What is Pediatrics?
Pediatrics is the branch of medicine dedicated to the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to 18 years. Pediatricians specialize in diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases. The field emphasizes preventive care to ensure healthy development through all stages of growth.
Specialized Pediatric Care Services
Newborn Care
Comprehensive care for neonates includes initial health assessments, breastfeeding support, umbilical cord care, and screening for congenital conditions. Proper newborn care reduces infant mortality and establishes foundations for lifelong health.
Incubators for Preterm Babies
Neonatal incubators provide controlled environments for premature infants, maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. These life-saving devices protect vulnerable preterm babies while their organs mature, significantly improving survival rates for those born before 37 weeks.
Phototherapy Treatment
Used to treat neonatal jaundice, phototherapy exposes infants to specific light wavelengths that break down excess bilirubin. This non-invasive treatment prevents kernicterus (brain damage from severe jaundice) and is typically administered for 1-3 days.
Viral Infection Management
Pediatricians treat common childhood viral infections including RSV, influenza, hand-foot-mouth disease, and rotavirus. Treatment focuses on symptom relief, hydration maintenance, and monitoring for complications like dehydration or secondary bacterial infections.
Childhood Vaccinations
Immunizations protect children against 16 potentially serious diseases. The recommended schedule includes vaccines for measles, polio, hepatitis, DTP, Hib, pneumococcal disease, and rotavirus, administered from birth through adolescence.
Fever Management
Pediatric fever treatment varies by type:
- Low-grade fevers (100.4°F-102°F): Often viral, managed with observation and fluids
- Moderate fevers (102°F-104°F): May require antipyretics and medical evaluation
- High fevers (104°F+): Need immediate medical attention
- Recurrent fevers: May indicate underlying conditions
- Post-vaccination fevers: Typically mild and short-lived
When to Visit a Pediatrician
Seek immediate pediatric care for:
- Infants under 3 months with fever ≥100.4°F
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Severe dehydration signs (no urine for 8+ hours, sunken eyes)
- Stiff neck with fever
- Seizures
- Unusual lethargy or difficulty waking
- Persistent vomiting/diarrhea
- Rashes with fever
- Head injuries with vomiting
Pediatrics: Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my child see a pediatrician?
Recommended well visits: newborn, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months, then annually from age 3.
Are vaccines safe for my baby?
Extensive research confirms vaccines are safe and critically important. Side effects are typically mild (soreness, low fever) and far less dangerous than the diseases they prevent.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
Begin cleaning gums at birth with soft cloth. Use infant toothbrush with rice-sized fluoride toothpaste when first tooth emerges.
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
Signs include 6+ wet diapers daily, steady weight gain, audible swallowing during feeds, and contentment after feeding.
Is co-sleeping safe for infants?
Pediatricians recommend room-sharing without bed-sharing to reduce SIDS risk. Always place babies on their back in a crib/bassinet with firm mattress.
When do babies start teething?
Typically begins around 6 months, but can range from 3-12 months. Lower front teeth usually appear first.
How can I reduce fever at home?
For children over 3 months: give appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, offer fluids, dress lightly, and use lukewarm sponge baths if needed.
When should my child stop napping?
Most children transition from two naps to one around 12-18 months, and stop napping altogether between ages 3-5.
How do I know if my child's growth is normal?
Pediatricians track growth on standardized charts. Consistent growth along percentile curves (even if low/high) typically indicates healthy development.
Aswini Hospital: Premier Pediatric Care in Tenali
Recognized as the best children's hospital in Tenali, Aswini Hospital provides comprehensive pediatric services with child-friendly facilities. The hospital features:
- Specialized neonatal intensive care
- 24/7 pediatric emergency services
- Child psychology support
- Vaccination programs
- Growth and development monitoring
Dr. Vanga Sambi Reddy
Tenali's trusted pediatrician, Dr. Vanga Sambi Reddy brings extensive experience in managing childhood illnesses and promoting preventive care. His expertise includes:
- Neonatal and preterm care
- Infectious disease management
- Nutritional counseling
- Developmental screenings
- Asthma and allergy management
Parents throughout Tenali consistently choose Dr. Reddy for his compassionate approach and commitment to children's health.