PEDIATRICS – CHILD CARE

 

What is pediatrics?

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the health care and treatment of children, from newborns to adolescents. A pediatrician deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in children and monitors their physical, emotional, and social development. Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in caring for children, ensuring that young patients receive adequate health care during different stages of growth.

Key things in pediatrics are:

Regular preventive checkups and vaccinations

Treatment of acute and chronic diseases in children

Counseling parents on nutrition, growth and development

Monitoring the emotional and mental health of children

 

What does an examination mean?

A pediatrician’s examination involves a detailed assessment of the child’s health, and its purpose is to monitor growth, development and general health. The examination can be preventive, regular or related to certain health problems that the child has. The pediatrician uses this opportunity to monitor the physical, mental and emotional state of the child, as well as to detect potential health problems at an early stage.

Examination at the pediatrician includes:

Anamnesis (conversation with parents and child)

The pediatrician collects data on the child’s health condition, medical history, nutrition, sleep, vaccinations and daily activities. Parents can express any concerns or observations, while older children can communicate with the pediatrician on their own.

 

Physical examination at the pediatrician

The pediatrician examines the child in detail to assess his general state of health:

Measurement of body weight and height to monitor growth.

Measurement of temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

Examination of the ears, throat, and nose to check for signs of infection or inflammation.

Examination of the lungs and heart with a stethoscope to listen to the heart and airways.

Examination of the abdomen by palpation to check for organ problems.

Reflex and motor skills testing to assess neurological development.

Examining the skin to look for changes, rashes or infections.

 

Monitoring growth and development

The pediatrician monitors whether the child is progressing in accordance with the expected norms for his age. Physical growth, cognitive development and emotional behavior are assessed. Based on this information, the private pediatrician can recommend additional examinations or advice.

Vaccination

 

Regular preventive checkups often include checking vaccination status and receiving vaccines according to the immunization schedule. The pediatrician will inform parents about the required vaccines and schedule the next dose.

Parent counseling

After the examination, the private pediatrician provides advice to parents regarding the child’s diet, hygiene, sleep, physical activity, and behavior. Also, if there are specific problems, appropriate treatment or additional specialist examination is recommended.

Preventive pediatric check-ups are especially important in the first years of life when a child goes through intensive phases of growth and development. In later childhood and adolescence, check-ups are focused on monitoring pubertal development and preventing health problems characteristic of that age.

Regular check-ups with a pediatrician help in the early detection of health problems, which is crucial for their successful treatment and maintaining the child’s good health.

 

How to prepare a child for a pediatrician examination?

 

Preparing your child for a visit to the pediatrician can make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable, especially for younger children who may feel scared or uncomfortable. Here are some tips that can help you prepare your little one for a visit to the pediatric clinic:

Talk about the examination at the pediatrician

Explain to the child in advance that he will go to the doctor. Try to explain to your child in a simple way what the pediatrician will do during the examination.

For example, tell your child that the pediatrician is going to check on how he’s growing and how he’s feeling. Or, they’ll check how big you’ve grown and listen to your belly with headphones to hear how your little belly works.

Understandably, avoid scary words like “pain”, “needles” or “injection” before you know if they will be needed, as they can cause additional fear.

Simulation of a pediatric examination

With small children, you can play “doctor” at home. Use a toy stethoscope, doll, or stuffed animal to simulate what the pediatrician will do. In this way, the child will feel familiar with the basic elements of the examination.

 

Encouraging cooperation

Praise your child and encourage them to cooperate with their pediatrician. Tell them that it is important to be brave and listen to what their pediatrician tells them, as this will help them stay healthy.

 

Bring your favorite toy

A favorite toy, book, or blanket can help a child feel more secure during a pediatric exam. This is especially true for younger children who may feel uncomfortable in a new environment.

 

Dress your child comfortably

Dress your child in clothes that are easy to take on and off, so the examination goes more quickly and easily, especially if the pediatrician needs to perform a physical examination or measure vital signs.

Offer a reward or praise

Praise the child after the examination, regardless of how it went. Apart from praise and awards, it would be nice, you already know how it goes.

 

Stay calm

And finally, perhaps the most important of all the above is that you stay calm. We often forget that children recognize their parents’ mood, so it’s important to stay calm and positive yourself. If you show signs of nervousness or stress, the child can take on those emotions. We know that you are worried and that even the smallest cold of your little one causes fear, but still take care that your child sees what you don’t say – the worry on your face!

An examination by a pediatrician is necessary in various situations, whether it is a regular health check-up, preventive care or due to specific symptoms and health problems. Pediatricians play a key role in monitoring children’s growth and development, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and providing advice to parents on proper child care.

Here are the most common cases when you need to see a pediatrician:

 

Regular preventive checkups

Preventive examinations are crucial for monitoring a child’s health and his physical, mental and emotional development. These inspections are carried out according to the established schedule:

In the first months and years of life, the child should visit the pediatrician regularly in order to monitor the stages of growth and development. During the preschool and school period, examinations are less frequent, but they are still important for monitoring progress and preventing potential health problems.

These checkups often include vaccinations, vision, hearing, motor skills, and general health checks.

