Introduction
Children are precious gifts of God. As parents, we always seek the best for them. Especially when it comes to their health and medical care, there is no room for compromise. It is why paediatricians are crucial in the healthy upbringing of our children.
The best paediatrician in Vizag works closely with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care for children and newborns. Consultant paediatricians and neonatologists educate parents and caregivers on child development, nutrition, safety, and disease prevention.
Let us now understand in detail about paediatricians and neonatologists in this blog.
What is a paediatrician?
Pediatrics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents up to 18. It deals with medical care, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect children and addresses children’s behavioural and mental health issues.
They diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions that affect children, but not limited to the following:
- Infections
- Genetic and congenital conditions
- Developmental disorders
- Injuries
They also provide preventive care, such as immunisations and check-ups, monitor growth and development, and can address children’s behavioural and mental health issues.
What is a neonatologist?
Neonatology is a sub-specialty of paediatrics that deals with the medical care of newborns, premature and infants with complications. Neonatologists are specialised paediatricians trained and experienced in critically ill newborn care.
Neonatologists work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Their expertise includes but is not limited to the following:
- Respiratory distress support
- Feeding support
- Management of infections or heart defects.
- Provide advanced medical care for critically ill infants using specialised equipment and medications.
Newborn children who are sick or need special medical care due to preterm conditions, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital abnormalities, sepsis, pulmonary hypoplasia and birth asphyxia are the typical patients checked by neonatologists.
The comparability
Some common conditions that paediatricians and neonatologists may diagnose and treat include respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, infectious diseases, developmental disorders, congenital disorders, injury and trauma etc.
They work with other specialists to ensure children receive the best possible care. In addition to medical treatment, paediatricians and neonatologists also focus on preventive healthcare measures. It can include regular check-ups, immunisations, and counselling on healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise.
What is the difference between a paediatrician and a neonatologist?
Neonatologists and paediatricians specialise in the care of children, but their focus areas differ. A neonatologist is always a paediatrician, but a paediatrician is not always a neonatologist. It is beneficial for the parents to know the difference between neonatologists and paediatricians as it would let us know when to avail of the specialist’s service.
Some key differences between the two specialties include:
- Age of patients:
Neonatologists primarily care for newborn infants, while paediatricians generally care for children from infancy to adolescence (up to 18 years old).
- Specialisation:
Neonatologists specialise in the care of newborns who are premature, critically ill, or have other severe medical conditions requiring specialised care. Paediatricians provide general medical care to children, including routine check-ups and vaccinations and manage common childhood illnesses.
- Training:
Neonatologists complete a fellowship in neonatology after completing their residency in paediatrics. This additional training focuses on the specialised care of newborns. The paediatricians complete the paediatrics course, including training for caring for infants and children.
- Work setting:
Neonatologists primarily work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where there is special care for critically ill newborns. Paediatricians work in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
- Care team:
Neonatologists often work closely with other medical professionals, such as nurses, respiratory therapists, and nutritionists, to provide comprehensive care to newborns. On the contrary, paediatricians may work with a broader range of healthcare professionals, depending on the specific needs of patients.
- Responsibilities:
Neonatologists oversee the care of critically ill or premature newborns in the NICU, including monitoring their vital signs, providing nutrition, and administering medications. Paediatricians check on the overall health and well-being of the kids by performing routine check-ups, vaccinations and treatment of illnesses.
- Association with the patient:
Neonatologists generally care only for newborn babies to babies aged one year. On the other hand, a paediatrician has a long-term association with the patient, right from birth to adolescence and treats from ear infections to broken bones.
Conclusion:
Paediatricians and neonatologists play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of children. A well-established hospital will have all the facilities that would cater to the best care for our children. Consult the best paediatrician in Vizag in Queens NRI hospital.
The hospital has an advanced four bedded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of international standards. Well-designed NICU is equipped with ventilators, incubators, cardio-scope monitors, CPAP machines, and phototherapy machines to help the tiniest and sickest newborn. The paediatric department is also well-equipped for all paediatric emergencies and medical and surgical problems.