Pediatric Medicine

Pediatric Medicine is a specialized branch of healthcare focused on the comprehensive care, diagnosis, and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents up to the age of 18. It encompasses a wide range of medical disciplines, all tailored to address the unique physical, emotional, and developmental needs of young individuals. Paediatricians play a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the health and well-being of children, ensuring they grow and thrive to reach their full potential. 

Diseases Treated By The Department

• Respiratory Infections: Pediatricians diagnose and manage common respiratory infections like the common cold, influenza (flu), bronchitis, pneumonia, and croup.
• Asthma: Pediatricians treat and provide ongoing management for asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that can cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing in children.
• Allergies: Allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), food allergies, and allergic skin conditions like eczema, are evaluated and treated.
• Ear Infections: Otitis media, or middle ear infections, are common in children. Paediatricians diagnose and provide treatment, which may include antibiotics or surgical intervention in some cases.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Pediatricians manage gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroenteritis, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Infectious Diseases: The department provides care for various infectious diseases, including strep throat, urinary tract infections, and skin infections like cellulitis.
• Childhood Vaccinations: Pediatricians administer vaccines to protect children from preventable diseases, following recommended immunization schedules.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Pediatricians manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and juvenile arthritis, coordinating care and monitoring for optimal health.
• Developmental Delays: Children with developmental delays or concerns about developmental milestones receive assessments and early interventions to support their development.
• Behavioural and Mental Health: Pediatricians address behavioural and mental health issues, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorders.
• Childhood Obesity: Pediatricians work with families to address childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise.
• Skin Conditions: Common skin conditions like acne, eczema, warts, and fungal infections are diagnosed and treated.
• Genetic Disorders: Pediatricians provide care and counselling for children with genetic disorders or conditions with a genetic component.
• Childhood Cancer: Pediatric oncologists within the department treat children with various types of cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and brain tumours.
• Injury Management: Pediatricians treat injuries, including fractures, burns, and sports-related injuries, ensuring proper healing and rehabilitation.
• Neonatal Care: Neonatologists specialize in the care of newborns, especially those born prematurely or with medical complications.

Key Responsibilities/Procedures

Common procedures conducted by the Pediatric Medicine department include:

• Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to recommended immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Physical Examinations: Conduct regular well-child check-ups to monitor growth and development, assess vital signs, and address any health concerns.
• Nasal Swabs: Collecting nasal swabs for the diagnosis of respiratory infections, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Earwax Removal: Safely removing excessive earwax or foreign objects from the ear canal.
• Intravenous (IV) Placement: Inserting IV lines for the administration of fluids, medications, or nutrients to children who are dehydrated or require intravenous treatment.
• Nebulizer Treatments: Administering nebulized medications to manage respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchiolitis.
• Casting and Splinting: Applying casts or splints to treat fractures, sprains, or musculoskeletal injuries in children.
• Incision and Drainage (I&D): Draining abscesses or collections of pus, commonly found in skin and soft tissue infections.
• Wound Care: Cleaning, dressing, and managing wounds, cuts, or burns to promote healing and prevent infection.
• Nasogastric (NG) Tube Placement: Inserting NG tubes to provide nutrition, medications, or decompression of the stomach in children who cannot eat or drink normally.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal to diagnose or rule out conditions like meningitis or central nervous system disorders.
• Chest X-rays: Performing chest X-rays to evaluate the lungs and chest cavity for conditions such as pneumonia or respiratory distress.
• Abdominal Ultrasound: Using ultrasound imaging to assess abdominal organs and diagnose conditions like appendicitis or kidney abnormalities.
• Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): Recording the electrical activity of the heart to evaluate cardiac function and detect arrhythmias or heart conditions.
• Vision and Hearing Screening: Conducting simple vision and hearing tests to identify potential issues that may require further evaluation.
• Allergy Testing: Performing skin prick tests or blood tests to identify allergies to specific substances or allergens.
• Developmental and Behavioral Assessments: Conduct assessments to evaluate developmental milestones, cognitive function, and behavioural concerns.

Key Advantages

• Early Intervention: Pediatricians play a crucial role in early detection and intervention for developmental delays, allowing children to receive the support they need to thrive.
• Prevention of Serious Illnesses: Through vaccinations and preventive measures, paediatricians protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
• Empowerment of Parents: By providing education and guidance, pediatricians empower parents to make informed decisions about their child's health and well-being.
• Optimal Growth and Development: Pediatric medicine ensures that children have the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential, both physically and intellectually.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: By managing chronic conditions and providing specialized care, paediatricians contribute to a higher quality of life for children with ongoing health needs.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.