Who is a pediatrician?
Pediatricians are medical specialists with training in caring for newborns, children, adolescents, and young adults. Children undergo rapid physical, emotional, and behavioral changes as they age. They have unique medical needs that may fall outside the purview of a doctor's training in treating adults. Pediatricians know this and are specially trained in this field; they use age-appropriate parameters to assess a child's health.
Pediatricians can treat people until they turn 21, but this age limit is not mandatory. The American Academy of Pediatrics firmly discourages setting an age limit for pediatric care, as they believe that care depends on an individual's physical and mental demands. Children undergo rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive changes as they grow. Pediatricians understand this fact, so they evaluate a child's health status based on the ranges acceptable for their age.
To practice as a pediatrician, an individual must acquire a medical degree and complete a three-year residency program in pediatrics to qualify. Some choose to go for additional training in a subspecialty. To be board-certified, they pass stringent American Board of Pediatrics exams.
What is the role of a pediatrician?
Pediatricians execute diverse health services ranging from health and wellness screenings to managing complex medical ailments.
They typically perform these responsibilities:
- Diagnosing and treating various medical disorders in children
- Evaluating a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development
- Physical evaluations
- Prescribing medications like antibiotics and pain relievers
- Providing parents with information about their child's health, safety, nutrition, and fitness needs
- Providing vaccinations
- Treating injuries such as fractures or dislocations
Sometimes, a primary care pediatrician might lack the credentials or expertise to treat complex medical illnesses and will refer the family to an appropriate pediatric specialist for additional testing and treatment.
Different types of pediatric specialists
Many pediatricians practice as primary care doctors. They carry out regular health and wellness exams. Additionally, they administer immunizations, diagnose and treat various general health concerns, and give children, their parents, or caregivers sound medical advice. On the other hand, pediatric specialists treat particular illnesses or diseases as they specifically train them through fellowships and various other courses. This allows doctors to become experts in their field, further enhancing patient care. The following are some examples of different pediatric subspecialties available:
- Specialists in adolescent medicine concentrate on treating patients between the ages of 11 and 21.
- A critical care pediatrician leads an intensive care team of medical experts that treats children in critical or unstable health situations.
- Pediatricians who are child developmental-behavioral specialists monitor the development of children's and teenagers' behavior and diagnose and treat learning and developmental disabilities.
- Pediatricians specializing in child abuse have the knowledge and expertise to assess if a child may have been abused or neglected.
- Pediatric oncologists are experts in identifying and treating various cancers in young patients.
- Cardiologists for children diagnose and treat a variety of congenital and acquired heart problems.
- Pediatric pulmonologists identify, treat, and care for kids with breathing issues and other lung disorders.
- Pediatric rheumatologists care for kids and teenagers with musculoskeletal conditions such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain.
- Pediatric nephrologists are experts in treating urinary system illnesses, such as chronic kidney disease and urinary tract infections.
- Pediatric neurologists diagnose, treat, and manage children's neurological conditions. These include Friedrick's ataxia, cerebral palsy, etc. Pediatric neurologists are responsible for their patient's care from diagnosis to adolescence.
- Pediatricians specializing in neonatal and perinatal care treat newborns and those critically unwell and premature before and after birth.
- Pediatric endocrinologists' area of expertise is the endocrine system and the hormones it creates. They treat diseases such as juvenile diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, etc.
Pediatrician vs. family physician
Family medicine practitioners provide medical care to people of all ages, including children, adults, and older people. The decision of whether to take a child to a pediatrician or a family physician is often a personal choice. However, it is essential to note that pediatricians have specialized training in addressing children's emotional and behavioral needs and physical health. Additionally, they may have more extensive experience in identifying and treating illnesses that are common in childhood.
When should you take your child to see a pediatrician?
You should never delay seeing a pediatrician near you if you notice a health issue in your child. Some reasons to take your child for a pediatrics visit include the following:
- Vaccines: Children need a variety of vaccines from birth until they reach 18 years of age. Prominent among these are the polio vaccine, chicken pox vaccine, hepatitis A& B, measles vaccine, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine. You can get all these vaccinations done at the pediatrician.
- Developmental delays: Some children may be underweight or weak at birth and miss developmental milestones per their age. Pediatricians can check children's developmental delays, nutrition issues, or growth disorders and provide appropriate care and treatment.
- Fever: Fever is the most common condition among all growing children. Any fever with a body temperature of more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is a cause of concern. Pediatricians help with quick diagnosis and treatment most suitable for the child's age.
- Infections and allergies: Children are more susceptible to infections and allergies than adults. In most cases, diseases spread more rapidly in children and may even cause severe symptoms. A visit with a pediatrician can help understand and treat the condition. They can even teach the best practices to prevent the recurrence of such complications.
- Behavioral issues: Some children may experience behavior concerns, like bed-wetting, discipline issues, or learning difficulties. Pediatricians can comfort the child, identify and understand the cause behind their behavior issues, and offer proper guidance and care.
Your child's first year of pediatrician visits
Your baby's first year is full of rapid changes, and just as your little one grows fast, you'll find yourself visiting the pediatrician quite often. These early checkups are more than just routine examinations. They're essential to tracking your baby's development, catching potential concerns early, and helping you feel confident as a parent.
The first exam happens right after birth. The pediatrician may want to see your baby more often. These visits are opportunities for medical checkups, building a relationship with your pediatrician, discussing any concerns or queries, and getting the needed guidance and support.
