Who is a pediatrician, and what illnesses do they treat?
A pediatrician is a licensed medical professional (MD) who diagnoses, prescribes medication and performs surgeries for diseases prevailing in infants, children, and young adults aged 21 and younger.
Like most medical professionals, pediatricians must also complete four years of undergraduate and four years of medical school. They must also pass the American Board of Pediatrics examination, which recognizes them as a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP). Pediatricians specialize in subspecialties such as cardiology, neurology, developmental-behavioral medicine, adolescent psychiatry, allergy, and immunology.
A pediatrician may treat the following common conditions:
- Congenital heart defects (CHD) — CHDs are the most common congenital disabilities and are treatable by surgery in most cases. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40,000 children are born with CHD. Nearly 1 in 4 babies have critical CHD and require surgery in the first year of their life. Specific medication is taken by the birth mother, smoking and drug misuse during pregnancy, or genetic problems such as Down Syndrome can cause CHD. CHDs can be easily detected before birth or in childhood by conducting an echocardiogram (an ultrasound), which helps to point out structural problems in the heart.
- Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders — Common ENT issues like hearing and oral problems are treated and managed by pediatric otolaryngologists (ENT doctors). Issues like hearing loss can occur due to infections in the middle or inner ear, injuries to the ear, or a pregnant woman's medical conditions like preeclampsia. For permanent hearing loss, a pediatrician may recommend a hearing aid or cochlear implants (an electronic device inserted in the ear that helps with hearing). In addition to surgery, they may also suggest speech therapy and learning sign language.
- Lung and respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and strep throat — According to the CDC, an estimated 6 million children aged 0-17 years in the United States have asthma. The symptoms of pediatric asthma are slightly different from those experienced by an adult asthmatic. Rapid breathing, trouble sleeping, persistent cough, wheezing, and seesaw motions in the chest could indicate asthma in a child. Your pediatrician will likely develop an asthma action plan describing how your child should take daily medications and seek emergency care in case of an asthma attack.
- Developmental disorders — If your child suffers from attention issues, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, or learning problems in school, you might visit a developmental-behavioral pediatrician. These doctors help identify whether a child has delayed speech, motor skills, and thinking development and work closely with parents, family members, and school personnel to evaluate the child's issues and ultimately provide counseling.
Pediatric subspecialties
A pediatric subspecialist is uniquely qualified to address complex, chronic conditions in children. They offer specialized treatment that differs from the primary care that general pediatricians provide. Each pediatric subspecialty addresses specific medical issues and requires particular skills.
- Neonatology: A neonatologist cares for premature infants and those with infections. They can also address congenital disabilities or other complications. They often assist with high-risk deliveries and help medical teams handle anomalies or problems detected during pregnancies.
- Pediatric cardiology: Conditions that affect children's hearts come under the purview of pediatric cardiologists. A pediatric cardiologist treats congenital disabilities, rheumatic heart disease, and acquired heart diseases like Kawasaki's. They can also help prevent cardiac disease linked to childhood obesity.
- Pediatric oncology: The responsibilities of a pediatric oncologist include diagnosing and treating childhood cancer. Also known as pediatric hematologists, these specialists can help children with cancer improve their chances of surviving.
- Pediatric infectious diseases: A pediatric infectious disease specialist cares for children afflicted by viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Some children develop complications from rubella, measles, and chickenpox. The specialist can assess the symptoms identified and treat various illnesses to avoid serious complications.
- Pediatric surgery: Pediatric surgeons gain expertise in conducting different procedures on young patients. They learn to use various surgical techniques and biological systems to meet the constantly changing demands of their practice. They can mend serious wounds, repair congenital disabilities, and perform transplantations.
- Pediatric emergency medicine and critical care: Treating children in need of urgent care due to accidents, poisonings, seizures, and other causes is what a pediatric emergency physician does. They usually work in emergency room settings and can access vast resources to care for their patients.
- Adolescent medicine: Transitioning from being a child to becoming an adult can be challenging. Adolescent medicine specialists get trained in handling issues such as eating disorders, sexual health, chronic fatigue, and sports medicine. Adolescent medicine deals with patients in the 12 – 25 age group and helps them deal with their rapidly changing bodies.
Why are routine visits to a pediatrician important?
