Pediatrics
Pediatrics is a medical specialty focused on the health and care of patients from infancy through adolescence. Due to differences in how medications are metabolized between children and adults, pediatric patients require specialized treatment approaches. The primary objectives of pediatrics are to reduce infant and child mortality rates, prevent the spread of infectious diseases, promote healthy lifestyles for lifelong wellness, and support children and adolescents with chronic illnesses, helping to ease their challenges.
About Paediatrics
Paediatrics addresses the immediate treatment of illnesses in children and the long-term impacts on quality of life, disability, and survival. Paediatricians focus on the prevention, early detection, and management of various issues, including:
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Developmental abnormalities and delays
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Behavioural concerns
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Functional impairments
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Social and environmental stressors
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Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
Paediatrics is a collaborative field, requiring paediatricians to work closely with other medical professionals, healthcare providers, and pediatric subspecialists to support children with diverse needs.
Paediatric Procedures and Treatments
Pediatrics involves many treatments, with some cases requiring surgical intervention. Pediatric surgery is unique among surgical specialities because it is based on patient age rather than specific conditions. It addresses diseases, injuries, and congenital issues from fetal stages through adolescence.
Common Paediatric Conditions and Treatments:
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Sore Throat: Infants and young children are less likely to contract strep throat unless exposed in group settings, like daycare, or by infected siblings.
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Ear Pain: Common in children and caused by various factors, including ear infections (otitis media), swimmer’s ear, sinus pressure, colds, or even dental issues radiating pain towards the ear.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bacterial infections in the urinary tract can occur from infancy onward. UTIs are treated with antibiotics, and preventive measures are sometimes recommended.
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Skin Infection: Diagnosis and treatment may require a skin test (culture or swab) to identify the infection type. This is essential for children with a history of antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA or staph.
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Bronchitis: More common in adults as chronic bronchitis, this condition in children often results from a viral infection in the airways. While generally not requiring antibiotics, bronchitis is managed with supportive care to relieve symptoms.