When your little one has a cold, or when you have a small question about his development, who do we go to? Most of the time, we go to a pediatrician, or as we all know, a 'Pediatrician', right? So, who is this pediatrician? What is the role of that doctor, and how can he help you and your child, let's find out in this article today.
Simply put, a pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the health of children. That is, he or she treats all illnesses and health problems that children may have from birth to adolescence (usually between the ages of 18 and 21), and also advises them on how to protect themselves from illness. Children's bodies and the way they develop illnesses are very different from adults. So these doctors understand that difference and treat them accordingly.
What exactly does a pediatrician do?
The work a pediatrician does can vary depending on their specialty. But in general, the field ranges from the general pediatrician, who is the first point of contact for every parent, to sub-specialists who treat serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Let's take a look at each of these areas separately.
| Pediatrics specialty type | Role and conditions treated |
|---|---|
| General Pediatrician | This is your child's primary health care provider. They do things like monthly and annual check-ups, give vaccinations, check growth (measure height, weight, head circumference), and treat common illnesses (fever, cough, cold). They also advise parents about their child's nutrition, behavioral problems, and minor accidents. |
| Pediatric Allergist | Does your child have allergies, such as frequent rashes, hives, or food allergies? Or does he have a condition like asthma? In such cases, your regular pediatrician will refer you to this specialist. He or she specializes in diseases related to the immune system of children, such as asthma, hives, eczema, and other immune system disorders. |
| Pediatric Oncologist | We are scared when we hear the word cancer. But just like adults, sometimes children can also develop cancer. In such cases, these doctors, who have received special training in the types of cancer specific to children (e.g. leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma), treat them. Since childhood cancers are different from adult cancers, they require special treatment plans. |
| Pediatric Cardiologist | Some children are born with certain heart problems (congenital heart disease). Also, heart conditions can develop later. These specialists treat all heart problems in children and young people, such as heart defects and valve problems. |
Other sub-specialties
In addition to the four areas we have discussed, there are many other sub-specialties in the field of pediatrics. Some of them are:
- Pediatric Endocrinology: Hormone-related problems such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and growth failure.
- Pediatric Neurology: Diseases related to the nervous system, such as epilepsy and brain development problems.
- Pediatric Gastroenterology: Long-term problems with the digestive system, nutritional deficiencies.
- Pediatric Nephrology: Problems with kidney function.
- Pediatric Pulmonology: Complex lung conditions.
Most importantly, each of these specialists understands how sensitive a child's body and mind are, and how they differ from adults.
How do you study to become a pediatrician?
This is also worth knowing. Becoming a pediatrician is not an easy journey. It takes a lot of dedication and a long period of education. In our country, you have to pass the Advanced Level Biology section with the highest marks and then enter the Faculty of Medicine.
You qualify as a doctor after completing a 5-year medical degree and a one-year internship.
Then, to become a pediatrician, you need to complete several additional years of post-graduate training. During this time, they work in children's hospitals, learning firsthand how to diagnose and treat children's diseases, and manage complex cases. If you are studying a subspecialty, as we discussed earlier, you will need to complete even more training.
If you have these symptoms, definitely see a doctor.
As a parent, it's important to keep an eye on your child. If you notice any unusual symptoms that are different from a common cold, don't ignore them. See your pediatrician right away, especially if you have any of the following symptoms:
| Symptoms to watch out for | What to do? |
|---|---|
| High fever that lasts for several days | Especially if the baby is young, if there are other symptoms (loss of appetite, lethargy) along with the fever, take him to the doctor immediately. |
| Severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing | This could be a sign of a bacterial infection. Your doctor will examine you and provide you with the necessary treatment. |
| Persistent diarrhea or vomiting | The child may become dehydrated. This can be dangerous, so seek treatment immediately. |
| A cough that is persistent or causes difficulty breathing | This could be a sign of a condition such as asthma or pneumonia. |
| Passing out or having a fit | This is an emergency. Take the child to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
Remember, if you have even the slightest doubt or fear about your child, don't brush it aside thinking, "This is something minor." Never be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the health of children from birth to young adulthood.
- They treat a wide range of conditions, from normal child development, vaccinations, and minor illnesses to serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
- If your child has a specific problem, such as allergies or heart disease, there are sub-specialist doctors who are specially trained for that.
- If you have any concerns or doubts about your child's health or development, never hesitate to talk to your pediatrician.
- In case of an emergency such as high fever, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, immediately take the child to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
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