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We diagnose and treat swallowing, gastroesophageal, and other aerodigestive conditions in children.
At the Pediatric Aerodigestive Center, formerly known as the Gastroesophageal, Upper Airway, and Respiratory Diseases (GUARD) Center, we understand that it takes a team to care for children who have complex or rare conditions that affect breathing, speaking, or swallowing. That’s why we bring together experts from many specialties—ear, nose, and throat; gastroenterology; pulmonology; and others—to treat your child.
We work with you to understand your child’s medical condition and create an individualized treatment plan based on his or her unique needs.
Doctors at the Pediatric Aerodigestive Center, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at ºÙºÙÊÓƵ, provide treatment for the following aerodigestive conditions affecting the throat, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lungs, or stomach:
Depending on your child’s needs, our experts may also collaborate with pediatric surgeons and a variety of other specialists from Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital who have expertise in sleep, speech, genetic disorders, and more.
To make an appointment with a doctor at the Pediatric Aerodigestive Center, please call 646-501-0536. When you first call us, our clinical coordinator talks with you about your child’s needs and the goals of their care. Based on information from this initial call, which can last up to one hour, the coordinator makes an appointment for your child with the right expert.
Your child’s pediatrician can also contact us directly and provide referral information. If your child is referred to us by a doctor who is not part of ºÙºÙÊÓƵ, our clinical coordinator contacts you directly.
After the phone visit, and based on your child’s needs, we let you know the location for your child’s in-person visits, either at Fink Children’s Ambulatory Care Center—160 East 32nd Street or ºÙºÙÊÓƵ Ambulatory Care Center East 38th Street on the 14th floor.
To help us provide your child with the most comprehensive care, please bring copies of previous test results or diagnostic images to your first appointment so that our experts can review them.
Our pediatric experts provide the best care possible for children with conditions ranging from minor illnesses to complex, more serious conditions.
Dr. Kazachkov is a specialist in pediatric bronchoscopy and airway diseases. His research interests include chronic cough and the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and aspiration to respiratory disease.
Dr. Levine is a specialist in esophageal and gastrointestinal diseases. His research interests include esophageal disorders, such as esophagitis and motility abnormalities, and he has published extensively on these topics. Dr. Levine also has extensive experience in interventional gastrointestinal procedures.
Dr. Rickert is an expert in diseases of the larynx and trachea. His research interests include pediatric otolaryngology, airway problems, endoscopic sinus surgery, chronic ear infection, head and neck surgery, laryngology, swallowing disorders, tonsillitis, and voice disorders.
A recognized specialist in severe pediatric asthma, Ms. Erkman, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, cares for children with complex conditions that involve the airway and gastrointestinal systems. She has a special interest in the psychosocial needs of children and families with chronic disease. Ms. Erkman’s research interests include severe asthma, chronic cough, and aerodigestive disorders.
