What do pediatricians do? Things they do and diseases they treat

Table of Content

• What does a Pediatrician do?

• What diseases do pediatricians treat?

• Take-Home Points

What does a Pediatrician do?

A pediatrician or a child specialist is a doctor who provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric doctors are knowledgeable about common childhood illnesses and the development of children and young adults. They monitor a child’s growth, assess health risks, and advise parents about medical-related issues. 

What does a pediatrician do for the well-being of your child? Generally, pediatric doctors will suggest a schedule of checkups for your baby's health and development. The first appointment should be a few days after birth, and follow-up visits should occur at two weeks, one month, two months, four months, six months, nine months, twelve months, eighteen months, and two years.

Pediatricians or child specialists focus on the physical health and well-being of their patients. They provide preventative care, such as immunizations, to keep children healthy and diagnose and treat pediatric diseases and injuries. Pediatric doctors also provide emotional and psychological support for children and ensure they develop well.

A pediatrician's main job is to assess a baby's health, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatments. A pediatrician or child doctor will measure a child’s height, weight, and other vital signs. They will also ask questions about the child’s general well-being, such as diet, sleeping patterns, and any activities that the child is involved in.

Pediatricians or child specialist may also perform hearing tests, vision screenings, and blood tests. New parents may have many questions about their newborn or  concerns about how they eat, their digestive system (number of wet diapers per day, pooping frequency, color, and consistency of poop), and their sleeping patterns. You can share them with the pediatrician and follow their advice. Have concerns about your baby's health? Book an appointment with your pediatrician now.

If a child is ill, a pediatrician or child doctor will conduct a physical examination and determine the best course of treatment. Depending on the illness, this may involve medication, surgery, or other procedures. Pediatricians or child specialists may sometimes refer patients to specialists to receive more targeted treatments. Pediatric doctors also advise parents about various topics, such as nutrition, safety, proper hygiene, and development. They may also discuss important topics, such as the importance of vaccinations or how to deal with specific behavioral issues.

Pediatric doctors often form long-term relationships with their patients. As a result, they can understand how the child has grown and developed over time. Pediatric doctors also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, specialists, therapists, and social workers, to ensure the patient receives the best possible care.

The various services provided by pediatric doctors include

• Physical examinations, including assessments of height, weight, and vital signs

• Immunizations

• Diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and other medical conditions

• Monitoring growth and development

• Providing emotional and psychological support for children and their parents

• Offering advice on nutrition, safety, hygiene, and other topics

• Referring patients to specialists when needed

• Consulting with other healthcare professionals to ensure the patient receives the best possible care

• Administering tests such as hearing tests, vision screenings, and blood tests.

What diseases do pediatricians treat?

Pediatric doctors specialize in treating children from birth to late adolescence. What diseases do pediatricians treat in children? 

They are trained to diagnose and treat various childhood illnesses and pediatric conditions, from common issues such as colds and fevers to chronic illnesses like asthma or depression.

Here are 16 common pediatric diseases and pediatric conditions, their causes, and a pediatrician's corresponding treatment options:

1. Asthma

The causes of asthma can be genetic, due to allergens, or can be due to viral infections at a very young age. The treatment typically includes medications, lifestyle modifications, allergen avoidance, and environmental control.

2. Allergies 

Treatments may include medications to reduce or eliminate the symptoms, immunotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

3. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella virus and treated with antiviral medication. 

4. Measles

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that can be treated with antiviral medication. 

5. Mumps

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, with sometimes serious or even life-threatening complications, and treated with antiviral medication. 

6. Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is caused by a bacterial infection and is typically treated with antibiotics. 

7. Influenza

Influenza is caused by the influenza virus and is usually treated with antiviral medications. 

8. Ear Infections

Ear infections are caused by bacteria and are often treated with antibiotics. 

9. Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria and is treated with antibiotics. 

10. Adenovirus Infections

The causes and treatment of adenovirus infections vary depending on the type of adenovirus. 

11. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is caused by an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes and is usually treated with rehydration therapy.

12. Diabetes

Diabetes treatment consists of medication, and lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, monitoring blood glucose levels, and regular check-ups.

13. ADHD

Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often includes counselling, educational therapies, behavioural therapies, and medications.

14. Obesity

Treatment for obesity includes dietary changes, increased physical activity, and medications.

15. Sleep disorders

Treatment for sleep disorders may include medications, lifestyle modifications, and/or counselling.

16. Mental health

Treatment for maintaining the child's mental health may include medications, psychotherapy, and/or lifestyle changes.

Pediatricians also counsel families on safety precautions to reduce the risks of injuries and pediatric diseases. They can provide advice on child development and behaviour issues and guide them through life changes such as starting school. Pediatric doctors may recommend lifestyle changes to help manage health conditions or prescribe medications. They often offer nutritional guidance and physical therapy to help children stay healthy and active. 

Pediatricians also work with other medical professionals to coordinate specialized care when needed.

Take-Home Points

• Pediatricians are medical doctors specializing in the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. They provide comprehensive medical care to young patients, including preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of various illnesses and injuries. 

• Pediatricians treat a wide range of diseases and health conditions in children, including asthma, allergies, chickenpox, measles, mumps, whooping cough, influenza, ear infections, strep throat, adenovirus infections, diarrhea, diabetes, ADHD, obesity, sleep disorders, and mental health. 

• Pediatricians also counsel families on safety, child development, and behavior issues and coordinate specialized care. They offer nutritional guidance and physical therapy to help children stay healthy and active.