Role of Pediatric Care in Your Child’s Health Maintenance

What is Pediatric Care

Caring for kids is a wild ride, isn’t it? From deciphering their mysterious cries to handling their endless energy. Being a parent keeps you on your toes.

You find yourself in constant worry if you are doing enough to take care of your child’s health. What’s normal? What’s not? And how to be sure that your child is growing strong and healthy?

That’s where Pediatric Care steps in. Offering expert guidance about your child’s health. Managing common illnesses & timely detecting potential health issues. Whether it’s sniffles, vaccinations, or those mysterious rashes. Pediatrics has a solution for all your kiddo’s problems.

At Main Street Medical Centre, we understand the concerns related to children’s health. Our GP-owned and managed clinic offers comprehensive specialised paediatric health services. Combining expert knowledge with a whole lot of heart to keep your kids smiling.

Let’s start our guide to pediatric care & equip you with all the needed knowledge.

What Is Pediatric Care?

Pediatric Care is the branch of medicine dedicated to infants, children, and adolescents. It manages various problems affecting children’s physical, emotional, and social health.

Pediatrics is a broad spectrum of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic healthcare. Right in accordance with tailored the needs of growing bodies and minds. General pediatricians work with other specialists like paediatric nurses & staff. So, children can receive personalised care that promotes their overall well-being.

Pediatricians consider growth and developmental changes in growing individuals. That makes them different from adult patients. All these factors decide the course of care to maximise the outcome of treatment.

Let’s find out how specialised care for children actually started.

History of Pediatric Medicine

The roots of pediatric medicine can be traced back to the 5th century B.C. When early physicians identified the need for distinct care for children. In ancient India, there were separate children’s doctors called “kumara bhrtya”.

Greek philosophers and physicians also believed in:

“Ex toto non sic pueri ut viri curari debent”

(“Boys should not be treated in the same way as men”)

However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that pediatrics emerged as a field of specialisation. With introduction of the term “pediatrics” in 1859 by Abraham Jacobi. He is the first professor of pediatrics in the world and also known as the father of pediatrics.

With advancements in medical science, the focus to understanding child development illnesses further enhanced. Now, pediatrics is working as a vast field in Australia and all over the world. It manages and treat a wide variety of conditions. Read on to find about them.

Conditions Treated by Specialised Paediatric Health Services

Children encounter various health challenges as they grow. Specialised paediatric health services address all those concerns comprehensively. Some common health conditions that can affect children’s health, behaviour and learning include:

CategoryExamples
Acute illnessesCommon colds, flu, and infections
Chronic conditionsAsthma, diabetes, and epilepsy
Genetic AbnormalitiesDown syndrome, Edward syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome
Brain ConditionsEpilepsy, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida
Muscle or Brain ProblemsDevelopment dysplasia, bow legs, osteogenesis imperfecta
Developmental issuesDelayed milestones, speech disorders, or learning difficulties
Congenital diseasesHeart defects, bodily anomalies, and metabolic syndromes
Mental healthAutism, ADHD, conduct disorder (CD), and learning problems
Behaviour challengesAggression, disobedience, anxiety, and sleep problems
Minor illnessesAllergies, constipation, and faecal incontinence

Early diagnosis and intervention by pediatrics manage all these conditions & give better outcomes. Let’s learn how pediatric health care professionals make things easier for your child.

Importance of Pediatric Care

1. Specialised Care for Children

Children’s bodies are growing and going through several changes all the time. They require unique understanding & care for their every developmental stage. Pediatric care provides them with age-appropriate treatments and interventions. So, optimal growth and development can happen.

2. Monitoring Developmental Milestones

Tracking a child’s growth and development is essential to find delays or abnormalities. So, a paediatrician can identify what is normal at a specific age and what is abnormal. General pediatricians assess the developmental progress and rule out any anomalies. Offering guidance and interventions when necessary.

3. Administering Vaccinations

Immunisations protect children from serious conditions and seasonal illnesses. Including measles, hepatitis, polio, and whooping cough. Timely vaccinations and their regular tracking are part of Pediatric Care. They safeguard children and the community from preventable diseases.

4. Screening for Congenital Diseases

Newborn screening is a vital part of pediatric medicine. It helps detect genetic anomalies and birth complications early. So timely intervention is made possible before it can escalate into anything serious or lethal. These conditions include sensory impairments, metabolic disorders, and others.

5. Early Detection of Long-Term Conditions

Chronic conditions, like diabetes or autism, always benefit from early diagnosis. If they are detected in childhood and regular management is started. The wellness of child can be protected for later life stages. Pediatric care online resources coupled with in-person consultations help manage these conditions.

Let’s see how a paediatrician can be qualified enough to provide such a wide range of services.

Qualifications to Become a Paediatrician in Australia

Becoming a pediatrician in Australia is a long journey requiring dedication and extensive training. Aspiring pediatric health care professionals complete the following to handle the diverse needs of young patients.

