Learn how pediatric medicine differs from adult medicine.
Pediatric care is a medical specialty. Just like a cardiologist specializes in heart disease and medicine, a pediatrician specializes in child disease and medicine. Doctors that specialize in pediatric medicine must spend many years studying the anatomy, physiology, and general health of newborns to adolescents. If your child is sick, he or she needs to see a pediatric specialist. Check out how pediatric medicine differs from adult medicine.
Different Physiology.
Pediatric medicine isn’t just treating small adults; children and adults have different physiology. Children are constantly growing and developing. They breathe more rapidly, they require a higher caloric intake, and their bodies are designed to continue to grow into adulthood. Pediatricians and pediatric specialists have to learn all about how the body differs and what diseases kids are most exposed to during childhood.
Be Mindful of Development.
As kids aren’t finished developing, it’s important for medical professionals to keep in mind that treatments may affect them later in life. In pediatric medicine, it’s key to think about how the body develops and whether or not your treatment plan is appropriate to keep kids healthy while minimizing health risks down the line.
Extracting Information.
Kids aren’t only less developed than adults physically, but they’re also less developed mentally. Unlike adults, kids may not be able to explain or describe what’s wrong with them or how they feel. They may also be unable to tell you how they hurt themselves in the first place. Pediatric doctors are trained on how to make kids feel comfortable all while getting vital clues about the child’s ailments.
Keep your kids protected, and find a doctor that specializes in pediatric medicine. Contact the Pediatric Surgical Associates for all your pediatric surgical needs. Our Orange County pediatric surgeons are experts at protecting your kids’ health and wellness!