As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. When it comes to their health, you want to ensure they’re receiving the best care. But who are the professionals you need on your team to ensure your child’s health? Here’s a rundown of the essential professionals you need for your child’s health.
Primary Care Physician
Your child needs a primary care physician to go to for all their health needs. Your child’s PCP will provide them with yearly checkups, as well as sick visits when they need them. You can also ask a PCP to administer vaccinations and monitor your child’s growth.
Make sure you have a PCP by the time your child is 1-year old to get the care they need. This is because some vaccinations are given at this age, and it’s important for your child to have a PCP administer them.
You can find a PCP by asking your insurance company for recommendations or searching online directories. You can also ask your friends or family members if they have any recommendations.
Pediatrician
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatricians can identify and handle various childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases. Most pediatricians also provide preventive care, such as immunizations and screenings for developmental delays.
In addition, pediatricians can offer guidance on nutrition, safety, and parenting issues. If your child is sick or injured, a pediatrician can provide the specialized care that they need. Furthermore, a pediatrician can offer expert advice if you have questions about your child’s health or development. A pediatrician can be an invaluable resource whether your child is healthy or ill.
Dentist
A dentist’s office is a great place for children to get their teeth checked. The dentist can help to prevent cavities and tooth decay as well as also help to teach children how to brush their teeth correctly.
Moreover, the dentist can give advice on how to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar can affect teeth in a number of ways. First, sugar can cause cavities and tooth decay. This is because sugar helps bacteria grow in the mouth, which can damage teeth. Second, sugar can cause plaque to build up on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria, and it can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
To avoid these problems, brush your teeth after eating sugary foods and drinks. These are why you or your child should visit the dentist regularly for checkups. Early treatment is vital so that problems do not get worse.
Other Specialists
There will be times when your child needs to see a specialist. A specialist is a doctor who has training in a specific area of medicine. Some specialists you might come across are:
Cardiologists (Heart Doctors)
The most common types of heart disease in children are congenital heart defects, which are present at birth. These defects can range from mild to severe and can often be corrected with surgery. Other common heart diseases in children include Kawasaki disease and rheumatic fever. Kawasaki disease is a rare illness that affects the arteries and can often be treated with medication. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can damage the heart valves and usually occurs after a strep throat infection. While these diseases can be serious, early diagnosis and treatment can often help to improve the prognosis.
Pulmonologists (Lung Doctors)
Children are especially vulnerable to lung diseases for several reasons:
- Their respiratory systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to damage.
- They breathe more rapidly than adults, meaning they take in more air (and potential pollutants) per minute.
- They tend to be closer to the ground, where many airborne toxins accumulate.
- They have weaker immune systems and are less likely to have received all the recommended vaccinations.
As a result, it is vital to be aware of the symptoms of common childhood lung diseases and to seek medical care as soon as possible if your child seems unwell. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
Gastroenterologists (Stomach Doctors)
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, nearly six million children in the United States suffer from some sort of stomach or intestinal disease. These diseases can range from relatively mild conditions, such as acid reflux, to more severe problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease. While a family pediatrician can effectively treat many stomach diseases, some children may require the care of a gastroenterologist.
Assembling a team of healthcare professionals for your child is an important task for a parent. You want to ensure your child has access to the best care possible. By having a primary care physician, pediatrician, and specialists on your team, you can rest assured that your child is receiving the comprehensive care they need and deserve.
