Pediatric Diseases

Pediatrics is the medical field that diagnoses and treats childhood illnesses from birth to the end of adolescence. Newborn care encompasses a wide range of areas, including vaccination tracking, infectious diseases, nutritional problems, and the management of chronic diseases.

What is Child Health and Diseases?

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that monitors the physical, mental, and social development of individuals from birth to the end of adolescence (0-18 years), and diagnoses and treats their illnesses.

The Department of Pediatric Health and Diseases is not just a field that deals with sick children. It also includes monitoring healthy children. Because childhood is one of the periods of fastest growth and development. During this process, the child's weight, height, developmental milestones, nutritional habits, and general health status are regularly assessed.

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What diseases does a Pediatric Specialist treat?

Pediatrics deals with a wide range of diseases seen in children from the neonatal period to adolescence. Within this scope, the main diseases that this department deals with are as follows:

Infectious Diseases

Upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, flu): These are viral illnesses that typically present with fever, nasal discharge, and fatigue.
Throat infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis): It manifests itself with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, sore throat, and fever.
Middle ear infection (otitis): It is a common infection in children, manifesting with earache and fever.
Bronchitis and bronchiolitis: These are diseases that affect the lower respiratory tract, causing coughing and wheezing.
Pneumonia: It is an infection of the lung tissue and can lead to serious breathing problems.
Diarrhea and intestinal infections: These are illnesses that can cause fluid loss and require careful monitoring, especially in young children.
Feverish and rash-causing illnesses: Measles and chickenpox are among the childhood illnesses that cause fever and skin rash.

Respiratory System Diseases

Asthma: It is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing.
Allergic respiratory diseases: These are respiratory problems that develop due to allergens such as pollen and dust.
Wheezing: This is a symptom, particularly seen in young children, caused by narrowing of the airways.
Shortness of breath: It can appear as a symptom of various respiratory system diseases.

Digestive System Diseases

Abdominal pain: This is a common complaint in children and can develop due to many different reasons.
Constipation: It is characterized by slowed bowel movements, resulting in difficult and infrequent defecation.
Diarrhea: It is a condition characterized by frequent and watery stools, which can lead to dehydration.
Vomiting: It can develop due to infections or digestive system problems.
Reflux: Stomach contents refluxing into the esophagus can cause burning and discomfort.
Gas pain: This is a condition that occurs especially in infants and manifests itself with restlessness and crying.
Feeding difficulties: It refers to a situation where a child does not receive adequate and balanced nutrition.

Growth and Development Problems

Short stature: This is a condition where a child's height growth is not below what is expected for their age.
Failure to gain weight: It is characterized by the child's failure to achieve age-appropriate weight gain.
Growth retardation: It is the failure of physical, mental, or motor development to reach the expected level.
Developmental delay: It is the failure to acquire skills such as sitting, walking, and speaking in a timely manner.

Allergic Diseases

Allergic rhinitis (common cold): It is an allergic condition characterized by persistent nasal discharge, sneezing, and itching.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis): It manifests as dryness, redness, and itching of the skin.
Food allergies: It is an overreaction of the immune system to certain foods.
Skin itching and rashes: It can develop due to allergies or infections.

Urinary Tract and Kidney Diseases

Urinary tract infections: It can manifest with symptoms such as fever, frequent urination, and restlessness.
Bedwetting (enuresis): It is especially a condition where bladder control cannot be maintained at night.
Kidney dysfunction: It is related to the kidneys not being able to perform their function adequately.

Blood Diseases and Nutritional Deficiencies

Iron deficiency anemia: It is the most common type of anemia, characterized by weakness and paleness.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies can negatively affect growth and development.
General nutritional deficiencies: It includes health problems related to inadequate or unbalanced nutrition.

Skin Diseases

Diaper rash: It is a skin irritation that occurs especially in the diaper area of babies.
Rash: These are rashes that develop due to the blockage of sweat glands.
Viral rashes: These are common skin rashes caused by infections.
Fungal infections: These are itchy skin infections that develop in moist areas.

Immune System Related Problems

Frequent infections: This is a condition that suggests a weakened immune system.
Immune system weaknesses: It is a condition where the body's defense mechanism against disease is insufficient.

Neonatal Diseases

Neonatal jaundice: This is a common and usually temporary condition after childbirth.
Sucking and feeding problems: It includes problems related to the baby not getting enough nutrition.
Weight monitoring problems: This is the situation where a newborn fails to show the expected weight gain.
Postpartum adaptation problems: These are temporary health problems that a baby experiences during the process of adapting to the outside environment.

Which departments does Pediatrics collaborate with?

The Pediatrics department works in coordination with many different departments, depending on the child's age, complaints, developmental stage, and current health status. These departments include:

Pediatric Cardiology

They work together to evaluate conditions such as congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart murmurs.

Pediatric Neurology

Support is performed for seizures, developmental delays, muscle weakness, and nervous system-related problems.

Pediatric Endocrinology

Short stature plays a role in the evaluation of early or delayed puberty and hormonal imbalances.

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Digestive system problems, persistent abdominal pain, constipation, and nutritional problems are all evaluated together.

