long-term care. Development of an LCP for the patient with a chronic respiratory condition may assist in organizing the child’s care and outlining the appropriate measures to prevent longterm and costly complications-costly in terms of dollars and quality of life.
