What is Pediatrics / Pediatric Surgery

Paediatrics is the field of medical science which is concerned with the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases in infants, children, adolescents and young adults in their teens. Paediatrics is one of the most commonly practised branches of medicine. It aims at treating diseases and disorders in children through medicine as well as surgery. The surgical branch of paediatrics is called surgical paediatrics.

Doctors who specialize in the treatment of individuals of this age group are called paediatricians. 

Common Paediatric Disease:

• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is caused by infections that inflame the air sacs present in one or both of the lungs. In some advanced cases, the lungs also get filled up with bodily fluids. It is a very commonly diagnosed disease in children of all groups.
  
  
• Jaundice: Often diagnosed in newborns, jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin (yellow pigmented Red Blood Cells) in the blood of the body. This usually happens when the liver is unable to RBCs as they break down. 
  
  
• Measles: Measles is a viral respiratory disease. The symptoms of measles are high fever and the 3 C’s: Cough, Coryza and Conjunctivitis.  Measles is highly contagious among young children. It can also develop into a rash that appears on the body about 2 weeks after being exposed to the virus and can become a serious health concern. However, measles can be easily prevented by vaccines. 
  
  
• Bronchitis: The inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes is called Bronchitis. These tubes carry the air to and from the lungs. Bronchitis is commonly diagnosed in children and is usually caused by viral infections. 
  
  
• Gastroenteritis: Commonly known as Stomach Flu, Gastroenteritis is one of the most common paediatric diagnoses. It caused due to infections in the intestines. Common symptoms are fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
  
  
• Chicken Pox: Chicken Pox is a highly contagious disease that is caused due to the spread of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). In this disease, itch rashes develop on the skin of the entire body.
  
  
• Common Cold: Since the immunity system of children is weaker than adults, they tend to develop common colds and fevers very frequently. This may include a blocked or runny nose, fever, cough and breathing issues in some cases. 
  
  
• Influenza: Popularly known as Flu, Influenza is a common viral infection that affects the respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs). Flu generally affects people with weaker immune systems, which includes infants and young children. Symptoms of flu are fever, chills, cough, congestion fatigue etc. 

Common Pediatric Surgical Procedures:

1)Significant Surgery

• Removing brain tumors
• The treatment of skull and facial bone deformities
• Correction of intestinal abnormalities, organ transplantation, and congenital heart disease
• Correction of spinal deviations and care for wounds resulting from significant traumatic trauma
• Correction of fetal development issues with the lungs, intestines, diaphragm, or anus.

2)Minimal Surgery

• Insertion of ear tubes
• Repairs for hernias
• Repair of bone fractures
• Skin lesions are removed
• Examination of growths via biopsy

How to prepare?

• Time management
• Speak beforehand
• Use terminology that is kid-friendly 
• A comforting object
• A brief medical or family history

What to expect?

It can be difficult to take your child to the hospital, especially if it happens unexpectedly. Kids may require hospital admission for a variety of reasons. For instance, children who have had vomiting or diarrhea may need fluids. Additionally, they might require medicines for an infection or breathing therapies for asthma or wheezing. Some children might require surgery to repair a broken bone, imaging tests, or ear tubes. Other kids may require frequent hospital visits for treatment due to their more complicated medical issues.

Conclusion:

Children with serious illnesses receive specialized medical attention in pediatric care. Pediatric care is primarily concerned with a child's health and well-being, as well as their growth and development, nutrition, and the avoidance of illnesses.