Does the pediatric intensivist treat children in respiratory distress?

Yes, the pediatric intensivist can treat children with respiratory distress. However, respiratory distress can range in severity from very mild to very severe. When the distress is more mild, an intensivist is probably not needed.

Children spend a large amount of their energy on breathing, so if their breathing begins to be compromised and respiratory distress becomes severe, they may be admitted to a critical care unit where an intensivist will treat them. If the problem is more mild, treatment may be delivered in an outpatient clinic, the emergency department, or on a general care unit at the hospital.