Pediatrics is a field of medicine that handles medical concerns and issues in infants up to adolescents. Parents have high regard and a level of trust for their pediatricians when it comes to handling various problems. Besides regular check-ups and vaccinations pediatricians also keep a medical history of each child for future reference. In Lehi and other cities, pediatric doctors have a further field of specialization apart from general practice. Knowing your doctor’s specialization or subspecialties can help a lot in emergencies. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
Pediatric Allergist
Parents would never know what their child is allergic to until he or she gets a reaction. In severe cases, allergies can cause anaphylactic shock which can be deadly. It is crucial to get expert advice from a pediatric allergist to start the course of treatment. The allergist will also give the parents advice on how to prevent the attack from happening again. The doctor will discuss triggers, common allergens, and how parents and child can manage the symptoms when it happens.
Pediatric Cardiology
A family with a history of heart issues or a congenital heart problem merits close consultation and monitoring from a pediatric cardiologist. These specialists will help the family deal with and manage potential problems as the child grows. He is also in the best position to determine if the child will require surgery or other life-saving procedures in the future. As the child grows up, the cardiologist will continue to do tests to assure that it is safe for the child to engage in sports or other strenuous activities.
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Children with developmental, learning, or behavioral delays need to be checked by a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician. These doctors have been trained and are experts in tracking the mental and physical development of each child. They will evaluate and assess the condition and discuss all possible treatment alternatives. In cases of special needs or delayed development, the doctor will advise parents and caregivers on how to best care for the child and make his or her life comfortable and productive.
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Doctors specializing in pediatric endocrinology help parents and children handle glandular disorders or diseases including diabetes, growth problems, hormonal imbalance such as hyper or hypothyroidism, and others.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Doctors specializing in this field know how to handle kids and make them feel comfortable while conducting tests to diagnose and treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be challenging and uncomfortable to check the esophagus, stomach, and other internal organs of very young patients. However, these doctors have advanced bedside manners and were trained to be very patient with kids. Depending on the results, the doctor may refer the family to a nutritionist for special meals or dietary requirements.
Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist
Children with blood disorders and cancer will have plenty of hospital visits. They are placed under the care of a pediatric hematologist and oncologist who are trained to relate and talk to children and their parents about their condition.
Pediatric Pulmonologist
These are doctors who are experts in dealing with infants and children with lung problems. It may be a chronic cough, recurring pneumonia, sleep disorder, and other conditions that need the specialized treatment that only a pediatric pulmonologist can provide.
Parents may take their children to a general practitioner for regular checkups, but in case of serious medical conditions, they will be referred to pediatric specialists. Children are treated with more care and patience than adults ones and pediatricians have been trained to make the treatment more pleasant and less painful for them.
