A pediatrician is a medical doctor who sees the needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. The name of this profession comes from the Greek word for a child. Your pediatrician will be your primary care provider from birth until age 18. Pediatricians provide physical, mental, and emotional care for their patients. Some pediatricians work in general practice. Others specialize in treating children with specific health conditions.
Pediatrics profession
Pediatricians can perform diagnostic tests to obtain information about a patient’s medical condition, they may also administer treatments, therapies, medications, and vaccinations to treat illness, disorders, or injuries. Your pediatrician may also treat those suffering from minor injuries, acute and chronic health problems, and physiological and psychological growth and developmental concerns.
You can also ask your child’s pediatrician for guidance about diet, hygiene, and disease prevention. If pediatricians manifest symptoms of a serious medical condition, they may refer patients to a medical specialist, to efficiently address the issue.
Among the most common issues facing pediatricians today are:
Fetal origins of adult disease
Smoking among youth
Neonatal Encephalopathy – a syndrome in newborns which disturbs neurological function, causing respiratory problems, depressed reflexes, sub-normal consciousness, and potential seizures
Early-life origins of cardiovascular disease
Type 1 diabetes
Brain tumors in children
Autism spectrum disorders
Environmental Chemical Exposure
Common childhood bacterial infections
Nutrition and celiac disease
What are the aims of pediatrics?
Pediatrics aims to reduce infant and child rates of death, control the spread of infectious diseases, promote a healthy lifestyle for long disease-free life, and help ease the problems of children and adolescents with chronic conditions. Pediatricians diagnose and treat several conditions among children including:
Injuries
Infections
Genetic and congenital conditions
Cancers
Organ diseases and dysfunctions
Pediatricians are involved with the prevention, early detection, and management of problems including:
Developmental delays and disorders
Behavioral problems
Functional disabilities
Social stresses
Mental disorders including depression and anxiety disorders
What are the Pediatric Specialties?
Pediatrics helps keep children healthy by regularly checking their growth and development. They also treat a wide range of common illnesses and injuries. There are more than 30 pediatric specialties including:
Oncology: the treatment of childhood cancers
Neurology: the treatment of childhood brain and nervous system disorders
Otolaryngology: the treatment of childhood ear, nose, throat, and neck problems
Neonatology: the treatment of babies born prematurely
Allergy & Immunology: the treatment of childhood food and environmental allergies and problems with the immune system
Rehabilitative Medicine: physical and occupational therapy for children
Cardiology: the treatment of childhood heart conditions
What can Pediatricians do?
Perform regular health and wellness checkups (well-baby or well-child visits).
Conduct physical exams.
Track your child’s physical, emotional, and social development.
Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other health conditions.
Give vaccines.
Prescribe medication.
Listen to parents’ concerns and answer their questions.
Offer health advice to parents.
Refer families to specialists as needed.
When should my child visit a pediatrician?
The first pediatrician visit should be within 48 to 72 hours of leaving the hospital. The second visit was at 2-4 weeks old. Also during the first year, you should take your baby to the pediatrician at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. After the first birthday, your child should be seen by the pediatrician at 15, 18, and 24 months. After the age of 2, annual visits with the pediatrician are recommended. Also, any time you have a health concern or your child is ill, you should make an appointment.
Why should my child visit a pediatrician?
These visits are essential for the health and well-being of your child. At these appointments, the overall physical and emotional health of your baby is evaluated. Your child’s pediatrician also gives your baby recommended vaccines to help protect them from infections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the health and well-being of children, from infancy through adolescence. They diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions that affect children, including chronic illnesses, developmental disorders, and acute illnesses such as infections and injuries. Pediatricians also promote preventive care, including vaccinations and routine check-ups, to ensure that children grow and develop in a healthy way. They work closely with parents and caregivers to provide care that is tailored to each child’s unique needs. In addition to providing medical care, pediatricians may also offer guidance and support to parents on issues such as nutrition, sleep, and behavior. They play an important role in helping children and families stay healthy and thrive.
