Paediatrics & Neonatology

Pediatrics is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatricians in Chennai are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage various conditions that affect children. Here are some of the common conditions that pediatricians encounter:

• Respiratory Infections – Upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold, flu, and bronchiolitis are common in children. Pediatricians treat respiratory infections with medication and recommend adequate hydration and rest.
• Ear Infections – An ear infection is a common condition among young children, and it occurs when bacteria or viruses invade the middle ear. Pediatricians in Chennai treat ear infections with antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
• Allergies – Allergic reactions are common in children, and they can cause symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, and wheezing. Pediatricians may prescribe medication, such as antihistamines, to relieve allergy symptoms.
• Asthma – Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing. Pediatricians in Chennai treat asthma with medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids to help manage symptoms.
• Skin Conditions – Skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and acne can be a source of discomfort for children. Pediatricians may recommend topical ointments, lotions, and creams to manage these conditions.
• Digestive Problems – Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux are common in children. Pediatricians in Chennai can recommend changes to diet and lifestyle or medication to help manage these conditions.
• Growth and Development Concerns – Pediatricians monitor children’s growth and development through regular check-ups. If they notice any concerns, they may refer children to a specialist for further evaluation.
• Behavioral and Mental Health Concerns – Pediatricians in Chennai may screen for and diagnose behavioral and mental health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. They can provide treatment or refer children to a specialist for further evaluation.
• Injury and Trauma – Children are prone to injuries and accidents, including sports injuries and accidental falls. Pediatricians can diagnose and treat these injuries, or refer children to a specialist if needed.
• Infectious Diseases – Children are also prone to infectious diseases like measles, chickenpox, and meningitis. Pediatricians in Chennai can diagnose and treat these diseases, or refer children to a specialist if needed.

Pediatric Cardiology (Pediatricians in Chennai)

Pediatric cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that deals with diagnosing and treating heart problems in children, including congenital heart defects, heart disease, and acquired heart conditions. The specialized care of pediatric cardiology is crucial for children and adolescents, as they have different heart and vascular systems than adults.

Congenital heart disease is the most common heart problem in children, and it occurs when there are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. These structural problems can include a hole in the heart, abnormal heart valves, and malformations in the heart chambers or blood vessels.

Pediatric cardiologists use a variety of diagnostic tests to evaluate the heart’s function and structure, including electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Once a diagnosis is made, the cardiologist will develop a personalized treatment plan for the child, which may include medication, surgery, or other interventions.

Pediatric cardiologists also work closely with other healthcare providers, such as pediatric cardiac surgeons, pediatricians, and neonatologists, to provide comprehensive care for children with heart problems. They may also collaborate with researchers to advance knowledge and treatment options for pediatric heart conditions.

In addition to congenital heart disease, pediatric cardiologists also diagnose and treat acquired heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and Kawasaki disease. They may also provide preventative care for children with risk factors for heart disease, such as those with a family history of heart problems or those with obesity or diabetes.

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, including congenital (present at birth) and acquired (developed after birth) disorders, trauma-related injuries, and sports-related injuries. Some of the most common conditions treated by pediatric orthopedic surgeons include:

• Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to one side, resulting in an uneven waist or shoulder. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons can perform surgeries like spinal fusion, spinal instrumentation, or vertebral body tethering to correct the curvature of the spine.
• Clubfoot: Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which the foot is twisted inwards and downwards. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons can treat clubfoot with a combination of braces, casts, and surgery if necessary.
• Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH): DDH is a condition in which the hip joint fails to develop properly. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons can treat DDH with methods like Pavlik harness, closed reduction, or surgery to reposition the hip joint.
• Leg length discrepancy: Leg length discrepancy is a condition in which one leg is shorter than the other. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons can perform surgeries like epiphysiodesis, growth plate stapling, or limb lengthening to correct the length difference between the legs.
• Fractures: Children are susceptible to fractures due to their active lifestyle and developing bones. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons can treat fractures with immobilization techniques like casting, bracing, or splinting, or with surgical interventions like open reduction and internal fixation.

