FAQ

1. When should a child be examined by a pediatric pulmonologist?

A child needs to be evaluated by a pediatric pulmonologist when they have persistent or recurrent respiratory symptoms, such as:

• chronic or recurrent cough
• wheezing (a whistling sound in the chest)
• shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• limitations in exercise
• frequent lower respiratory tract infections
• complications of pneumonia
• episodes or suspicion of aspiration
• frequent infections combined with growth retardation
• asthma in a child with a family history of the condition
• premature babies or children with chronic respiratory diseases

Referral is particularly important when symptoms are not adequately controlled, affect daily life, sleep, or school activity, or when a second opinion is required due to uncertainty about diagnosis or treatment.

2. Why do children with cystic fibrosis need frequent monitoring by a specialist pediatric pulmonologist?

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, multisystemic, progressive disease that primarily affects the respiratory system but also impacts a child’s growth and overall health.

Specialized monitoring is necessary for:

• early recognition and proper treatment of infections
• personalization of inhaled and systemic treatment
• systematic monitoring of lung function
• close monitoring of growth and body weight
• managing complications and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team
• timely assessment of the need for hospitalization or home treatment

The goal is to maintain lung function, ensure normal development, and improve quality of life.

3. My child has a cough – when should I be concerned?

Coughing is common in children and is usually associated with viral infections.

It needs to be investigated when:

• it lasts more than 3–4 weeks
• it occurs at night or during exercise
• it is accompanied by shortness of breath or wheezing
• it recurs frequently without a clear cause
• it started after an episode of choking
• it is wet and prolonged
• it is accompanied by fever, malaise, or weight loss
• it has an unusual tone (e.g., laryngeal cough)

4. My child coughs frequently – does he/she have asthma?

Asthma manifests itself through recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, which vary over time and often worsen at night, during exercise, or during infections.

The diagnosis is based on:

• a detailed personal and family history
• the characteristic course of symptoms
• and, where possible, functional lung testing

Not all children with cough or wheezing have asthma and need asthma treatment, e.g. with inhaled corticosteroids; therefore, proper assessment is crucial.

5. When does asthma require specialist assessment?

When asthma remains difficult to control despite proper treatment or requires higher-level treatment, assessment by a specialist pediatric pulmonologist is necessary.

The aim is to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes, and personalize treatment.

6. Are inhaled corticosteroids dangerous for children’s development?

Inhaled corticosteroids are the main treatment for asthma and act locally in the airways.

They may cause a slight and temporary slowdown in growth rate, with no effect on final height.

The correct dosage, the appropriate inhalation device (mask or mouthpiece), and regular monitoring by a pediatric pulmonologist ensure safe and effective treatment.

7. When does a patient need evaluation by a Pediatric Allergist?

A pediatric allergοlogist evaluation is recommended when there is suspicion of:

• Food allergy
• Allergy at a medication
• Allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Urticaria (hives)
• Symptoms of allergic reactions of unknown cause
• Counseling on Allergy Prevention During Pregnancy and early infancy
• Allergy testing helps achieve a clear diagnosis and provides appropriate, individualized guidance for the family, supporting safe management and improving the child’s quality of life.

8. How is an allergy test interpreted correctly?

Allergy tests indicate sensitization, not necessarily a true allergy. An allergy is present only when exposure to a specific allergen causes clinical symptoms. Correct interpretation is always based on a combination of the medical history, clinical symptoms, and test results, in order to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions and treatments.

9. Atopic Dermatitis: When is specialist management required?

Specialist evaluation is recommended when the condition:

• is not adequately controlled with basic topical therapy
• has frequent or severe flares
• causes intense itching and sleep disturbance
• shows signs of secondary infection
• coexists with other allergic diseases

Specialized allergology follow-up allows for individualized treatment and, in selected cases, discussion of systemic or biologic therapies.

10. Bronchiolitis – RSV | Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in infants and young children.

Passive immunization of newborns against RSV has now been included in the national prevention program, through the administration of a monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab).

Nirsevimab provides immediate protection against RSV for approximately five months, effectively covering one full RSV season.

This preventive measure is recommended for all infants, with particular emphasis on those born before or during the winter months, when RSV circulation is highest.

The goal of prevention is to reduce severe lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations during the first year of life.

11. How can I tell if we’re “on track” with growth?

With our app, you enter your child’s measurements (date of birth, measurement date, sex, height, weight, head circumference) and click “Δημιουργία καμπυλών”. The curves will appear so you can see where they are relative to peers.