Pediatricians manage a child's physical, behavioral, and mental care and conduct "well-child" visits for newborns to young adults aged 21. Your first visit should be within 2-5 days of giving birth. A check-up after your baby's first birthday is standard after 15, 18, and 24 months. Here's why you should take your child for regular health check-ups:
- Prevention is better than cure — During a well-child visit, your pediatrician will keep track of your child's necessary vaccinations and if there are any immunizations required, depending on your child's age. Children who are not vaccinated are more likely to contract contagious diseases like measles, tuberculosis, and whooping cough, which can be fatal if left untreated.
- Track your child's growth and development — Each well-child visit will help your pediatrician learn about your child's physical and behavioral development. You can also voice your concerns about social behavior, sleep patterns, eating habits, or attitudes toward other children and family members. To be better prepared for a well-child check-up, carry your child's previous test results or diagnoses (if any) and a list of medications (including vitamins and other supplements). You can also put together a list of three to five questions you can ask your pediatrician at the start of your visit.
- Routine visits — Regular visits develop trustworthy relationships among the pediatrician, parents, and children. These visits create a team approach that allows a child's physical, social, and mental development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises regular well-child visits better to understand your child's health and developmental issues.
Tips to prepare for a pediatric visit
Preparing for your child’s pediatric visit can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for you and your little one. Whether it’s a routine check-up or your first appointment with a new pediatrician, these tips can help ensure a positive and productive visit.
Firstly, consider scheduling the appointment when your child is well-rested and less likely to be fussy. Avoid times when your child would usually be napping or eating to minimize disruptions. Allow ample time for your child to transition from their activities to the doctor's visit without rushing.
To reduce the risk of infections, try booking the first appointment of the day when the office is likely to be clean and less crowded. This is particularly beneficial if your child has a history of fragility or susceptibility to illnesses.
Please bring your child's comfort items and favorite toys to keep them occupied while waiting. Since it's challenging to thoroughly sanitize the office between appointments, having personal toys helps avoid unnecessary contact with shared items that may harbor germs.
Consider bringing your child's blanket to the appointment for comfort and hygiene. Dress your child in simple, easily removable clothing to facilitate examination. For babies, being held by parents during exams can enhance comfort.
While it's acceptable to breastfeed or provide a bottle to a baby during the visit, avoid feeding older children in the office to prevent exposure to germs. Toddlers, in particular, tend to touch everything, increasing the risk of spreading germs.
Please attend the appointment with only the child who has the scheduled visit. This minimizes distractions and allows for better focus during the examination. In an emergency, having siblings present may be unavoidable, but consider leaving them elsewhere for routine visits.
Bring relevant medical records for a child's first appointment, especially information about immunizations, medications, and allergies. Additionally, please list questions beforehand and prioritize them to ensure the most important concerns are addressed during the limited time with the doctor.
After the visit, if you have lingering questions, don't hesitate to call the pediatrician's office. A physician's assistant or nurse can often provide answers, or the doctor may return your call later. Prioritizing your child's comfort and being prepared can contribute to a positive and successful pediatric visit.
Find the best pediatrician near you in Tampa
Your child deserves the best pediatric care, and Zocdoc is here to help you find the best pediatrician near you. If you reside in Tampa, Florida, and are looking to book an online or in-person consultation for your child, visit the Zocdoc website, enter your child's condition, insurance carrier, and the date you wish to schedule an appointment. Your search results should display a wide range of top-rated pediatricians in Tampa.
Zocdoc helps you make an informed decision by viewing and comparing each specialist's profile, including their educational background, clinical experience, medical certifications, verified patient reviews, wait time, and location. Most doctors accept new patients and offer same-day appointments, depending on their availability. You can also check whether the doctor you selected is in-network and accepts your insurance by choosing your insurance carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top.
Take the first step towards securing the best pediatric care for your child by utilizing Zocdoc's comprehensive services, connecting you with the best pediatrician near you.
Pediatric statistics in Tampa, Florida
According to the report circulated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021, Florida employs 1,020 pediatricians, among other states like California, New York, and Texas, which also have a high level of employment.
The Florida Birth Defects Registry (FBDR) report, published by the Florida Department of Health, displays a list of congenital disabilities identified in infants in Florida from 2013 to 2017. This report includes 27,376 congenital disabilities, 2,305 cases of congenital heart disease (CHD), 1,415 cases of Down syndrome, over 1000 cases of cleft lip, and nearly 800 cases of nervous system conditions.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics[1]
American Academy of Pediatrics[2]
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Florida Department of Health
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
Children's Specialty Care Coalition
CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
