Is It Really Asthma?

Wheezing, cough and increased work of breathing are common pediatric presentations that can quickly lead clinicians to consider asthma. But not every child with lower -airway symptoms has asthma. Viral illness, tracheomalacia, aspiration and other conditions can mimic asthma, making the underlying cause difficult to recognize based on symptoms alone. In this episode, we take a closer look at the clinical clues that can help pediatricians distinguish non-asthmatic causes of lower-airway symptoms from asthma.  Monica Federico, MD, is a pulmonologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, the medical director of the hospital's asthma program and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  Some highlights from this episode include: Common pediatric presentations that can mimic asthma  Clinical clues that may point to a non-asthmatic cause of wheezing or cough  Viral illness, tracheomalacia and aspiration as alternative diagnoses  When persistent or atypical symptoms should prompt a broader evaluation  How recognizing the underlying cause can change management  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Fifteen minutes. That's about all the time most pediatricians have to care for an entire child and family. In that brief visit, they are expected to address preventive care, developmental concerns, chronic conditions, behavioral health, documentation, and countless questions from parents, all while building meaningful relationships. It's a lot to ask of both clinicians and the healthcare system. What if the answer isn't working faster, but working differently? Today, we're talking about how pediatric practices can build systems that support better coordinated, family-centered care while creating more sustainable and fulfilling careers for clinicians.  Joining us for this important discussion is Tricia Ramos, MD. She is a general pediatrician visiting all the way from Quezon City in the Philippines.  Some highlights from this episode include: How to balance family's needs and pediatricians' priorities in a short visit  Biggest pain points in today's pediatric practices  Systems and workflows that have made a meaningful difference in improving care  High-impact changes smaller or independent clinics can implement  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in children and adolescents, but it can sometimes be easy to miss. From the toddler who drinks almost exclusively milk to the adolescent athlete struggling to keep up with their peers or the teen with heavy menstrual bleeding and persistent fatigue, these patients may present differently while sharing the same underlying diagnosis.  In this episode, we explore iron deficiency anemia in pediatric patients, including why it remains so common, which children and adolescents may be at increased risk, and the clinical clues that can help pediatricians recognize iron deficiency before it becomes a missed opportunity. Joining us for this important conversation is Akhila Vadivelan, MD, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  Some highlights from this episode include: Evaluation, diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anemia  What this diagnosis means for different populations  Clinical clues pediatricians should look out for  When treatment makes sense  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Tics are common in childhood, but recognizing when they are part of typical development, and when they may indicate Tourette syndrome or another tic disorder, can be challenging for pediatricians. A child repeatedly blinks during a well visit. A parent mentions a new throat-clearing sound that has been happening for weeks. Soon comes the question pediatricians hear often: "Should I be worried?"  In this episode, we take a closer look at tics and Tourette syndrome, helping pediatricians distinguish common childhood tics from situations that may warrant further evaluation. We'll explore the natural history of tic disorders, common co-occurring conditions, and practical strategies for counseling and supporting families.  Joining us for this conversation is Chelsey Stillman, PA-C, a physician assistant at Children's Colorado and the creator and director of the Integrative Tic Clinic. She is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics.  Some highlights from this episode include: What tics are and how common they are in children  The natural history and typical course of tic disorders  The differences between transient tics, chronic tic disorders, and Tourette syndrome  Common conditions that can co-occur with tic disorders  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