  1. Medical degree: Five to six years of study in medicine
  2. Internship and residency: Two years of general training
  3. Paediatric training: At least six years of paediatric training
  4. Specialisation: In any of the subfield of pediatrics

Read on to get the details of specialisation options.

Specialisations in Pediatric Care | 12 Options

Here’s an overview of the most common specialisations in pediatric care. And how they contribute to the health and well-being of children.

SpecialisationWho They AreWhat They Do
NeonatologySpecialise in the health of newborns, especially in case of preterm or medically complex births.– Care for preterm and low birth weight babies.
– Manage congenital conditions detected at birth.
– Address neonatal jaundice and respiratory distress.
Pediatric CardiologyFocus on diagnosing and treating heart conditions in children.– Diagnose and treat congenital heart defects.
– Manage arrhythmias and heart disease.
– Provide long-term care for cardiovascular conditions.
Pediatric NeurologyManage disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.– Treat epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and neurogenetic disorders.
– Manage migraines and chronic headaches.
– Address developmental delays.
Pediatric OncologyDedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer in children.– Treat leukaemia, lymphoma, and tumours.
– Provide chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
– Offer long-term care for cancer survivors.
Developmental & Behavioural PediatricsFocus on developmental milestones and behavioural health.– Assess delays in speech and motor skills.
– Manage autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
– Help with ADHD and learning disabilities.
Pediatric EndocrinologyExpertise in hormonal and metabolic disorders in children.– Treat diabetes, including Type 1.
– Manage growth disorders like gigantism or short stature.
– Address thyroid and adrenal issues.
Pediatric GastroenterologySpecialises in digestive health and related conditions.– Manage Crohn’s disease, colitis, and reflux.
– Treat chronic abdominal pain and food intolerances.
– Address liver diseases.
Pediatric PulmonologyDeal with lungs and respiratory health.– Treat asthma and chronic respiratory conditions.
– Manage sleep apnoea and recurring infections.
– Support children with breathing issues.
Pediatric OrthopaedicsHandling musculoskeletal issues in children.– Treat fractures, sprains, and scoliosis.
– Address clubfoot or hip dysplasia.
– Restore mobility for active, growing kids.
Pediatric NephrologyManage kidney health and urinary disorders in children.– Treat UTIs and bedwetting.
– Manage chronic kidney disease.
– Address high blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances.
Pediatric RheumatologySpecialise in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders in children.– Manage juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
– Diagnose lupus and connective tissue issues.
– Treat inflammation and chronic pain.
Adolescent MedicineFocused on the unique challenges of teenage health and development.– Address hormonal changes and growth concerns.
– Manage eating disorders and mental health.
– Provide care for sexual and reproductive health.

But the pediatrician is not the only one involved in specialised care for children. There is a whole team of healthcare providers including pediatric nurses and other supporting staff. Let’s find out the duties of pediatric nurses in providing specialised childcare.

Role of a Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses work along with general or specialised pediatricians to deliver comprehensive childcare. They:

  • Assist in vaccinations and health screenings
  • Educate families on managing conditions at home
  • Provide emotional support to children during medical procedures
  • Monitor growth and developmental progress

Their role bridges the gap between families and healthcare providers. They also make a bond with children to ensure a comfortable treatment environment. But every child specialist can’t provide the same level of care. Let’s talk about what to look for in a pediatrician to get optimal care for your child.

How to Choose a Paediatrician for Your Child?

Selecting the right paediatrician directly affects your child’s health and welfare. Here’s what to consider while making this important decision.

CriteriaDescription
Qualifications and experienceMake sure that they are accredited and have proper qualifications.
ApproachabilityChoose someone who listens and communicates effectively.
Clinic facilitiesCheck the access to comprehensive services needed for diagnosis of your child.
Location and availabilitySelect a conveniently located clinic with flexible appointment options.

Always choose wisely for your child and get prepared for every visit. So, none of the health aspect of your child can get overlooked.

How to Get Prepared for a Paediatric Visit?

Preparation can make a smooth paediatric visit possible for you. While visiting a pediatrician, don’t forget to bring these essentials with you.

  • Your child’s vaccination record
  • A written list of symptoms or concerns
  • Any previous medical reports or test results
  • A favourite toy or comfort item for your child

Also, make sure to:

  • Discuss each concern in detail.
  • Ask maximum question.
  • Be honest and clear in giving information about your child’s behaviour.
  • Keep your kid comfortable during the assessment procedure.

When you are properly prepared and cooperate in the treatment process. Pediatric health care professionals can provide accurate and efficient care to your kid.

Looking For Trusted Perth Paediatrics Services?

Choose Main Street Medical Centre for Exceptional Pediatric Care

At Main Street Medical Centre, we provide comprehensive, empathetic, and high-quality pediatric care. Our team of dedicated professionals combines clinical excellence with a patient-centred approach. So, your child’s health and well-being can be prioritised.

Located in the heart of Osborne Park. Our clinic offers a warm and welcoming environment for families. With a team committed to maintaining the highest standards of care.

Take the first step towards a healthier future for your child.

Book Your Pediatric Care Appointment

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