You might have come across the word “Peads” in many Hospitals and may have wondered what does it actually mean,
Pediatric (commonly known as paeds) is a branch of medicine which deals in medical care provided to infants, children and adolescents and a medical doctor who specializes in this field is called a Pediatrician.
Problems Related To Pediatrics
Infants and children are more prone to infectious diseases and the main aim of Pediatrics is to prevent the spread of these disease and hence improve the quality of life and promote healthy and long disease-free life.
The most common disease related to infants and children are as follows:
- Developmental delays and disorders
- Functional disabilities
- Behavioural problems
- Genetic and congenital conditions
- High grade fever
- Common Cold
- Influenza
- Gastroenteritis
- Fifth disease
- Whooping cough (Pertussis)
- Scarlet fever
- Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
- Croup
- Reye’s Syndrome
- Pinkeye
- Pinworms infestation
- Hepatitis A
- Mumps
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
When To See A Paediatrician
Early detection and appropriate treatment can lead to better outcomes for children, since infants and children are more fragile and they need to be handled carefully in a friendly environment.
A pediatrician has expertise to console children and give best treatment at the same time. Infants and children need periodic visits to a pediatrician for their general wellness. A pediatrician may administer vaccinations at these visits, if required. Usually the age group bound to visit a pediatrician is 0-18 (by birth to 18 years of age). However, the upper age limit is 21 years of age.
Moreover, if your child shows any of the symptoms listed below, then it is high time to visit a pediatrician for proper management of signs and symptoms:
Dehydration:
If you feel that your child has sunken eyes and he/she is not participating in any activity and feels extremely lethargic all the time, then it might be a sign of dehydration. In case of infants usually the soft spot on the head indicates the level of hydration if that area is sunken then dehydration might be the cause.
You should also pay attention if your child is urinating less than normal ( less than three or four times a day).
High Grade Fever:
If you feel your child’s body temperature is raised above 101°F then its time to seek medical attention and visit a pediatrician at the earliest, as the fever can be a sign of some underlying inflammation.
Loss of Appetite:
When your child abandons/stops eating or eats less than half what he/she used to for more than 2 days you should consult the pediatrician as this might be a sign of some psychological problem or some serious underlying illness.
Breathing Difficulty:
If your child experiences any sort of difficulty in breathing may it be fast breathing or long pauses during between each breath, in both cases immediate medical attention should be provided to the child.
MUMPS:
It is highly contagious disease caused by a virus, usually affecting children. There is pain in swollen salivary glands on both sides of the face, generalized weakness, muscle aches and loss of appetite with low grade fever.
Measles:
It is a contagious respiratory infection that causes flu-like symptoms and total body skin rash. Not all rashes that present in childhood are due to measles but as a parent if you suspect measles you should consult a pediatrician.
Pinworm Infestation:
If you find your child scratching his bottom repeatedly then it might be due to some tiny parasites. And you need to see a doctor to get rid of such parasites.
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease:
The most peculiar sign of this disease is painful sores in the mouth and throat accompanied by red blisters on hands and soles of feet that last seven to ten days.
There are many other diseases besides the ones mentioned above and one should immediately seek medical attention whenever any change in normal functioning is observed.
Where Do I Get Affordable Pediatric Treatment In Rawalpindi?
If you live in Rawalpindi and want to see a trained Pediatrician then AL-KHIDMAT RAAZI Hospital is the ultimate place to visit where you can get very friendly and clean environment for your child and the services offered are remarkable with very nominal charges.