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Why should you consult a pediatrician for your child?

Pediatrics is a field of medicine focused on providing comprehensive care and treatment for newborns, children, and adolescents. It is a distinct and collaborative specialty that includes other disciplines. Pediatricians are doctors or healthcare professionals who specialize in treating children.

Children go through fast physical and mental changes as they mature. Compared to adults, children undergo unique physiological changes as they grow. Pediatricians see children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout their development. In addition to addressing illnesses, pediatricians play a crucial role in providing preventive healthcare to children already in good health. They have a unique role in molding medically and intellectually challenged children into typical, healthy children.

Pediatricians will do the following procedures in order: 

• Physical and mental examinations of children
• Immunization and vaccine education; regular checkups
• Treating fractures and dislocations, among other injuries
• Assessing the physical, emotional, and social development of the kid
• Advising on general health issues
• Detecting and managing a variety of medical problems (acute or long-term)
• Using collaborative medicine to treat complicated children 

Pediatrics is divided into several subspecialties to treat children more specialized and elegantly. These subspecialties can enable the specialist to provide his abilities at a precise level. Among them are:

• Neonatologists -These doctors get training to deal with high-risk and challenging health issues in babies and infants.
• Pediatric cardiologists- They receive unique training to deal with babies' and infants' complex and high-risk health issues.
• Critical care pediatrician or pediatric intensivist - Children are also affected by severe conditions that might be life-threatening. Doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating children with serious illnesses are critical care pediatricians.
• Endocrinology pediatricians - Hormonal problems affect children in a variety of ways. These include developmental issues, early or delayed puberty, thyroid abnormalities, and other hormonal issues that require endocrinology physicians to identify and treat these conditions in children.
• Gastroenterology pediatricians - Children have more digestive, hepatic, and nutritional difficulties than adults. These include gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance, liver illness, vomiting, pancreatic insufficiency, and other significant conditions. Gastroenterology pediatricians are professionals who diagnose and treat these diseases. Several other subspecialties in pediatricians are:
• Pediatric hematologists and oncologists
• Neonatal pediatricians
• Child nephrologist
• Pediatric allergist
• Pediatric anesthesiologists
• Pediatric developmental
• Pediatric dermatologists
• Urologists for children 

Education and training

To become a pediatrician, candidates must complete four years of medical school and acquire a medical graduate degree. Then, they must complete three years of an accredited pediatrics residency program to become eligible pediatricians. The residency program aims to expand their knowledge of optimal medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. 

Next, eligible pediatricians need to appear for and pass the rigorous written examination conducted by the American Board of Pediatrics to receive a board certification and to begin licensed medical practice. Licensed pediatricians must undergo a recertification assessment after seven years to remain certified in pediatrics. 

How does a pediatrician work?

The routine activities of most primary care doctors will be similar to those of an internist. They will ask inquiries to diagnose underlying medical conditions and educate patients and their families about correct care and disease management. Also, they will write appropriate pharmaceutical prescriptions and refer patients to other experts.

However, because their patients are generally too young to comply with any recommended therapies or drugs, diagnosing, treating, and managing medical issues is challenging.

As a result, pediatricians must seek the assistance of parents, guardians, or other family members to manage illnesses and injuries. They must also ensure that everyone caring for an adolescent patient is adequately informed about the dangers of any diseases.

A physical exam is the most typical technique conducted by a pediatrician. Your doctor will frequently see healthy children and adolescents for annual checkups and sports physicals, often required of school-aged children who attend public schools or engage in youth sports programs.

A pediatrician may assess a patient's vital signs, test reflexes, and check for typical growth concerns such as spine abnormalities or joint misalignment as part of this examination.

Child doctors may order X-rays, blood tests, urine samples, and other specialized tests, but these procedures are usually conducted by another professional, such as a phlebotomist.

Some pediatric specialists can perform additional tests and treatments, and some specialists, such as pediatric transplant specialists, can even undertake surgery.

Pediatricians are highly qualified to handle and manage your child's health care and other difficulties, such as:

• Development and growth
• Illnesses
• Nutrition
• Immunizations
• Injuries
• Physical stamina
• Behavior
• Emotional or familial issues
• Issues with learning and other aspects of education
• Drug abuse prevention and treatment
• Puberty and other adolescent issues
• Internet, Television, and other forms of media

Pediatricians often collaborate with childcare centers, schools, and after-school programs to assist your child in staying healthy at school. Your physician can also send your child to the appropriate subspecialist if your child has a unique or complex problem.

Your doctor can also guide you on alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine, folk cures, and whether treatments or therapies are appropriate for children. A professional doctor should disclose all the treatments your child receives.

