CARE Patient Story

 Meet our patient, Jake

Jake is an active 2 year old boy who was suffering from episodes of croup and failure to thrive (poor weight gain and growth). Jake also had mild difficulty breathing at rest that worsened with exercise. He was smaller than his peers and could not keep up with his friends. His situation was also complicated by a pre-existing complex cardiac defect. Jake was referred to the Comprehensive Airway Respiratory and Esophageal (CARE) Team at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York for evaluation.

Our team of specialists was able to evaluate Jake and develop a plan unique to his needs. For Jake, a comprehensive evaluation in the operating room of his airway and upper digestive system was required. Our otolaryngologist evaluated his larynx and trachea; our pulmonologist evaluated his bronchi and lungs; and our gastroenterologist evaluated his esophagus and stomach. The pediatric anesthesiologist provided expert care and monitoring of Jake’s heart and lungs during the procedure. 

The evaluation showed that Jake had a narrowing of his sublottic airway. The narrowing was incised and balloon dilated during his initial visit to the operating room using sophisticated microsurgical techniques. An evaluation of the upper digestive system revealed esosinophilic esophagitis which is an allergic-type inflammatory disorder of the esophagus treated with medical therapy and/or diet modification. Following surgery, Jake recovered in the intensive care unit where his heart and lung functions were monitored by the critical care team and Jake’s cardiologist.

Immediately after surgery, Jake’s breathing improved dramatically. He can run and play without any respiratory distress and now that his esophagitis is under control, he is feeding well and thriving. Jake presented to us with a complex past medical history and breathing difficulty with failure to thrive. With a combined approach we were able to diagnose and treat two inter-related problems giving Jake a chance to keep up with his friends.