Vaccination

Pediatrician check-ups are necessary when it is time to receive vaccines according to the official immunization calendar. Vaccination is key to preventing many infectious diseases, and a pediatrician can provide all the information about vaccines, their effectiveness, and possible adverse reactions.

Symptoms of illness or discomfort

A visit to the pediatrician is necessary in case of the following symptoms:

A high fever that lasts longer than a day in babies, or three days in older children. A cough, runny nose, or trouble breathing that doesn’t go away or gets worse. A skin rash, especially if it spreads, changes shape, or is accompanied by a fever.

Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, especially if dehydration occurs.

Pain in the stomach, head, or ears that doesn’t stop or gets worse.

Changes in behavior, such as lethargy, irritability, or loss of interest in activities. Difficulty sleeping, feeding, or sudden weight loss.

Injuries

In the event of injuries, such as blows to the head, falls, cuts or fractures, a visit to the pediatrician or emergency room is necessary to assess the severity of the injury and provide appropriate assistance.

Developmental difficulties

If the parents notice that the child does not reach developmental milestones (walking, speaking, motor skills) on time or if there is a suspicion of developmental delay, the pediatrician can assess the situation and, if necessary, refer the child to a specialist for further analysis and treatment.

 

Chronic diseases and conditions

Children with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, allergies, or epilepsy require regular check-ups with a pediatrician to monitor their condition and adjust their treatment. The pediatrician may also refer the child for specialist examinations if necessary.

Specific complaints in newborns

Babies and toddlers may show specific symptoms that parents don’t recognize as serious, such as:

Excessive crying, which can be a sign of discomfort or illness.

Feeding problems or reflux.

Sleep problems or prolonged sleepiness.

Preparing for kindergarten or school

Before a child starts kindergarten or school, a medical certificate is often required about the child’s health.

These examinations include a general health check, as well as any vaccinations that the child must receive before entering the group.

Allergies and skin problems

Pediatricians often evaluate and treat allergies to food, dust, pollen, or other substances. If the child has frequent allergic reactions, rashes or eczema, an examination by a pediatrician is necessary for diagnosis and treatment recommendation.

Psychological problems and behavioral changes

If a child shows signs of emotional or psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, concentration problems, or behavioral changes, a pediatrician can be the first step toward making a diagnosis and providing help or referring them to a specialist.

The frequency of visits to the pediatrician depends on the age of the child, his health condition and the pediatrician’s recommendations. Regular examinations are crucial for monitoring physical, mental and emotional development, as well as for disease prevention.

 

Infants (0–12 months)

In the first year of life, regular check-ups are most common because it is a period of intensive growth and development:

The first examination should be done in the first few days or weeks after birth, most often between the 3rd and 5th day.

Then examinations are performed approximately once a month until the 6th month of life.

After the 6th month, check-ups are recommended every 2–3 months until the first birthday.

These examinations include measuring body weight, height, head circumference, as well as monitoring motor and cognitive development. Vaccinations are also performed according to the immunization calendar.

 

Babies and toddlers (1–3 years)

After the first year of life, examinations are not so frequent, but they are still necessary:

They are usually performed every 6 months until the third year.

Examinations during this period include monitoring of growth, nutrition, speech and motor development, as well as the child’s general health.

Regular check-ups at the pediatric clinic during this period allow for timely detection of any developmental problems and correction of behavior if necessary.

 

Preschool period (3–6 years)

Children at this age usually go for a check-up once a year, unless there are specific health problems or needs.

During this period, the pediatrician monitors physical development, speech, social skills, and emotional behavior.

Preparations are also being made for kindergarten and school, with special emphasis on vision, hearing, and immunization checks.

 

School age (6-12 years)

At this age, examinations are usually performed once a year, which is enough to monitor growth and development, as well as to solve problems related to going to school, learning and behavior.

Examinations may include checking vision, hearing, posture, weight and height.

During this period, children may begin to have health problems specific to school age, such as concentration problems, anxiety or vision problems.

 

Adolescents (12-18 years old)

During adolescence, check-ups are performed annually or as needed to monitor pubertal development, hormonal changes, and psychological health.

A pediatrician can pay attention to pubertal changes, emotional challenges, and issues related to nutrition and physical activity.

Adolescents face issues such as mental health, anxiety, stress and social pressures and it is important that they have regular check-ups to identify potential problems in time.

 

Special situations or health problems

If a child has chronic illnesses, developmental difficulties, or specific health problems, check-ups may be more frequent:

Children with asthma, diabetes, allergies, or developmental problems may need to visit the pediatrician more often for therapy adjustments and health monitoring.

Also, children who are experiencing emotional or psychological problems may require more regular consultations with a pediatrician or specialist.

 

Soon in our Clinic there will a pediatrics department where your kid can feel happy and relaxed.

For further information, you can contact us at the following phone numbers:

+387 33 781 735

+387 62 048 119

or at the following e-mail:

info@northwesternmedicalctr.com

or visit us at the following address:

Bulevar Mese Selimovica 17a, Sarajevo

Visit the place where the beauty of life is created!

 

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