Pediatricians

Pediatrics: what is it and what is its role?

A pediatrician is a doctor specialized in caring for children, from birth to adolescence. They have the necessary knowledge to monitor the child's growth and development, identify and treat diseases, as well as guide parents on topics such as nutrition, vaccination, sleep, and behavior. The pediatrician's role is to be an important ally in your child's health, offering guidance to ensure that each stage of childhood is lived with health, well-being, and safety.

When should I take my child to the pediatrician?

You don't have to wait for your child to get sick to consult a pediatrician. Pediatric follow-up is essential to ensure the healthy development of the child in all phases. Regular appointments, starting during prenatal care and continuing after birth, are fundamental for an early diagnosis of possible health problems.

The importance of follow-up from prenatal care

Follow-up begins long before birth, during prenatal care. Regular consultations help detect any risks that may impact the baby's health, such as developmental problems or genetic issues. The pediatrician, together with the obstetrician, can guide you on the care that should be taken during pregnancy to ensure a good start in life for your child.

Regular check-ups after birth

Soon after birth, the pediatrician should monitor the child with frequent visits. In the first months, consultations are closer together, with visits recommended at short intervals (first days, 1 month, 2 months, etc.). During this phase, the pediatrician monitors growth, breastfeeding, and performs preventive examinations, such as vaccines and mandatory tests.

Detecting problems early

Regular consultations are not only for vaccines and examinations but also to detect possible health problems early that may not be immediately visible. An experienced pediatrician can notice signs of diseases that, if treated early, have a much better chance of being cured quickly, without causing permanent damage to the child's development.

Benefits of not waiting for the consultation

When you take your child to the pediatrician regularly, you are doing more than just treating diseases. You are promoting health, avoiding future complications, and ensuring that your child has healthy growth and development. This includes monitoring weight gain, motor and cognitive skills, and even more serious problems, such as respiratory difficulties or signs of chronic diseases.

Warning signs and when to seek immediate help from the pediatrician

Some symptoms may indicate the need for urgent medical attention. If your child shows any of these signs, it is essential to seek guidance from a pediatrician as soon as possible. These signs may be indicative of more serious conditions that require immediate care.

Persistent high fever

If your child has a high fever that does not subside with the use of common medications or that persists for more than 48 hours, it is essential to seek a pediatrician. Fever can be a symptom of various conditions, such as infections, and when not controlled, it can cause serious problems. Especially in babies and young children, fever should be monitored carefully.

Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing is an important warning sign and should not be ignored. If the child has rapid breathing, wheezing in the chest, or if you notice that they are panting and having difficulty completing breaths, this may be a sign of a serious respiratory condition, such as asthma or infection. In this case, seek medical attention immediately.

Frequent vomiting or diarrhea

Frequent vomiting and diarrhea, especially when accompanied by fever or signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and absence of tears, require an immediate consultation. Dehydration can develop quickly, especially in young children, and is a condition that needs urgent medical attention to avoid serious complications.

Changes in behavior

Changes in the child's behavior, such as excessive sleepiness, unexplained irritability, or difficulty concentrating, may be signs that something is not right. These changes may indicate infections, neurological problems, or other conditions that need to be evaluated by a pediatrician.

Pediatrician: how to choose the right pediatrician for your child?

Choosing the right pediatrician for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make during childhood. This professional will be responsible for ensuring that your child grows up healthy, so it is essential to choose someone who offers the best possible care. Below, see the most important aspects to consider when selecting the ideal pediatrician.

Professional qualifications

When looking for a pediatrician, it is essential to check their qualifications. Make sure the doctor has a specialization in pediatrics, with certification recognized by competent bodies, such as the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Continuous training is also important, as pediatrics is a field of medicine that is always evolving with new discoveries and treatments.

Experience in specific areas

Some children may have specific needs, such as respiratory problems, allergies, or developmental disorders. In these cases, choosing a pediatrician with experience or specialization in specific areas can be crucial. If your child has a health problem or a family history that demands specialized attention, look for a professional who has experience in that area.

Empathy and communication

The relationship between the pediatrician and the family should be based on trust. The pediatrician's empathy and communication ability are fundamental. They should be able to clearly explain the necessary guidance and care, listen to your concerns, and make your child feel comfortable. Open communication is the key to a good doctor-patient relationship and facilitates continuous and effective care.

Location and availability

The proximity of the office and ease of scheduling are also important factors. In urgent situations or when you need frequent consultations, it is essential that the pediatrician is available at accessible times and has an office that is easy to access. Also check the appointment policy and waiting time to schedule a consultation.

By considering these points, you will be better prepared to choose the pediatrician that best meets your child's needs, ensuring quality follow-up and the continuous well-being of the child.

The importance of childhood vaccination

Vaccination is one of the most effective measures to ensure children's health and prevent serious diseases. Your pediatrician plays a crucial role in monitoring and administering vaccines, ensuring that your child is protected from the early years of life.

Protection against serious diseases

Vaccines help prevent diseases that, without proper immunization, can be fatal or cause serious long-term health problems. Diseases such as polio, measles, mumps, and rubella, for example, were common in the past and caused great suffering, but can be prevented with simple vaccines. By following the vaccination schedule, you are protecting your child from conditions that can have serious consequences.

Herd immunity and protection for the entire community

In addition to protecting your child individually, vaccination also plays a vital role in public health. When a large part of the population is vaccinated, the circulation of infectious agents decreases, creating indirect protection, known as herd immunity. This is especially important for very young babies, who cannot yet be vaccinated, and for people with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment.

