The pediatric visit is a fundamental appointment to evaluate the growth and development of the child, in order to guarantee his physical and psychological well-being. Check-ups by the pediatrician allow to identify any problems in a timely manner, as well as to receive useful advice for the health of the little ones.
How exactly does a pediatric visit take place? When is it necessary to do it ? Let’s find out together with the pediatric specialists of the Casa di Cura La Madonnina , who also collaborate with the new paid service Pediatric Fast Care that offers timely, but not emergency, pediatric interventions.
Why go for a pediatric visit?
The pediatric visit aims to monitor and ensure the health status of children, including the youngest, who may not yet be able to communicate any disorders or discomforts. Its purpose is to:
- monitor the child’s health status: the doctor checks physical development, considering weight and height, but also motor and postural, cognitive and linguistic aspects, as well as visual and hearing abilities;
- treat any disorders and illnesses: the pediatrician intervenes to resolve or manage various and possible health problems of the child (for example, eating disorders, respiratory disorders, infectious diseases, etc.) for both acute and chronic illnesses;
- carry out vaccinations, respecting the vaccination schedule established by the Ministry of Health;
- provide guidance on weaning and feeding;
- provide advice to parents in case of various problems.
When to do it
The first pediatric visit generally takes place at the birth of the child, in hospital , and is then followed by a subsequent check-up within the first 2 weeks of life (usually from the 7th to the 15th day) and no later than the first month.
Subsequently, the visit schedule is agreed with the pediatrician depending on each specific case, but includes regular checks:
- every 2/3 months in the first year of life ;
- every 6 months until the second year of life ;
- once a year until adolescence.
How it works
The pediatric visit is divided into different phases:
- anamnesis : the doctor collects information about the child’s daily habits, as well as his medical and family history. If the child presents symptoms that may suggest a health problem, the pediatrician collects detailed information about the symptoms and their characteristics and may investigate habits, familiarity or relevant environmental factors;
- objective examination : a general evaluation is then carried out with a check of weight, height, head circumference (in newborns) and vital signs. A complete examination of the child is also performed by system (cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.). Where necessary, the doctor will carry out further investigations;
- developmental assessment : finally, the child’s behaviors and reflexes are also observed, evaluating the motor, cognitive and linguistic growth stages in relation to age;
- diagnostic tests and treatment plan : if necessary, the pediatrician may prescribe in-depth tests (blood tests, x-rays, swabs, etc.) or, in the presence of one or more specific pathologies diagnosed by him/her, propose an appropriate treatment. During the interview with the parents, he/she will provide indications on symptom management, monitoring the evolution of the problem and when a subsequent check-up is appropriate.
The pediatric visit represents an important moment of discussion with parents, offering them support, reassurance and answers to doubts, as well as personalized advice for the health and well-being of the child.
When to contact the pediatrician
In addition to scheduled check-ups , it is important to consult the pediatrician if the child feels unwell and presents, for example, but not limited to:
- persistent high fever ;
- respiratory or gastrointestinal problems;
- infections and infectious diseases;
- allergic symptoms;
- ENT symptoms, such as sore throat and earache;
- minor injuries and non-urgent trauma;
- general pediatric check-ups and assessments;
- growth-related disorders.
