Dr. Carla Els

For patients and parents

For Parents & Patients

When to seek a
specialist opinion.

Early specialist assessment leads to better long-term outcomes. The following clinical signs indicate that a referral is warranted.

Persistent wheeze
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A whistling sound when breathing — particularly during physical exertion or at night — that does not resolve with standard treatment.

Elevated respiratory rate
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Breathing that is consistently rapid at rest, or where accessory muscles are visibly engaged, indicates the respiratory system is under strain.

Chronic nocturnal cough
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A cough that reliably wakes the patient at night is a recognised marker for poorly controlled asthma or airway hyperreactivity.

Exercise intolerance
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Inability to sustain activity at a level appropriate for age — stopping frequently, avoiding sport, or recovering unusually slowly after exertion.

Recurrent respiratory infections
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More than two episodes of pneumonia or wheezy bronchitis per year is beyond the expected range and warrants specialist investigation.

Impaired growth trajectory
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Chronic respiratory disease — including uncontrolled asthma and cystic fibrosis — can impair weight gain and linear growth if not adequately managed.

Unsure whether a referral is appropriate?

The practice is happy to advise on whether specialist assessment is indicated.

Contact the Practice
What to Expect

A space built for
young patients.

Entrance and reception area of the practice
Arriving at the rooms
Child-friendly waiting area with a wooden desk and bright wall
A waiting area designed for children
Close view of framed vintage teddy bears
Small details that put children at ease
Examination room with examination bed and diagnostic equipment
Examination room
View the practice gallery
Common Questions

Frequently asked
questions.

A referral from your GP or paediatrician is the standard route. Self-referrals are also welcome. Contact the practice directly and the team will advise on the appropriate pathway.

Dr. Els sees patients from infancy through to young adulthood (approximately 18 years). Formal lung function testing can be performed from age 3.

Please bring any prior medical records, hospital discharge summaries, a current medication list, and your medical aid details. If your child uses an inhaler or any respiratory device, bring it to the appointment. The practice is fully paperless — digital intake forms will be sent in advance.

Dr. Els charges private rates. The practice works with most major South African medical aid schemes, however the patient or guardian is responsible for submitting claims to their medical aid scheme directly — the practice does not submit claims on your behalf.

A general paediatrician is trained across all aspects of child health. A paediatric pulmonologist has completed additional subspeciality training specifically in respiratory medicine — making them the appropriate specialist for persistent, recurrent, or diagnostically complex breathing disorders.

Asthma cannot currently be cured, but with an evidence-based management plan the vast majority of patients achieve complete symptom control. Many adolescents see significant improvement as lung development progresses.

Questions about the practice?

Our assistant can help.