Pediatric orthopedic surgery is a complex and specialized field that requires extensive training and expertise. Parents and caregivers should seek out a highly qualified pediatric orthopedic surgeon to ensure that their child receives the best possible care.

Neonatology

Neonatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics that focuses on the medical care of newborn infants, particularly those who are born prematurely, have low birth weight, or have medical conditions that require specialized treatment. Neonatal care involves a multidisciplinary approach, and neonatologists work closely with obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

The neonatal period is the first 28 days of life, and during this time, newborns require specialized medical attention and care to ensure their survival and optimal development. Neonatologists are trained to provide this care and work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) or special care nurseries (SCNs) within hospitals.

Common conditions that neonatologists treat include:

• Prematurity: Infants who are born before 37 weeks of gestation are considered premature and are at risk for a number of medical complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Neonatologists work closely with obstetricians to provide specialized care to premature infants in the NICU.
• Low birth weight: Infants who weigh less than 2500 grams (5.5 pounds) at birth are considered to have low birth weight and are at risk for a number of medical complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, and feeding difficulties. Neonatologists work closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide specialized care to these infants, which may include feeding support, phototherapy, and respiratory support.
• Birth defects: Infants may be born with a variety of birth defects, such as congenital heart defects, cleft lip and palate, and neural tube defects. Neonatologists work closely with pediatric surgeons and other specialists to provide specialized care to these infants, which may include surgery, medication management, and ongoing monitoring.
• Infections: Newborns are particularly susceptible to infections, which can cause serious medical complications. Neonatologists work closely with infectious disease specialists and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat infections in newborns, which may include antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
• Jaundice: Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, which is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Neonatologists in Chennai work closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to monitor bilirubin levels in newborns and provide phototherapy and other treatments as needed.

Neonatologists also provide specialized care to infants who require complex medical interventions, such as mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutrition, and specialized medications. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure that these infants receive the best possible care and support.

In addition to providing medical care to newborns, neonatologists also work closely with families to provide emotional support and education about their child’s medical condition. They help families navigate the complexities of neonatal care and provide information about developmental milestones and other important issues related to their child’s health and well-being.

Treatments and services provided by paediatricians

• Well child examinations: Regular assessments of a child’s growth and development.
• Immunizations: The administration of vaccines to protect against preventable diseases.
• Acute illness care: Diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses.
• Chronic disease management: Monitoring and managing conditions such as asthma or diabetes.
• Developmental screening: Assessing milestones to identify and address delays.
• Behavioural and emotional support: Addressing behavioural and mental health issues.
• Nutritional counselling: Providing advice on a child’s diet and nutrition.
• Parent education: Providing guidance on parenting, safety and development.
• Injury prevention: Educating parents and children about safety measures.
• Adolescent health services: Addressing the special health care needs of adolescents.

Types of paediatric professionals

• Paediatricians: General practitioners who specialise in children’s health care, providing routine check-ups and treating common illnesses.
• Paediatric surgeons: Experts in surgical procedures for children, treating conditions such as congenital abnormalities or injuries.
• Paediatric neurologists: Specialise in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions in children, such as epilepsy or developmental delays.
• Paediatric cardiologists: Focus on heart problems in children, including congenital heart defects and heart murmurs.
• Paediatric endocrinologists: Manage hormonal disorders in children, such as diabetes or growth problems.
• Paediatric gastroenterologists: Specialise in diseases of the digestive system in children, including problems with the liver and intestines.
• Paediatric rheumatologists: Deal with autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders in children, such as juvenile arthritis.
• Paediatric nephrologists: Specialists in kidney-related conditions in children, such as kidney disease or urinary tract problems.
• Paediatric pulmonologists: Specialise in respiratory conditions in children, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
• Paediatric infectious disease specialists: Treat infections and infectious diseases in children, including bacterial or viral illnesses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pediatricians in Chennai play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of children in the region. Their specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating pediatric conditions contributes to the overall growth and development of young patients. With their dedication and commitment, these healthcare professionals are vital in providing quality medical care for the youngest members of our society.