Pediatrics is the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth to 18 years of age. A doctor who specializes in pediatrics is called a Pediatrician. Pediatric consultation is a common medical process that involves the assessment and diagnosis of conditions affecting children and, to a certain extent, teens, as well as the management of the overall health and wellness of the patients through certain preventative measures.
Pediatrics also have sub specialties, including oncology, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and psychology just like other branches of medicine.
By choosing a doctor from a Pediatric clinic, instead of visiting a general clinic, you and your child will benefit from building a strong relationship with a provider who accesses your complete medical record and is willing to work to manage care. A pediatric network will also give you access to the practices and technologies of healthcare today.
A child’s relationship with their pediatrician begins as soon as he or she is born. Parents are expected to find one pediatrician prior to their delivery to ensure the newborn’s health.
A huge part of the pediatric consultation is called a well-child visit which ensures healthy growth at the important stages of their early growth stages. This refers to a point where children have to see their doctor several times within a year. It starts from the time the child is born until he or she is around 5 years old. Each appointment should include a thorough physical exam and counseling. The doctor can provide the parents with much-needed information on anything that concerns the child such as nutrition, sleep, mental and physical development. The doctor can also provide preventive tips to increase a child's immunity. Immunization or vaccination may be provided during these visits.
Pediatricians are responsible for the physical well being and mental health of a child from infancy to adulthood. Beginning in the early stages of the child's life a pediatrician’s careful observation is essential to ensure proper development through structured assessments and early medication. A pediatrician can diagnose and treat acute and chronic disorders when it is necessary. They also treat health issues, illness, injuries, and injections and administer health screenings and immunizations to keep your children healthy.
These are some of the many kinds of pediatric specialists a child might need.
1. Neonatologist: Trained to handle complicated and high-risk health situations in delicate newborns and infants, including a baby who has a health issue while in the womb or is born early or with a birth defect.
2. Pediatric Allergist: Helps prevent allergic reactions from molds to food and more, which could result in asthma, a rash, or dangerous anaphylaxis.
3. Pediatric Cardiologist: Diagnoses and treats heart conditions in children, including congenital heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms.
4. Pediatric Endocrinologist: Treats anything related to hormones, such as diabetes or an issue around proper growth.
5. Pediatric Gastroenterologist: For issues with digestion or gut health, such as nutritional problems, belly pain, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Child Neurologist: Deals with brain and nervous system issues, including seizures, brain tumors, and migraines.
7. Pediatric Oncologist: Works with children who are diagnosed with cancer.
8. Pediatric Emergency Doctor: Found in emergency rooms, managing the care of children and teenagers who are very sick or badly injured.
• Common illness and infections:
Coughs, colds, fevers, rashes, ear infections, pink eye, etc.
• Injuries
Falls ,burns, sprains,fractures,eye injuries etc.
• Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children:
Pediatricians assess and treat symptoms and help families understand about asthma so they can manage the care.
• Chronic Allergies:
Pediatricians can test for food, skin, pets, seasonal and other allergies on specific treatment plans.
• Childhood obesity :
Pediatricians work with families to prevent long term weight gain or obesity by addressing related health issues and creating a specific plan of action specifically coordinated for the child.
• Special needs:
Children with cognitive, physical and developmental conditions or chronic illness.
• Cancer:
A pediatric sub specialist in the cancer field is a benefit in the treatment of a child or teen diagnosed with cancer.
• Preventative care and health promotion with each individual patient in mind.
• Education for patients and parents to lead a healthy lifestyle.
• Tracks developmental progress and growth
• Collaborative care for additional expertise.
• Treatment and control of severe and life-threatening diseases.
• Decrease rates of infant and child mortality.