General Pediatrics

General pediatrics refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 18. A pediatrician is a child's physician who provides:

1. Preventive health maintenance: This includes routine check-ups, immunizations, and developmental screenings to ensure a child grows up healthy and reaches key developmental milestones.

2. Medical care for acute and chronic illnesses: Pediatricians diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from common colds and flu to more chronic issues like asthma or diabetes.

3. Health and wellness advice: Pediatricians counsel families on nutrition, safety, emotional well-being, and growth and development.

4. Referrals: If necessary, a general pediatrician can refer a child to a pediatric medical specialist for conditions that require more specialized care. For instance, if a child has a heart condition, the general pediatrician might refer the family to a pediatric cardiologist.

In essence, general pediatrics encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. The goal of pediatrics is to reduce infant and child mortality, control the spread of infectious diseases, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure a long and healthy life for every child.