Doctors Your Kid Needs
The most significant thing you need to do to plan for your baby’s arrival is to choose a good doctor for their healthcare. Your child will come across a lot of healthcare professionals right from the moment they are born. These healthcare workers will be there for you to diagnose the illness and ensure the overall health of your child. Some parents prefer taking their children to a family doctor when they need treatment while others prefer to visit specialists. Here are some medical professionals your child may encounter.
Pediatrician or family doctor:
A pediatrician is a doctor who manages the physical, mental, and behavioral care of children and is an expert in diagnosing and treating various major and minor childhood diseases. It completely depends on you whether you want a family doctor or a pediatrician for your child as both can meet children’s needs including:
- Annual examination across the year
- Disease care and nutrition
- Treatment for common illnesses, injuries, and infections.
- For regular vaccinations
Many parents prefer selecting a pediatrician for their children, especially in the early phase of their life. As the child grows up and attains the age of around 16 or 17 years they generally switch their doctor from a paediatrician to a general practitioner. But during the early years of the child’s life, they need to see a paediatrician quite regularly to assess their weight, and development and to receive vaccinations.
Pediatric Dentist
You need to think about a pediatric dentist as soon as your child gets the first tooth. According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended that a child must see a pediatric dentist within six months of getting their first tooth and delay it no further than their first birthday. A pediatric dentist will conduct a physical examination of the mouth. This early examination will help you to protect your child’s teeth. As your child grows up they may need to visit an orthodontist for braces if their teeth are visibly crooked or crowned. Sometimes the dentist may take an x-ray of the teeth to rule out the possibility of tooth cavities.
Optometrist or Ophthalmologist
Your child will attend their first eye examination right in the delivery room as the doctor will inspect their eyes to check how they respond to light. A paediatrician will also perform eye tests periodically to detect whether your child is suffering from an eye disorder or not. If they suspect any eye defect then they will refer you to a paediatric ophthalmologist for treatment. Your child may need glasses if they seem to squint or move closer to something when they are trying to read. Thus it is always recommended that children have eye examinations annually.
Gynaecologist
A young woman between the ages of 13 and 15 years must have her first gynaecological visit as recommended by the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists. The first visit will be an informative session wherein the doctor will discuss various topics like periods, cramps, sex, and birth control. Every young woman should visit a gynaecologist annually.
Other specialists:
Depending upon your child’s health the paediatrician or family doctor will refer you to the medical professional your child may need to see. For throat or ear infections they may consult you to visit an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor.
Allergist:
A child must see an allergist if they develop asthma or have frequent allergic reactions that impair their daily life. The allergist will verify whether your child has allergies or sensitivities to their environment and may recommend certain treatments and medications for such conditions.
Endocrinologists
You must consult an endocrinologist if your child is suffering from a problem related to metabolism or hormonal imbalance. An endocrinologist can diagnose and treat various conditions related to adrenal or thyroid glands.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases related to the skin. Your child may need to see a dermatologist for the treatment of birthmarks or certain genetic skin diseases. They can also help your child in dealing with hormonal acne and other skin changes that occur during puberty. Most dermatologists can assess skin-related problems in any age group.
Child psychologist and psychiatrist
Your child’s mental health is as important as their physical health. Sometimes a child may need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist when they go through a traumatic event like the death of a loved one, or big changes in the family life, etc. Your child may need a mental health professional to treat certain conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or other learning challenges.
Children’s hospital
People generally prefer a children’s hospital if their child is diagnosed with a serious or chronic medical condition. These children’s hospitals are well set up with modern equipment and the staff has been specially trained to interact with and be sensitive to children. If in case your child needs specialized care then going to a children’s hospital might make for a better and more effective experience.
Conclusion
You may need to make a number of choices as a parent while selecting a healthcare provider for your children. Your family doctor, a paediatrician, or primary care physician will assist you in referral and determine whether some additional specialists are required to oversee your child’s health. For more details about your child’s health, you can book an appointment with the best paediatrician at YASHODA HOSPITALS AND RESEARCH CENTRE, NEHRU NAGAR, GHAZIABAD.
Some of The Best Paediatricians in the Delhi NCR
Dr. Arun Kumar is one of the best paediatricians in Delhi NCR. and has an experience of over 20 years in the field of advanced paediatric medicine.
Dr. Ashish Prakash is the Head of Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics at Yashoda Hospital. He has an experience of more than 30 years in neonatology and paediatrics. He is an expert in treating all neonatal problems like neonatal jaundice, neonatal seizures, advanced level of respiratory support in babies, etc.
