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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often ask practical questions about breathing, lung health, and when to seek medical attention. As a Specialist Paediatrician and Paediatric Pulmonologist in Pretoria/Tshwane, I have answered the most common questions below in clear, parent-friendly language.
Dr Siza Mokati | Specialist Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist in Pretoria/Tshwane
1. What are the symptoms of weak lungs in kids?
Children with weak or underperforming lungs may show:
- Persistent cough (often worse at night)
- Shortness of breath during play or sport
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Frequent chest infections
- Tiring easily compared with peers
- Poor weight gain in long-standing cases
If symptoms are recurrent, prolonged, or affecting daily activity, an assessment is recommended.
2. What is the minimum age for a pulmonary function test?
Most standard pulmonary function tests (spirometry) are usually reliable from about 5–6 years of age. Specialised testing methods may be used for younger children at equipped centres.
3. What are the three early warning signs of lung disease?
- Persistent or recurrent cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
Early evaluation can prevent complications and support healthy lung development.
4. Do you need a referral to see a paediatrician?
In South Africa, you can often book directly with a Specialist Paediatrician in private practice. Some medical aids require referral for specialist benefits. Confirm with your medical aid before the visit.
5. What are the serious lung conditions in children?
- Severe asthma
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic lung disease of prematurity
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Interstitial lung disease
6. At what age do lungs fully develop?
Lung development continues throughout childhood and adolescence and can extend into early adulthood.
7. What is the deadliest lung disease?
In children, severe pneumonia can be life-threatening if untreated. Early assessment and treatment are key.
8. What questions should you ask a pulmonologist?
- What is the most likely cause?
- Which tests are necessary?
- What is the treatment plan?
- When should we seek urgent care?
9. When should a child seek urgent medical attention?
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish lips or nails
- Persistent high fever
- Extreme sleepiness
- Signs of dehydration
10. What is stage 4 pulmonary disease?
This term is usually used in adult COPD and rarely applies to children. Paediatric severity is assessed individually.
11. What is stage 3 pulmonary disease?
Also typically an adult COPD term and not usually applicable in paediatric care.
1. What are the symptoms of weak lungs in kids?
Children with weak or underperforming lungs may show:
- Persistent cough (often worse at night)
- Shortness of breath during play or sport
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Frequent chest infections
- Tiring easily compared with peers
- Poor weight gain in long-standing cases
If symptoms are recurrent, prolonged, or affecting daily activity, an assessment is recommended.
2. What is the minimum age for a pulmonary function test?
Most standard pulmonary function tests (spirometry) are usually reliable from about 5–6 years of age. Specialised testing methods may be used for younger children at equipped centres.
3. What are the three early warning signs of lung disease?
- Persistent or recurrent cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
Early evaluation can prevent complications and support healthy lung development.
4. Do you need a referral to see a paediatrician?
In South Africa, you can often book directly with a Specialist Paediatrician in private practice. Some medical aids require referral for specialist benefits. Confirm with your medical aid before the visit.
5. What are the serious lung conditions in children?
- Severe asthma
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic lung disease of prematurity
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Interstitial lung disease
6. At what age do lungs fully develop?
Lung development continues throughout childhood and adolescence and can extend into early adulthood.
7. What is the deadliest lung disease?
In children, severe pneumonia can be life-threatening if untreated. Early assessment and treatment are key.
8. What questions should you ask a pulmonologist?
- What is the most likely cause?
- Which tests are necessary?
- What is the treatment plan?
- When should we seek urgent care?
9. When should a child seek urgent medical attention?
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish lips or nails
- Persistent high fever
- Extreme sleepiness
- Signs of dehydration
10. What is stage 4 pulmonary disease?
This term is usually used in adult COPD and rarely applies to children. Paediatric severity is assessed individually.
11. What is stage 3 pulmonary disease?
Also typically an adult COPD term and not usually applicable in paediatric care.