The distinction between a pediatrician and a family doctor

Pediatricians have in-depth knowledge of children's growth, development, and behavior from infancy to adolescence. Family doctors specialize in family medicine and see a broad category of patients. However, they do not only see patients under a specific age group but primarily deal with adult groups. 

Pediatricians, on the other hand, know about a child's unique needs. They can detect underlying conditions in children early and provide appropriate care and treatment. In contrast, a family doctor may have to refer the child to a pediatrician for optimum care and treatment. 

What are some common pediatric diseases?

Pediatric diseases cover various health conditions that specifically impact children, ranging from mild illnesses to long-term disorders. Children under five are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, mumps, HIV, and diarrhea. If you notice symptoms indicating an infection or non-communicable illness, it's crucial to stay vigilant and seek advice from a pediatrician. Here are some common childhood illnesses:

1. Pneumonia: It involves inflammation in one or both lungs' air sacs. Symptoms include a cough with phlegm, chills, fever, and difficulty breathing. Factors such as undernutrition, lack of clean water and sanitation, indoor air pollution, and limited access to healthcare are primary causes.

2. Common cold: While viruses are the primary cause of common colds, they can also indicate underlying conditions. Young children, particularly those in daycare settings, may experience six to eight colds yearly due to exposure to various pathogens. Symptoms include coughing, a runny nose, and congestion.

3. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is prevalent among children under five, often caused by dietary changes, food allergies, or viral infections. Weaker immune systems make children more susceptible to digestive problems.

4. Ear infections: Bacterial or viral infections can lead to ear infections, one of the most common childhood illnesses. Symptoms may include earache, ear tugging, fever, and difficulty sleeping.

5. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD): HFMD is highly contagious but typically not severe, commonly affecting newborns and children under five, according to the CDC. Symptoms may include skin rashes, fever, oral sores, and flu-like symptoms.

Since many diseases share similar symptoms, consulting with the best pediatrician near you is crucial to determine the specific cause of your child's symptoms. It is especially vital if your child has a pre-existing medical condition or allergy.

When should you take your child to a pediatrician?

There are several instances and reasons when a pediatrician would be the most appropriate doctor to consult for your child's health. Some of these are:

• Vaccinations: Children need a variety of vaccines from birth until they reach 18 years old. Prominent among them are the polio vaccine, chicken pox vaccine, Hepatitis A & B vaccines, measles vaccine, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine. You can get all these vaccinations done at the pediatrician. 

• Developmental issues: Some children may be underweight or weak at birth and miss developmental milestones per their age. Pediatricians can check for children's developmental delays, nutrition issues, or growth disorders and prescribe appropriate care and treatment. They can monitor a child's progress to ensure it achieves every key development milestone.

• 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 for 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 among children and may even cause severe symptoms. Visiting 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 have behavioral problems like bed-wetting, discipline issues, or learning difficulties. Pediatricians can comfort the child, understand their behavioral roadblocks, and offer proper guidance and care.

Finding the best pediatrician near you

Regular checkups, timely vaccinations, and a proactive approach to healthcare contribute significantly to maintaining a child's well-being. Therefore, choosing a qualified and friendly pediatrician is essential.

With Zocdoc, you can easily find a high-quality pediatrician in Philadelphia in just a few clicks. Best of all, Zocdoc lets you specify an insurance carrier and search among in-network pediatricians.

You can also conveniently look at their educational qualifications, experience in the field, board certifications, etc. Verified reviews are another great way of making an informed choice. Finally, if you're worried about the budget, we can help you find in-network pediatricians in Philadelphia. 

Once you've found the best pediatrician near you, schedule an in-person or online consultation.

All bookings are safe, secure, and 100% free.

Statistics in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has higher infant mortality rates than the rest of the country. In 2014, infant mortality rates across Philadelphia were 7.8 per 1000 live births, compared to 5.8 per 1000 in the United States. Even though the newborn death rate in Philadelphia has decreased in recent years (down from 10.7 per 1000 births in 2010), racial inequities in infant mortality have grown.

About 21% of eligible children in Philadelphia, i.e., 5 to 11, received a COVID-19 vaccine. According to city data, only 8% of Black children and 12% of Hispanic children aged 5 to 11 years old in Philadelphia had received at least one dose. 18,540 Philadelphia youngsters aged 5 to 11 received their first immunization injection on Monday.

Sources

Medvarsity

South Philadelphia Pediatrics

The Philadelphia Inquirer

American University of Antigua

Healthgrades

News Medical Life Sciences

Health Partners

UNICEF

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.