Prevention of outbreaks and epidemics

Mass vaccination is essential to prevent outbreaks and epidemics of contagious diseases. When vaccination rates drop, there is an increase in the risk of transmission and, consequently, in the spread of diseases. Keeping immunization up to date prevents diseases that were already controlled from spreading again, protecting future generations.

Mild side effects and lasting benefits

Although vaccines can cause mild side effects, such as pain at the application site or low fever, these effects are temporary and much less serious than the diseases that vaccines prevent. The safety of vaccines is widely proven, and the long-term benefits far outweigh the minimal risks.

Care with nutrition and sleep

Nutrition and sleep are two essential pillars for the healthy development of the child. Your pediatrician has a fundamental role in guiding you on the best practices to ensure that your child has a balanced diet and an adequate sleep routine, factors that directly influence the child's growth and emotional well-being.

Healthy nutrition: basis for healthy growth

From the first months of life, your child's nutrition needs to be carefully planned. The pediatrician guides you on the introduction of solid foods, ensuring that the transition from breast milk or formula to solid food happens appropriately. A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats, is crucial for physical growth and brain development.

In addition, the pediatrician helps identify and deal with food allergies or intolerances, and recommends an adequate diet to prevent childhood obesity. The goal is to ensure that your child has healthy eating habits, avoiding excessive consumption of sugars and ultra-processed foods, which can affect long-term health.

Food introduction: care and guidance

Food introduction is a delicate moment that requires special attention. The pediatrician will guide you on how to introduce new foods, starting with those that are easier to digest, such as fruits and vegetables. They may also suggest methods such as Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), which allows the baby to explore food autonomously, contributing to the development of motor coordination and independence in feeding.

During consultations, the pediatrician will evaluate your child's growth and adjust dietary guidelines as needed, always focusing on a balanced diet adapted to the child's needs.

Adequate sleep: guarantee of healthy development

Sleep has a direct impact on the child's physical and emotional development. During sleep, the body performs important functions, such as strengthening the immune system and consolidating memory. Your pediatrician will guide you on the amount of sleep needed for each age group and help create a healthy sleep routine, essential for the child's well-being and for maintaining mental health.

Establishing regular times to sleep and wake up, creating a calm and comfortable environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime are some of the guidelines that the pediatrician can provide. If there are difficulties for the child to fall asleep or maintain continuous sleep, the pediatrician can investigate possible causes, such as sleep disorders or behavioral issues, offering solutions and strategies.

Impact of good nutrition and sleep on behavior

Healthy nutrition and quality sleep are also directly related to the child's behavior. When well-fed and rested, the child tends to have more energy, better concentration, and a balanced mood. On the other hand, lack of sleep or an inadequate diet can lead to problems such as irritability, lack of attention, and learning difficulties.

Children's mental health, attention from an early age

Children's mental health is an essential aspect of children's development and should be monitored from the early years of life. The pediatrician plays a fundamental role in the early identification of signs of emotional disorders, ensuring that children receive the necessary support for balanced and healthy development.

Early identification of emotional signs

Children can begin to show signs of emotional difficulties even in childhood. The pediatrician carefully observes behaviors such as excessive anxiety, mood changes, difficulty in social interaction, or changes in appetite and sleep. These signs may be indicative of disorders such as anxiety, depression, or socialization difficulties, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Early detection is essential to ensure that the child receives appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

The importance of family and social support

In addition to observing symptoms, the pediatrician also guides parents on how to deal with these issues at home, helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for the child. Family support and understanding of the child's emotional needs are vital for their well-being. The pediatrician can suggest emotional management techniques for parents, such as creating stable routines, promoting social activities, and open communication.

Referrals to specialists

If necessary, the pediatrician can refer the child to specialized professionals, such as child psychologists or psychiatrists, for deeper evaluations and therapeutic interventions. Collaboration between the pediatrician and these specialists is essential to ensure complete and effective treatment, taking into account the child's physical and emotional development.

Prevention of emotional problems

Prevention is also an important part of children's mental health. The pediatrician offers guidance on how to stimulate the child's healthy emotional development, encouraging the building of good self-esteem, conflict resolution skills, and the importance of activities that promote social interaction, such as playing with other children. These practices contribute to balanced development and the reduction of risks of emotional disorders in the future.

How AvaliaMed can help choose the best pediatrician for your child

Choosing the right pediatrician for your child is a fundamental decision to ensure their healthy growth and development. As we have seen, the pediatrician is not limited to treating diseases but also plays an essential preventive role, offering guidance on nutrition, sleep, mental health, and continuous monitoring. Having a trusted pediatrician, who is attentive to all aspects of your child's health, is essential to ensure that they grow in a balanced and happy way.

AvaliaMed is the ideal platform to find a qualified pediatrician with the necessary experience to monitor your child's health. Through AvaliaMed, you can access a network of specialized doctors who register on the platform, offering parents an easy, safe, and efficient way to schedule appointments. The platform allows you to choose among highly qualified professionals, based on reviews from other patients and the doctors' specialties, ensuring that your child receives the best possible care.

By choosing AvaliaMed, you can be sure that you are choosing a pediatrician who, besides being well-trained, is committed to offering personalized and attentive care to each child's needs. The platform facilitates communication, appointment scheduling, and maintenance of continuous monitoring, promoting comprehensive and preventive care of children's health.