Meet the care team
Patient Stories
From fighting the flu to fighting for her life, a young girl beats the odds
On Christmas day 2013, Jennings wasn't feeling well; tests confirmed she had the flu. Her watchful parents were discussing the worsening symptoms when the 14-year-old walked into the family's kitchen in Marshall, Texas, and asked to go to the hospital. Her dad, Mark, a dentist, asked, "Does it hurt to breathe?" Jennings replied, "It's hard to breathe."
Treatments & Services
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The Complex Airway Clinic at Children’s Health℠ provides personalized, ongoing care for all children with tracheostomy tubes. Our specially trained ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists have experience in pediatric tracheostomy and airway reconstructive surgeries.
When your child needs a tracheostomy tube to help manage an upper airway condition, they will have a procedure that involves inserting a tube into a surgically-created hole in their windpipe. The tube will help your child breathe better and keep the airway clear (or open).
If your child requires a tracheostomy tube for an extended period of time, our team will provide the resources and education you need to be an active participant in your child’s continued care. We also coordinate with local and regional pediatric pulmonologists to create a follow-up plan that meets your child’s unique needs.