How Pediatricians Help Children Lead Healthier Lives
A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in children's health and may treat kids from infancy until their young adult years. Parents can bring their children to a pediatrician for a variety of medical services that can promote better development as they grow. Here are a few of the specific services that pediatricians offer to help children lead the healthiest lives possible.
Vaccinations
Children should get vaccinated to prevent several illnesses and diseases. Some vaccines can last a lifetime while others need to be administered at certain intervals to keep children healthy. To get vaccinated, a child can receive a single shot or a series of shots to stay protected against certain illnesses and diseases that can cause serious health problems. Young patients are often brought to pediatricians to get vaccinated against:
- Tetanus
- Diptheria
- Polio
- Meningitis
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
Allergy Diagnosis
Many children are especially prone to allergies, and pediatricians can often help alleviate symptoms and prevent future outbreaks. The pediatrician will try to find out what is causing a specific allergy and may refer a child to an allergist if further testing should be done. Whether a child's allergic reactions are being caused by irritants in the atmosphere, products that they use or foods that they eat, a pediatrician can recommend the modifications that should be made to prevent future allergic reactions and may also prescribe medication if reactions are severe. Allergy shots may also be given to reduce symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.
Illness and Disease Treatment
If a child gets sick because of a viral or bacterial infection or some other cause, a pediatrician can provide the proper care to try to treat the condition. If a condition is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed as treatment. Pediatricians often administer treatments that can reduce symptoms of viral infections until children's immune systems can clear up the condition on their own. If hospitalization is required, a pediatrician can play a major role in overseeing the child's care.
Injury Treatment
Children are often more susceptible to injuries that are sustained from playing or participating in sports, and pediatricians regularly see children who get hurt from these activities. Physical examinations and imaging tests can be performed to help diagnose the condition so that the pediatrician can advise the best treatment plan. Pediatricians can also advise children on how to help their injuries heal faster and prevent future injuries.
Dietary Recommendations
Proper nutrition is especially important as children develop, and a pediatrician can offer dietary recommendations that can help ensure better health from an early age. The pediatrician will try to ensure that a child is getting enough essential vitamins and nutrients in their diet by eating healthy foods while avoiding junk foods that contain high amounts of sugar, fat and calories. Pediatricians can suggest nutritious meal plans that should be easy for most children to follow.
Every child should have the opportunity to receive quality care from a pediatrician who is able to address their specific health care needs. Parents who want to give their children the best care possible can schedule an appointment with a local pediatrician who always devotes enough time to each young patient.
Share