Aerodigestive Program at Montefiore (ADAM)

OUR EXPERTISE

The Aerodigestive Program at Montefiore

The Aerodigestive Program at Montefiore (ADAM) consists of a unique multidisciplinary team devoted to the medical and surgical management of complex pediatric airway and esophageal disorders, swallowing disorders, and sleep abnormalities. ADAM team members include specialists in pediatric pulmonary, otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose and throat specialist), gastroenterology and speech pathology. This multidisciplinary approach begins with the patient's combined clinical evaluation and ensures comprehensive, highly specialized and personalized care for every child from newborns to 21-year-olds.

The Aerodigestive Program at Montefiore (ADAM) is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program dedicated to the evaluation and management of children with complex airway, lung, swallowing, gastrointestinal, and sleep-related disorders. Our team provides coordinated medical and surgical care for infants, children, and young adults from birth through 21 years of age.

ADAM brings together specialists in pediatric pulmonology, otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), gastroenterology, and speech-language pathology to deliver highly specialized, individualized care. Patients benefit from a combined clinical evaluation, allowing multiple subspecialists to assess each child during a single visit and develop an integrated diagnostic and treatment plan.

Some aerodigestive patients benefit from endoscopic evaluation of the larynx, trachea, lungs, esophagus and stomach during the same encounter (triple scope: flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD]).

Clinical Expertise

The Aerodigestive Program at Montefiore provides expert care for a wide range of conditions, including:

Airway and Lung Disorders

Congenital airway abnormalities (e.g., complete tracheal rings)
Laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, and bronchomalacia
Subglottic stenosis or web
Laryngeal and tracheal stenosis
Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia
Tracheostomy dependence
Bronchiectasis and chronic lung disease
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Chronic or recurrent pneumonia
Aspiration-related lung disease
Persistent wheezing and chronic cough
Difficult-to-treat asthma

Swallowing, Feeding, and Esophageal Disorders

Feeding difficulties and oral aversion
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Eosinophilic esophagitis
Esophageal strictures
Swallowing dysfunction and aspiration

Voice and Sleep Disorders

Vocal cord dysfunction or paralysis
Obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-related breathing disorders

Why Choose ADAM at Montefiore

True multidisciplinary evaluation in a single visit
Coordinated diagnostic testing and procedures
Seamless collaboration between medical and surgical specialists
Family-centered, individualized care for complex conditions

Referral Pathway

The Aerodigestive Program at Montefiore (ADAM) welcomes referrals from pediatricians, subspecialists, and community providers for infants, children, and young adults with complex or multisystem aerodigestive concerns. Referrals are appropriate for patients with:

Persistent or unexplained respiratory symptoms
Recurrent pneumonia or aspiration concerns
Feeding or swallowing difficulties
Suspected or known airway or esophageal abnormalities
Need for multidisciplinary evaluation or coordinated endoscopic assessment

Referring providers may request:

Comprehensive multidisciplinary aerodigestive evaluation
Coordinated diagnostic testing and procedures, including combined endoscopic evaluation when indicated

After evaluation, detailed recommendations and follow-up plans are shared with the referring provider to support ongoing management within the medical home.