The Aerodigestive Clinic at Manning Family Children’s is a multidisciplinary
clinic specializing in the evaluation and treatment of infants, children,
adolescents, and young adults with complex airway, breathing, and swallowing
problems. The Aerodigestive team includes providers from the Gastroenterology,
Otolaryngology, Pulmonology, and Speech Language Pathology departments
who collaboratively assess the child’s needs and recommend care
based on a family-centered team approach.
Patients are evaluated by the team over two consecutive days. Day one includes
a team evaluation in clinic with any additional ancillary tests needed
to complete the evaluation such as pulmonary function tests, X-rays, swallow
studies, and blood work. The following day is devoted to the aerodigestive
endoscopies including laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy
under a single anesthetic. These procedures are performed with the entire
team present, thus decreasing the anesthesia time and the number of required
visits while promoting a team assessment.
Some conditions commonly treated:
Airway obstruction and stenosis
Aspiration/ Dysphagia
Esophageal disorders
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux disorder (LPRD)
Noisy breathing and stridor
Obstructive sleep apnea
Tracheomalacia
For providers
How to refer a patient
To refer a patient, please contact the Dedicated Provider Referral Department
by phone at 504.894.6778 or fax the patient’s information to 504.896.2704.
The pulmonology nurse navigator will contact the patient and schedule
the visit. The Aerodigestive Clinic is held at the main campus at Manning
Family Children’s once a month.
Our stories
Keona Mock has a tracheostomy and a speaking valve so she can speak. Her
adopted family could hear her for the first time over the holiday season.
Read more here.
Infant thrives after Manning Family Children's performs cutting-edge windpipe
reconstruction surgery. Watch below.
Compassionate, Comprehensive Care for Every Child
At Manning Family Children’s Aerodigestive Clinic, families can trust
that their child’s airway, breathing, and swallowing concerns are
cared for by an experienced, collaborative team. Every child’s journey
is unique - and our dedicated specialists work together to ensure personalized
evaluations, advanced treatments, and ongoing support every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how our Aerodigestive
team can help your child breathe, eat, and thrive.