Pediatric Nephrology

It is involved in the monitoring of kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, and urinary system problems.

Pediatric Chest Diseases

It provides support in the management of asthma, bronchitis, wheezing, and other respiratory diseases

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

It plays a role in the evaluation of allergic diseases, immune system problems, and recurrent infections.

Pediatric Hematology

Anemia, blood disorders, and clotting disorders are studied together.

Pediatric Infectious Diseases

It plays a role in the detailed evaluation of long-standing or recurrent infections.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases.

It provides support in the assessment of behavioral, emotional, and developmental problems.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

It plays a critical role in the close monitoring of premature babies and newborns who require special care after birth.

In addition, collaboration can be established with departments such as otolaryngology, ophthalmology, dermatology, orthopedics and traumatology, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and pediatric surgery when necessary. Recurrent ear infections, vision problems, skin diseases, gait disorders, musculoskeletal problems, or conditions requiring surgical evaluation may necessitate collaborative follow-up with relevant specialists.

During the diagnostic process, coordination is ensured not only with clinical departments but also with supporting units such as radiology, laboratory, biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics when necessary. Because in pediatric patients, imaging, blood tests, urine tests, and other investigations play an important role in reaching an accurate diagnosis, in addition to physical examination findings.

What tests are performed in the Department of Pediatric Health and Diseases?

The most commonly used test groups in children include blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, throat cultures and swabs, allergy and infection screenings, and imaging methods such as ultrasound and X-rays. The main tests administered are as follows:

Complete blood count (hemogram): It provides general information about anemia, infection, and the immune system.
Biochemistry tests: It is used to assess values such as liver and kidney function and blood sugar.
CRP and sedimentation rate: These are important indicators that show whether there is an infection or inflammation in the body.
Iron and vitamin tests (B12, vitamin D, etc.): It helps to identify vitamin and mineral deficiencies in children.
Urinalysis: It provides information about urinary tract infections and kidney diseases.
Urinary culture: It helps determine whether there are bacteria in the urine, thus enabling the planning of appropriate treatment.
Stool analysis: It is done to evaluate digestive system infections, parasites, and intestinal problems.
Fecal occult blood test: It helps detect bleeding in the intestines that is not visible to the naked eye.
Throat Culture: It is used to determine whether throat infections are bacterial.
Nasal and swab tests: It helps to identify the causative agent of upper respiratory tract infections.
Allergy Tests: This test is done to determine which substances the child is allergic to.
Viral and bacterial infection tests: It helps determine the source of the illness in cases of fever and infection.
Thyroid function tests: It assesses hormonal imbalances that can affect growth and development.
Ultrasound (USG): It is used to image the structure of internal organs without radiation.
X-ray: It is preferred for evaluating lung diseases and bone structure.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It is used in situations requiring detailed examination of organs and tissues.
Newborn screening tests: It is used for the early diagnosis of congenital metabolic and genetic diseases.

What are the treatment methods used in the Department of Pediatric Health and Diseases?

Treatment methods applied in the Department of Child Health and Diseases are planned individually according to the child's age, general health condition, type and severity of the disease. The main treatment methods include:

Medication Treatment

One of the most commonly used methods is drug therapy. Medications are used to treat febrile illnesses, bacterial and viral infections, allergic reactions, and various childhood diseases.

Supportive Treatments

Especially in viral infections, supportive approaches are preferred over direct drug treatment. In this context, practices such as drinking plenty of fluids, rest, balanced nutrition, and fever control are recommended.

Fluid (Intravenous) Therapy

In children, conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss in the body. In such cases, fluid therapy plays an important role. In mild cases, oral fluid support may be sufficient, while in more serious cases, intravenous fluid administration may be necessary.

Respiratory Support Treatments

In diseases such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, asthma, and pneumonia, nebulizer (vaporizer) therapies, bronchodilator medications, and oxygen support are used when necessary.

Dietary Treatments

In cases of growth retardation, loss of appetite, failure to gain weight, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, the nutritional regimen is replanned. When necessary, supplements or special dietary programs are used to ensure the child receives adequate amounts of the nutrients they need.

Allergy Treatments

In the treatment of common allergic diseases in childhood, the primary goal is to avoid the triggers that cause the allergy. In addition, symptoms are controlled with antihistamine medications and other treatment methods.

Infection Treatments

While antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, supportive treatments are generally preferred for viral infections.

Chronic Disease Management

Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and some rheumatic diseases require long-term treatment and monitoring. This process involves regular doctor checkups, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and family education, all carried out together.

Vaccination Practices

Vaccines are one of the most effective methods for preventing childhood diseases. Many serious illnesses can be prevented through vaccinations administered according to the national vaccination schedule.

Developmental Support and Monitoring

Children's physical, mental, and social development is regularly monitored. Developmental delays or risk factors are identified early, and necessary referrals are made.

Treatments Requiring Hospitalization

In some cases, children may need to be hospitalized for treatment. Hospitalization is planned especially in cases of serious infections, respiratory distress, uncontrollable high fever, or excessive fluid loss.