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Information Regarding Pediatricians

Pediatricians or pediatricians are doctors who have a focus on the physical, mental, emotional, developmental, and social health of children, from birth to adolescence, that is, until the age of 18 years. Pediatricians have the duty to provide disease prevention measures for healthy children, as well as provide treatment for sick children, both acute and chronic diseases. Pediatricians begin their education by completing the title of General Practitioner, then continue their Specialist Education Program in the field of pediatric health sciences to earn the title of Child Specialist. A Pediatrician is trained to be able to diagnose and treat diseases in infants, children and adolescents as well as evaluating the child's growth and development.

Problems Addressed by Pediatricians

Pediatricians examine and treat various conditions in infants, children and adolescents, including:
  • Evaluate the growth and development of children and detect related disorders.
  • Provide education to mothers about safety, lifestyle, and how to breastfeed a baby.
  • Responsible for child immunization.
  • Monitor the condition of babies born prematurely and provide the necessary treatment.
  • Diagnose certain diseases and conditions in children such as respiratory infections, diarrhea, ear infections, allergies in children, skin infections, malnutrition, and cancer in children.
  • Handling a variety of conditions that can affect children, including genetic disorders, physical injuries, infectious diseases, allergies, autoimmune disorders, nutritional problems, to cancer in children.
  • In addition to examining and treating physical health problems, a Pediatrician is also responsible for mental disorders that can affect children and adolescents, such as growth and development disorders, depression and anxiety.
  • A Pediatrician will provide a referral if the patient's illness requires treatment from another specialist doctor. For example, refer to a Pediatric Surgery Specialist if a patient needs surgery.
Some actions that can be done by Pediatricians, namely:
  • Conduct physical examination and trace medical history, growth and development, history of pregnancy and childbirth during pregnancy, and completeness of immunization in children and adolescents.
  • Doing injections related to medication or administering vaccines.
  • Determine the step of care both outpatient or inpatient in children and adolescents.
  • Evaluate and monitor the child's condition during treatment and provide treatment according to the child's diagnosis and needs.
  • Provide medical assistance in cases of emergency to children, such as stopping breathing, shortness of breath, sepsis, shock, and seizures in children, as well as determining the next steps for treatment.
  • Explain the child's medical condition, treatment recommendations, and steps for medical treatment to parents or guardians of children in a language that is easily understood.

When should your child be examined by a pediatrician?

You are advised to take your child to the Pediatrician if the child has the following conditions:
  • Fever.
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Dehydration.
  • Convulsions.
  • Respiratory disorders such as coughs and colds that do not heal, or cause severe symptoms such as shortness of breath.
  • Pain when urinating.
  • A rash appears.
  • Children experiencing growth and development problems.
  • Babies are born prematurely.

Which Must Be Prepared Before Meeting A Pediatrician

Before bringing your child to the Pediatrician, at least you are recommended to record all complaints or disorders experienced by your child. This is quite useful for the doctor, to help diagnose what diseases your baby is experiencing. Likewise, the history of pregnancy during childbirth, the history of childbirth, developmental status, and completeness of immunization. In addition, ask your relatives, friends, or relatives about references to Pediatricians who practice in your area. Also find out how much it costs you have to spend when checking your child to a Pediatrician.

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