Pediatric care

Focus	Health care of infants, children, and adolescents

Pediatric care is a branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. The age limit typically ranges from birth up to 18 years, although some pediatricians may continue to provide care for young adults until age 21. Pediatric care is a specialized field that requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique physiological and psychological needs of children.

History

The field of pediatrics is relatively new compared to other medical specialties. The first pediatric hospital, the Hôpital des Enfants Malades, was established in Paris in 1802. The development of pediatrics as a distinct field of medicine began in the mid-19th century, with the establishment of pediatric societies and journals.

Scope of Pediatric Care

Pediatric care encompasses a wide range of health services, from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Pediatricians are trained to manage the physical, behavioral, and mental health of children.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is a crucial aspect of pediatric care. It includes regular well-child visits, immunizations, and screening tests to monitor growth and development. Pediatricians provide guidance on nutrition, safety, and other aspects of healthy living.

Acute Care

Pediatricians are skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of acute illnesses, such as infections, injuries, and other urgent health issues. They are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of serious conditions that require immediate attention.

Chronic Conditions

Pediatricians also manage chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. They work closely with families to develop long-term management plans that address the medical, emotional, and social needs of the child.

Subspecialties

Pediatrics includes several subspecialties that focus on specific areas of child health. These include:

• Neonatology: Care of newborn infants, especially the ill or premature newborn.
• Pediatric cardiology: Diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in children.
• Pediatric oncology: Treatment of cancer in children.
• Pediatric neurology: Management of neurological disorders in children.

Training and Education

To become a pediatrician, one must complete medical school followed by a residency in pediatrics, which typically lasts three years. Some pediatricians choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a subspecialty.

Challenges in Pediatric Care

Pediatricians face unique challenges, such as communicating effectively with children and their families, addressing developmental and behavioral issues, and advocating for children's health and well-being in the community.

Also see

• Child development
• Adolescent medicine
• Family medicine
• Public health

Pediatric glossary of terms | Glossary of medical terms | Dictionary of pediatrics