Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease (ChILD) Clinic

The Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease (ChILD) Clinic at SickKids is dedicated to diagnosing, treating and managing symptoms of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) in children. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists provides comprehensive care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children with these rare and complex lung conditions.

ChILD refers to a group of disorders that affect the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs, that can lead to breathing difficulties, reduced oxygen levels, and long-term lung damage. Because these conditions are rare and often challenging to diagnose, our clinic brings together paediatric respirologists, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, dieticians, nurses and social workers to provide expert evaluation and care tailored to each child’s needs.

Why choose SickKids for ChILD care?

• Expertise in rare lung diseases: Our clinic specializes in diagnosing and managing Childhood ILD, ensuring your child receives the most advanced care available.
• Multidisciplinary approach: We bring together specialists from various fields to provide a comprehensive and personalized care plan.
• Family-centred care: We understand that managing a chronic lung disease can be challenging for families, and we are committed to providing guidance, education and support throughout your child’s journey.

Your child’s first visit to the ChILD Clinic will be a thorough evaluation to better understand their lung condition and develop a personalized treatment plan. Here’s what to expect:

Before the appointment

• You may be asked to complete a detailed medical history questionnaire to help our team understand your child’s symptoms and any previous treatments.
• If applicable, please bring any previous test results, imaging scans, and a list of current medications.
• If possible, do not administer your child’s bronchodilator inhaler medication (Ventolin/Salbutamol, often a light blue inhaler) on the morning of a scheduled pulmonary function test.
• Child should wear comfortable clothes and shoes to perform an exercise test.

During the appointment

• A paediatric respirologist will conduct a comprehensive assessment, which includes a discussion of symptoms, medical history and family history.
• Your child may undergo tests such as:
• Pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and function.
• Blood tests to identify underlying causes.
• Imaging studies, such as a high-resolution CT scan, to evaluate lung structure.
• Exercise test to assess exercise capacity and oxygen levels during exercise.
• Oxygen level monitoring during sleep.
• Echocardiography to assess heart structure and function
• Feeding assessment to exclude a risk for aspiration
• Depending on the findings, additional tests like genetic screening, flexible bronchoscopy or a lung biopsy may be discussed.
• Our multidisciplinary team will review all findings and discuss possible treatment options, including medications, oxygen therapy and lifestyle modifications.

After the appointment

• You will receive a summary of the visit, including test results and recommendations for next steps.
• A follow-up plan will be outlined, which may involve additional testing, ongoing monitoring, or collaboration with your child’s primary care provider.
• Our team remains available to answer any questions and provide ongoing support as needed.

How to make a referral

• All patients require a referral to visit our clinic. 
• If you are a health-care professional, log in to eCHN to submit your referral. From your eCHN account, you will be seamlessly connected to SickKids e-referral platform, EpicCare Link. 
• Learn more about our referral process and urgent (same-day) referrals.