When adults look back on school, they often remember more than lessons and worksheets. They remember recess — the playground, movement, friendships, laughter and freedom. Yet in many schools today, recess can be one of the most negotiable parts of the school day. It may be shortened, delayed or withheld in favor of academics, structure or behavior management. But research continues to show that recess is far more than a break. Regular opportunities for play and movement support children's physical health, mental well-being, social development, and ability to learn. Pediatricians are uniquely positioned to keep play, movement and recess part of the conversation about child health.  We're joined by two experts from Children's Hospital Colorado: Amanda Lopez, a school health nurse, and Eve Kutchman, a prevention education and outreach manager. Together, they share insights into the role of recess in children's health and development and how pediatricians can advocate for making play a priority.  Some highlights from this episode include: The health benefits of recess that go beyond a "break" from learning How movement and play support children's physical, emotional and social health What children may lose when recess is shortened, delayed or withheld How health care professionals can help keep recess visible in conversations about child health This episode is underwritten by Ovintiv, proud philanthropic supporter of Charting Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. Ovintiv recognizes that their responsibility begins in the communities where they live and work. They are committed to giving back and building safer and more resilient communities. Ovintiv's generous support has made a monumental difference for our patients and families, from enhancing health outcomes to reducing health disparities. For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Some of the most serious diagnoses in pediatrics begin with common pediatric symptoms. A child comes in looking pale or with a febrile illness. They've been more tired than usual. Maybe they're bruising easily or complaining their legs hurt. Individually, none of these symptoms are unusual. Together, or with persistence, they can tell a different story. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, but it's earliest signs often resemble everyday illnesses.   The episode introduces Ashley Rogers, MD, a pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, as the newest host of Charting Pediatrics. As David Brumbaugh concludes his remarkable nine-year tenure as host, he passes the microphone to Dr. Rogers, ushering in the next chapter of the podcast.  Dr. Rogers joins the conversation to share her expertise on childhood leukemia, including key considerations for diagnosis, treatment and the pediatrician's role in recognizing and managing these patients. This episode offers both valuable clinical insights and a warm welcome to a new voice who will continue bringing evidence-based pediatric education to listeners.  Some highlights from this episode include: Earliest signs of leukemia pediatricians can look out for  How to distinguish between viral illnesses or leukemia  Red flags that shouldn't be dismissed  Role of the pediatrician after a leukemia diagnosis   For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Tick bites used to be a seasonal nuisance, something you might mention briefly at a well visit in late spring. But that's no longer the reality. With emergency department visits for tick bites climbing to their highest levels in nearly a decade and tick populations expanding into new regions, pediatricians are now seeing the ripple effects of a changing environment in real time. In this episode, we break down what's driving this surge, how to approach tick bites in clinic, and what's new in our understanding of tick-borne illness — including important updates on alpha-gal syndrome that every clinician should have on their radar.   In this episode, we are joined by tick expert, Justin Searns, MD. He specializes in pediatric infectious diseases and hospital medicine at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is also an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: Why tick bites are currently at an all-time high  Best practices for tick removal and immediate post-removal care  When tick-borne illnesses should be a concern for pediatricians  Prevention strategies and geographical considerations For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Puberty doesn't always follow the expected timeline. What happens when it shows up ahead of schedule? For pediatricians, the early appearance of breast development, pubic hair or accelerated growth can trigger a cascade of questions. Is this a normal variant? Should we investigate further? When is it time to refer? In this episode, we unpack the complexities of precocious puberty and explore how timely identification and thoughtful management can make a lasting difference for kids and their families.  To create clarity, we are joined by Stephanie Hsu, MD, PhD, and Clare Parker, MD. Dr. Hsu specializes in endocrinology here at Children's Hospital Colorado and is an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Parker is a pediatric endocrinology fellow. Some highlights from this episode include: The differences in early puberty between boys and girls  Environmental impacts that can lead to misleading results  Signs and symptoms pediatricians can look out for  Treatment options and their severity  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

A child's future begins long before the first words, first steps or even the first smile. In the span of just 1,000 days, billions of neural connections are formed, and the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and resilience quietly takes shape. Pediatricians understand the critical nature of early development, and they translate that message to parents, helping guide, nurture, recognize risk and shape outcomes that can last decades.   To explore this fascinating time in a child's life, we are joined by two experts. Caroline Dias, MD, PhD, and Annie Helms, MD, both specialize in developmental and behavioral pediatrics here at Children's Hospital Colorado and are assistant professors at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Helms also leads the BLOSSOM Clinic at Children's Colorado.  Some highlights from this episode include: How small things can have the biggest impact in these 1000 days  The importance of supportive caregivers  The balance of nature versus nurture  Easing parent's minds that they aren't "doing enough"  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.      

The human spine is designed to support, balance and adapt through a lifetime of growth. But what happens when that growth starts to bend in an unexpected direction? Scoliosis often emerges during periods of rapid development, turning what should be a normal growth spurt into a race against progression. The challenge isn't just finding the curve. It's predicting what that curve will do next.  To explore the latest in scoliosis care, we are joined by Mark Erickson, MD. He specializes in orthopedic surgery and is the Medical Director of the spine center at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine as well as the fellowship director of pediatric orthopedic surgery. Some highlights from this episode include: How and when scoliosis most commonly presents in children What pediatricians can look for during a routine exam Particular red flags in the history or physical exam that should cause concern How pediatricians should determine who needs imaging  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.