What is pediatrics?
Pediatrics is a medical specialty that deals with the health of children, from newborns to adolescents. Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in pediatrics and are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and medical problems in children. This branch of medicine covers various aspects of children’s health, including routine examinations, vaccinations, treatment of acute diseases and chronic conditions, growth and development of children, nutrition and many other aspects of children’s health.
Pediatricians work with children and their parents or guardians to ensure children’s optimal health and development. They play a key role in promoting disease prevention and educating children and their families about healthy lifestyles. Also, pediatricians often collaborate with other specialists when specific treatment or diagnosis of certain children’s conditions is needed.
The difference between pediatrics and adult medicine
The main difference between pediatrics and adult medicine lies in the patients they deal with, the approach to treatment and the specifics of medical care:
Patients
- Pediatrics deals exclusively with the health of children, from newborns to adolescents, usually up to 18 years of age. Pediatricians specialize in caring for the needs and illnesses of children at all stages of their growth and development.
- Adult medicine, on the other hand, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of adults, usually those over the age of 18.
Disease specificities and therapy:
- Diagnosis and treatment of diseases in children often differ from those in adults, because children go through specific stages of growth and development. Pediatricians are trained to recognize and treat children’s diseases and conditions.
- Medicine for adults focuses on health problems that are more common in adults, including chronic diseases and conditions associated with older age groups.
Treatment approach:
- Pediatricians often work in child-friendly environments, such as pediatric hospitals and doctor’s offices, that are designed to be child-friendly and safe.
- Adult doctors usually work in general hospitals and practices tailored to the needs of adult patients.
Although these differences exist, both medical fields share the basic principles of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Doctors in both areas work to provide the best possible medical care to their patients, regardless of age.
Why is pediatrics important?
Pediatrics is important for several key reasons:
- Caring for the youngest: Pediatrics deals with the health of the youngest members of society, from newborns to adolescents. Children are a particularly sensitive population and require special attention and expertise regarding their health needs and development.
- Disease prevention: Pediatricians play a key role in preventing disease in children through vaccinations, regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle advice. Early identification and management of health problems in children can often prevent more serious complications in the future.
- Monitoring of growth and development: Pediatricians monitor the growth and development of children through regular examinations. These follow-ups help detect problems at a stage when they can be effectively treated or managed. They also help parents understand what to expect in their children’s development.
- Emergency Medical Care: Pediatricians are trained to provide emergency medical care to children in cases of acute illness or injury. Their knowledge and skills are crucial in quickly responding to emergency situations involving children.
- Psychological support: Children face specific psychological and emotional challenges during development. Pediatricians provide support and advice to help children cope with stress, anxiety and other emotional issues.
- Parent Education: Pediatricians play an important role in educating parents about child care, nutrition, safety and development. This helps parents better understand their children’s needs and how to provide them with the best care.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration: Pediatricians often collaborate with other specialists, such as pediatric surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, pediatric gastroenterologists, and many others, to provide comprehensive care for children.
- All this makes pediatrics of vital importance for the health and future of children and contributes to the improvement of social health.
What basic examinations and procedures does general pediatrics include?
General pediatrics includes a variety of basic examinations and procedures performed to provide comprehensive care for children’s health. Here are some basic examinations and procedures in general pediatrics:
Routine examinations
This includes regular check-ups and examinations of children to monitor their growth and development. Such examinations include monitoring of height, weight, head circumference and other parameters. The doctor will also ask questions about the child’s development and behavior.
Children’s vaccinations
Pediatricians give vaccines to children according to the recommended schedule to protect them from serious infectious diseases such as measles, pertussis, diphtheria and many others.
Advice on children’s nutrition
Pediatricians provide advice on proper nutrition and nutrition for breastfed children. They can also help manage special diets for children with allergies or other special needs.
Advice on child development
Pediatricians monitor children’s developmental milestones and provide advice to parents on child development expectations, as well as how to encourage physical, emotional and intellectual development.
Treatment of diseases and injuries in children
Pediatricians diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses and injuries in children, including infections, allergic reactions, asthma, colds, broken bones, and many other problems.
Safety tips
Pediatricians provide information on child safety, such as proper car seat use, injury prevention at home, and other preventative measures.
Early detection and early treatment
Pediatricians work to identify potential health problems in children early to allow for early treatment and prevent complications.
Vision and hearing examinations in children
Including children’s eye and hearing exams to identify problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or hearing loss.
Children’s skin examinations
Skin exams are important for the diagnosis and monitoring of dermatological problems in children, including eczema, infections and other skin conditions.
Routine tests and laboratory examinations
These include blood, urine and other laboratory tests to make a diagnosis or monitor the course of the disease.
These exams and procedures form the basis of general pediatrics, and specific exams and treatments will vary depending on the age and needs of each individual patient.