It's ideal for both parents to attend when possible, but if not, bringing along a grandparent or friend can be a huge help, especially when juggling diaper bags, baby clothes, and those tiny socks that always go missing.
The doctor assesses your baby's growth at each visit by measuring weight, length, and head circumference. These numbers are charted to track your baby's growth curve over time. They'll also check the fontanelles - those soft spots on the head - and monitor their gradual closing.
Using special tools, your pediatrician will examine the baby’s ears for fluid or infection, the eyes for proper movement and any signs of cataracts, and the mouth for infections or early teething. At the same time, with the help of a stethoscope, they will carefully listen to the heart and lungs.
Your pediatrician will gently press the baby’s abdomen to check organ size and look for any masses. The genitalia are examined for signs of infection or abnormal development, especially in newborn boys. The pediatrician will also move the hips and legs to detect joint issues early. Once your baby starts walking, their steps are observed for proper alignment. Finally, your pediatrician will monitor developmental milestones, such as tracking how your baby moves, reacts, and interacts with the world.
Each visit is a small step in your child's development, setting the stage for a positive and informative experience that benefits both you and your little one.
Tips for a healthy lifestyle for your children
Children who lead healthy lifestyles build a solid basis for continued health in the future. These valuable suggestions will enable them to live a long, wholesome, disease-free life.
- Low sugar intake: Children who consume more than 10% of their daily calories from additive sugar are more prone to experience several health problems, including high cholesterol and diabetes. Additionally, there is a chance of developing long-term dental issues.
- Dietary balance: For healthy development, children require the proper ratio of proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, and carbs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends consuming five dietary groups: grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich meals. Consider including a balanced amount of food from each food group at each meal.
- Drink plenty of water: Water serves various biological purposes, including excreting waste, lubricating joints, and protecting delicate tissues like the spinal cord. Ideally, an individual should consume at least eight glasses of water daily.
- Regular meals: Divide the meals into smaller portions and eat them regularly. This approach might be helpful if the child is picky about their food.
- Increased fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables provide the fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the immune system's health.
- Getting enough sleep: This is essential for physical and mental well-being. The body strengthens its defenses and restores itself as you sleep. Establish a schedule for simultaneously shutting out the lights every night.
- Encourage children to play sports: Experts advise engaging them in at least an hour of physical activity each day through sports and other exercises.
- Good hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness can help the body avoid disease-causing microbes. Hand washing is a vital hygiene practice that can help prevent several diseases, including COVID-19. Create and encourage good hygiene habits in your child, such as using a tissue when sneezing or coughing, disposing of tissues after use, and refraining from sharing personal items with others. It's also important to teach them to wash their hands after going outside, eating meals, and using the bathroom.
Effects of COVID-19 on children
Due to the pandemic, most children missed much of their education. Almost all age groups reported speech and language deficits because of fewer opportunities for communication development at home. Many parents also said that children faced difficulties adjusting to new circumstances of constantly being held up at home and, more importantly, children lost chances of interacting with others. This also had an impact on the child's self-control.
Additionally, the children's physical development and motor abilities suffered from spending less time outside and more time engaging in sedentary activities. Parenting difficulties were prevalent among families with children with special needs and lone parents. The pandemic has highlighted the critical function of childcare in fostering children's development, its importance, and the challenges working parents face.
Finding the best pediatrician near you in Bronx, New York
Regular pediatrician visits will enable you to monitor your child's growth and development. During each checkup, your child's weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) will be measured. Children frequently have nutritional deficiencies; these can be identified early on through annual checkups before they turn life-threatening. However, parents often need help finding the right doctor in time. Zocdoc aims to provide its users with the best childcare access.
You can create a free account on Zocdoc to get started. Next, enter the problem (for instance, "breathing issue") and the location (for example, "Bronx, New York") in the search bar. The details of the top pediatric doctor near you will appear on the screen. Click on their profiles to view the specialist's credentials, certifications, licenses, and recommendations. You can narrow your options using additional criteria like waiting time, gender, spoken languages, hospital affiliations, and experience. Additionally, you can upload your insurance card securely and hassle-free. Zocdoc prioritizes your privacy and security and follows the industry's best practices to safeguard your information. You can read more about how Zocdoc handles data and privacy and check out Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to any further insurance-related queries.
Moreover, finding in-network experts will be easier if the necessary filters are applied. To understand more about your selected doctor, you must read about previous patients' frank assessments and feedback. In addition, many specialists offer online and after-hours appointments; to use this facility, add it to your search criteria.
Zocdoc makes all reservations with pediatricians near you simple, secure, and free!
COVID-19 statistics in New York
According to the most recent report on pediatric hospitalization from the New York State Department of Health, from the week of December 5–11, 2021, to the week of December 26–January 1, 2022, statewide new pediatric hospital admissions for children 0–18 years of age increased from 70 to 571 per week. Only 4% of 5 to 11-year-old newly admitted children were fully immunized, and 91% of those aged 5 to 17 were not. 65% of children aged 12 to 17 were not vaccinated, compared to 26% who were vaccinated. Furthermore, only 26% of children ages 0 to 18 are eligible for immunization, and 55% of hospitalizations were young children aged 0 to 4.
Sources
healthgrades
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Medical News Today
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD
Coram Family and Childcare
eatright.org
Mom Junction
New York State Department of Health
Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
Healthychildren.org
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