- 7/24 Live Call Center
Pediatrics provides specialized medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Learn about routine screenings, vaccinations, and treatments.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Pediatrics (pronounced pee-dee-AT-ricks) is the medical field dedicated to the health and care of children. This specialty covers a person’s entire journey from birth up through their transition into young adulthood, usually around age 18 to 21. A pediatrician is the doctor who practices this specialty. They are experts in child development and in treating the unique illnesses that affect growing bodies.
Pediatrics is not simply “adult medicine for kids.” It is a specialized field because children’s bodies react differently to illness, medicine, and injury compared to adults. The focus is on holistic care, meaning the pediatrician looks at the whole child, their body, their mind, and their behavior. This complete approach ensures children are thriving in all areas of their lives, not just free from sickness.
The term Pediatrics is built from two powerful words taken from the ancient Greek language. Understanding these words helps explain the core mission of the doctor in this field.
This history defines the pediatrician as a dedicated “child healer.” They are specifically trained to communicate with children, build trust, and address the concerns of parents and caregivers.
The scope of a pediatrician is vast because they serve as the primary care provider for the child. This means they are the main doctor the child sees for almost all routine and sudden health issues.
Their responsibilities are wide-ranging and include:
It is crucial to know the distinction between a pediatrician and other doctors. A pediatrician is not a general doctor for the whole family; they stop providing care when the person becomes an adult.
Also, pediatricians are usually non-surgical doctors. If a child needs a heart operation or surgery for a broken bone, the pediatrician will refer them to a pediatric surgeon. The pediatrician manages the child’s care, but the surgeon performs the specialized procedure.
A major part of pediatrics is preventive care, which focuses on keeping the child healthy rather than just treating them when they are sick. This is essential for long-term health.
Preventive duties include:
Pediatricians treat conditions that affect every part of the child’s body. These diseases are broadly grouped based on their cause or effect.
These categories include:
While a pediatrician cares for the total child, certain organ systems are often monitored closely due to common childhood issues and rapid growth.
These systems are:
A key difference in pediatric care is the constant checking of developmental milestones. These are the skills most children achieve by a certain age, like rolling over, walking, or using simple sentences.
Tracking milestones helps the doctor:
Pediatrics is regarded as one of the most vital fields in all of medicine. By ensuring children are healthy, pediatricians are protecting the public health of the entire community.
Pediatric care is important because:
For complicated or rare conditions, a general pediatrician will refer the patient to a pediatric subspecialist. These doctors have years of training dedicated to one specific body part or disease.
Major subspecialty areas are:
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Pediatrics is the specialized medical care for anyone from birth through young adulthood. A pediatrician is the doctor who provides this care. Their job involves managing all aspects of a child’s health: giving vaccines, treating common sicknesses, and watching their growth and development over time.
A pediatrician treats almost every health problem that affects children. This ranges from simple ear infections and rashes to managing long-term, or chronic, problems like asthma, childhood diabetes, or severe allergies. They also handle injuries and refer for surgery when needed.
Children’s diseases are mainly categorized as infectious diseases (illnesses caused by germs), chronic conditions (long-term problems like asthma or Type 1 diabetes), and developmental disorders (issues with behavior, speech, or learning).
You should see a pediatrician for all scheduled well-child visits, which are check-ups to make sure the child is growing well and getting necessary vaccines. You must also see them whenever your child is sick, injured, or if you have any worries about their development or behavior.
Pediatrics is a medical specialty focused only on children and their unique developmental needs. A Family Medicine doctor is trained to look after people of all ages, from babies and children to adults and seniors. A pediatrician offers more in-depth expertise on the specific issues of a growing person.
Nocturnal asthma is a big problem for many people with asthma. Studies show that about 40 to 60 percent of asthma sufferers have nocturnal symptoms.
Learn asthma physiopathology essentials. Read the essential facts on how triggers lead to irreversible airway remodeling over time. Understanding the pathophysiology of asthma is key
Understanding asthma pathophysiology is key to effective care. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways. It involves complex interactions between airflow issues, bronchial
Learn how to stop an asthma cough at night effectively. Follow 5 proven tips to quiet your lungs and ensure better sleep quality. Nocturnal asthma
Asking why is asthma worse at night? Learn the vital causes, from temperature drops to hormone shifts, and find solutions. Nocturnal asthma, a condition where
