What is pediatrics?
Pediatrics is the medical specialty area that focuses on the needs of young people from birth until the age of 18. Pediatricians have specialized training in the developmental needs of children as well as preventive care and the illnesses and injuries that are common during childhood.
Pediatricians offer preventive health care, such as well-child visits, sports physicals, and immunizations. They also diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses. For example, whether you’re having a routine scheduled checkup or a walk-in sick visit, your pediatrician can diagnose:
- Injuries
- Infections
- Genetic and congenital conditions
- Cancers
- Organ disease
- Functional disabilities
Your pediatrician can also help identify and manage developmental delays, behavioral problems, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. While every child develops at their own pace, your pediatrician can provide help if your child isn’t reaching milestones as expected.
When should my child see a pediatrician?
When your child is an infant and toddler, they should have frequent well-child visits with your provider at Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, PLLC. From the age of 3, they should have annual wellness visits.
However, you can make appointments for your child at any time if you’re concerned about their health or wellness. For example, some of the warning signs your child needs to see a doctor include:
- Fever
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Ear pain
- Pain while urinating
- A rash that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
- Trouble breathing
Most children don’t need to see a doctor for a cough or a cold, but if your little one is younger than three months, has white patches in their throat, or their symptoms last longer than a week, you should make an appointment with their doctor.
In addition to a walk-in clinic, the team at Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, PLLC, offers same-day and next-day appointments whenever possible.
How is medical care different for children than for adults?
Physiologically, children aren’t mini-adults and need specialized care to manage their unique needs as they grow up.
For example, children have smaller hearts and airways, as well as lower blood volumes than adults. This fact means their bodies have to work harder to move blood and oxygen around the body. Additionally, different organs, including their brains and bones, aren’t fully developed, which means they have a higher risk of internal injuries, infections, and complications.
Additionally, children aren’t always able to communicate precisely about what hurts or what’s wrong. Pediatricians can help your child feel safe in the treatment room and assess their nonverbal clues.
If you’re looking for expert and compassionate pediatric care, call Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, PLLC, or make an appointment online today.
