What is Children’s Health?
Children's health, also called paediatrics, refers to the overall wellbeing of a child starting from birth till adolescence to help them develop into a healthy adult. The key aspects of a child’s health include physical, mental and emotional wellbeing to ensure a child is able to reach his or her full potential.
A children’s doctor, called paediatrician, is involved in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases or disorders in children.
Why is Children's Health Different from Adult’s Health?
Children’s response to diseases and medications depends on their specific age. Their response is usually different from an adult’s response as their body is not fully formed and is still under development. They also require less medication or sometimes half an adult dose for the same disease. Hence, children's health has to be cared by dedicated paediatricians.
What are the Different Conditions Treated under Children's Health?
The common health conditions that are treated by a paediatrician include:
- Complications in newborns/neonates
- Colds, cough or sore throat
- Fever or abnormally high body temperature
- Injuries like burns, cuts or falls
- Poisoning due to accidental consumption
- Fractures
- Breathing difficulties due to respiratory disorders like allergies, asthma, pneumonia, lung infections
- Drowning
- Vomiting, diarrhoea
- Rashes, itching
- Mouth ulcers, dental cavities
- Infections due to bacteria, virus, fungi or other pathogens. Depending on the symptoms the child may be tested for throat, skin, stomach or urinary tract infection.
How to Know if my Child needs a Children’s Health Check?
In addition to poor physical health, there are other indicators that show your child may need a doctor’s support including:
- Learning difficulty
- Inability to focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Abnormal fear
- Eating disorders
- Excessive weight gain or weight loss
- Trouble sleeping and nightmares
How are Children’s Health Conditions Treated?
To ensure your child is developing normally, your paediatrician would perform a thorough physical examination, enquire about your child’s eating habits, medical history and lifestyle. Your child may also be ordered blood tests, x-ray and urine tests to ascertain the cause of the underlying problem or disease. Based on the results of these tests, relevant medications in the form of tablets and syrups may be ordered to help them get better. A paediatrician may also provide immunization against different diseases based on the child’s age group.
Children also need time, affection and empathy to help them get better. Listen to your child and give them space to develop into a healthy individual. For further queries related to children’s health, contact a child specialist today.
