Pediatrics

Newborn examination in 1967

Great Ormond Street Hospital

Medical specialty focusing on the health of infants, children, and adolescents

Pediatrics (also spelled paediatrics or pædiatrics) is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health, development, and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. The age limit for pediatric care varies globally, with some regions considering it up to 18 years, while others extend it until 21 years, especially in the United States.

A medical specialist in this field is called a pediatrician or paediatrician. The term pediatrics derives from the Greek words pais (child) and iatros (healer), meaning "healer of children."

Scope and Responsibilities

Pediatricians play a vital role in managing children's health, from birth to adolescence. Their responsibilities include:

• Preventive care – Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings.
• Diagnosis and treatment – Managing both acute and chronic illnesses in children.
• Developmental monitoring – Ensuring healthy physical and cognitive growth.
• Guidance and support – Providing parental counseling on nutrition, safety, and mental health.

Pediatricians often collaborate with other medical specialists such as child psychologists, pediatric surgeons, and pediatric neurologists to ensure comprehensive care.

Education and Training

Pediatricians undergo extensive education and training: 1. Undergraduate Degree – Typically in science or pre-medical fields. 2. Medical School – A 4-6 year program leading to an MD or DO degree. 3. Pediatric Residency – 3-4 years of specialized training in child health. 4. Fellowship (Optional) – Additional 2-3 years for pediatric subspecialties such as neonatology, pediatric cardiology, or oncology.

In many countries, pediatricians must pass board certification exams to practice independently.

Differences Between Pediatric and Adult Medicine

Pediatrics differs from adult medicine due to the unique physiological and developmental characteristics of children:

• Body size differences – Pediatric patients have smaller, developing organs requiring specialized treatment.
• Growth and development – Pediatricians monitor changes in growth patterns, neurodevelopment, and puberty.
• Congenital disorders – Genetic conditions are more common concerns in pediatrics.
• Parental involvement – Pediatricians must work closely with parents and guardians in treatment decisions.

Additionally, legal considerations such as guardianship, consent, and privacy laws play an essential role in pediatric care.

Subspecialties in Pediatrics

Pediatrics is a broad medical field with multiple subspecialties, including:

• Neonatology – Care of premature and critically ill newborns.
• Pediatric cardiology – Diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects.
• Pediatric endocrinology – Management of growth disorders, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances.
• Pediatric gastroenterology – Treatment of digestive disorders.
• Pediatric neurology – Management of neurological conditions such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
• Pediatric oncology – Diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers.

Common Pediatric Conditions

Pediatricians manage various childhood diseases and disorders, including:

• Acute conditions – Respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastroenteritis.
• Chronic conditions – Asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and congenital heart diseases.
• Developmental disorders – Autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and speech delays.
• Infectious diseases – Measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough.

Pediatric Preventive Care

Preventive healthcare is a key component of pediatrics and includes:

• Vaccination programs – Immunizations against measles, polio, hepatitis, and influenza.
• Regular health check-ups – Growth monitoring, developmental assessments.
• Nutritional guidance – Promotion of healthy eating habits.
• Safety education – Prevention of accidents, poisoning, and injuries.

Pediatric Procedures and Tests

Pediatricians perform a variety of diagnostic and screening tests, including:

Blood Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Blood lead levels
• Liver and kidney function tests
• Blood glucose and cholesterol tests
• Allergy testing

Imaging Studies

• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• CT Scan
• Echocardiogram (ECHO) – For heart structure and function evaluation.

Other Tests

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) – Measures brain activity.
• Electromyogram (EMG) – Assesses nerve and muscle function.
• Pulmonary function tests – Diagnoses asthma and respiratory disorders.
• Sleep studies – Identifies sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

Work Environment

Pediatricians work in various settings, including:

• Hospitals – Including pediatric emergency rooms and NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units).
• Clinics – Outpatient care and routine check-ups.
• Private practices – Individual or group-based medical offices.
• Research institutions – Studying pediatric diseases and treatments.
• Universities and medical schools – Teaching and training future pediatricians.

History of Pediatrics

The field of pediatrics has evolved significantly over the centuries:

• 1802 – The first pediatric hospital, Hôpital des Enfants Malades, was established in Paris.
• 1830s – Pediatric hospitals founded in Berlin, Vienna, and Saint Petersburg.
• 1852 – Great Ormond Street Hospital became the first dedicated pediatric hospital in the English-speaking world.
• 1855 – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia became the first pediatric hospital in the United States.
• 20th Century – The development of vaccines, antibiotics, and advanced treatments

See Also

• Children's hospital
• Pediatric nurse practitioner
• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• Vaccination schedule
• Child development
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

External Links

Classification
External resources

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

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