Kelly J. Crossley is a Pediatric Pulmonologist based in Clayton, VIC, Australia. She looks after babies and children who are dealing with breathing and lung problems, especially when the issue starts around birth or in the first few weeks of life.
In paediatrics, breathing can change fast. In many cases, the goal is to get a clear plan for care, so families know what to watch for and what happens next. Kelly works with kids who may have trouble breathing due to conditions such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia and other hernias, or problems like infant respiratory distress after birth. She also supports children who have apnoea of prematurity and other types of paediatric breathing pauses.
Some referrals are for babies who have had a tough start, including asphyxia neonatorum, cerebral hypoxia, or even cardiac arrest around birth. At times, this can come with serious lung strain, low oxygen concerns, or fluid in the lungs like pulmonary oedema. Kelly helps assess how the lungs and breathing are coping, and works with the wider team on safe next steps.
She also sees infants and children with lung pressure issues, including pulmonary hypertension and high blood pressure in infants. Other problems that can come up include infantile pneumothorax (when air leaks around the lung) and episodes of hyperventilation. When babies have breathing problems, it can also affect blood chemistry, so you may hear about things like metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis as part of the bigger picture.
Newborns can also be affected by newborn transient tachypnoea and infantile respiratory distress syndrome. Kelly’s approach stays practical and calm. Over time, care often involves careful checks, monitoring, and making sure treatment matches the child’s current needs.
Depending on the situation, she may also help with tests such as endoscopy, and she looks at how breathing connects with other health issues like premature infant care and related complications. Language is kept simple, and plans are explained in plain terms.