The Breathing Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado is one of the world's premier programs for treating children with breathing disorders, and our research has been expanding the horizons of pediatric pulmonary care for decades. From examining health disparities impacting kids with asthma and running one of the largest cystic fibrosis research and care centers in the country, to being an international leader of childhood interstitial lung disease research and supporting innovations in sleep medicine, the Breathing Institute is breaking new ground in pulmonary research and improving patient outcomes.

What our pulmonary research means for kids

As an international leader in pediatric pulmonary care and research, the Breathing Institute’s work helps improve patient outcomes, find new treatments and develop cures for children with breathing and sleep disorders. Our work improves the quality of life for children, positively affecting them throughout their lifetime.

We pursue basic scientific studies that are crucial to better understanding breathing disorders and inform opportunities for translational and clinical research. Our research and innovation lead to novel strategies and the creation of high-performing interdisciplinary teams whose work on the management, prevention and cure of childhood diseases makes a lasting impact.

For example, our Aerodigestive Program brings together experts from across specialties to innovate new care solutions for patients with complex airway, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract disorders, like the invention of the pediatric transnasal esophagoscopy/endoscopy (TNE).

In addition to the impact our research has on the care within our walls, we also proactively engage with our local community to promote healthy living. We offer extensive asthma resources, such as our school and home-based asthma education and medication adherence programs, and we’re one of the first in the nation to develop a program for home-based sleep apnea testing for kids.  

Pulmonary advancements at the Breathing Institute

At the Breathing Institute, we’re focused on transforming care and finding cures through a dedication to innovation.

Our physicians have led the way in cystic fibrosis research, from looking at gene-based therapy to providing in-utero treatment, and we're using novel preliminary protein markers for rare lung disease diagnosis. Our Ventilator Care Program developed exceptional multidisciplinary communication and continuity of care that led to a significant increase in survival rates for these fragile patients, as well as an innovative, developmentally appropriate transitional care program for patients who can’t return home because of external factors.

We offer a top pediatric pulmonary fellowship program with the University of Colorado School of Medicine that enables us to work with some of the best minds in academic research and develop a pipeline of world-class pediatric pulmonologists. We also create opportunities for improved training of the next generation of pediatric pulmonologists, such as an authentic 3D bronchoscopy training tool to improve procedural competency.

The conferences we host every year reflect our strong commitment to continuing education. These gatherings bring together experts from around the world to present groundbreaking research that changes the future of pulmonary medicine. Our flagship conference, the Pediatric Pulmonary Cotton Conference, has been attracting attendees for more than three decades, showcasing advances in diagnoses and care of patients with breathing and sleep disorders, basic and translational science, health equity and more.