Posts for category: Child Health Care
Mono, nicknamed the “kissing disease” because of how easily it spreads from person to person, is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Pediatricians most often see this infection in teens and it may be mistaken for the flu. While most cases of mono will go away on their own, it can take months for a child or teen to fully recover. It’s important to be able to recognize the differences between the influenza virus and mono.What are the symptoms of mono?
Symptoms will vary between children, teens, and adults. Children don’t typically show the standard symptoms of mono. In fact, mono might look more like a cold or flu in your little one. The classic symptoms associated with mono are more apparent in teens and young adults between the ages of 15 to 24 years old.
Classic mono symptoms include,
- High fever
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- Body aches
- Muscle weakness
- Swollen lymph nodes of the neck
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Headache
When should I turn to a pediatrician?
As you might already know, many of the symptoms above can be caused by colds, flu, and other infections that aren’t mono. If your child’s symptoms are mild, then you might not need to come into our office right away. Of course, if symptoms persist for weeks or get worse, then it’s time to visit your pediatrician.
You should call your pediatrician right away if,
- Your child develops a severe headache or sore throat
- Has seizures
- Displays changes in behavior
- Has a very high fever over 104 F
- Is dehydrated
- Develops a rash
If you are concerned that your teen may have mono, you must schedule an appointment with their pediatrician as soon as possible. While most cases will go away on their own without treatment, your child’s doctor can provide you with options for helping your child better manage their symptoms and feel better faster.
Caring for a newborn can be a little overwhelming, even if you spent months reading everything you could find on newborn care. Taking a look at these common concerns just may answer a few of your questions. Your child's Nashville, TN, pediatricians at Pediatric Associates of Davidson County can offer recommendations and advice that will help you ensure that your baby is growing and thriving.
How often should my baby eat?
Bottle-fed babies usually need feedings every three to four hours, while breastfed babies feed every two to three hours. Of course, the ideal feeding schedule depends on your baby. If your newborn no longer seems interested in the bottle or breast, he or she is probably full.
Signs that your baby may not be getting enough milk or formula may include crying when feeding stops or fussiness. Failing to wet six to eight diapers daily after five days may also indicate that your baby isn't eating enough.
What can I do if I'm having trouble breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding sounds fairly straightforward, but it can be much more complicated than it seems. If you're having trouble with latching on, sore nipples, or are concerned that your baby isn't getting enough milk, get in touch with the Nashville, TN, pediatrics office. The pediatricians and physician assistants can offer suggestions that will make breastfeeding easier.
Is co-sleeping a good idea?
Sleeping with your baby is certainly more convenient for feeding, but the practice can be dangerous. If you fall asleep, you may accidentally roll over on your baby. It's best to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation and place a crib or bassinet in the same room with you rather than sleeping with your child.
When should I call the pediatrician?
You know your baby better than anyone else and can spot subtle differences in his or her appearance or behavior that may indicate a health problem. Give the office a call if you have any concerns or notice that your child has trouble breathing, their eyes or skin look yellow, or there are no bowel movements in the first two days after you bring your baby from the hospital.
Be sure to call the office if your baby produces fewer than three wet diapers per day, has a fever of 100.4 or higher, has diarrhea, is vomiting, or you see pus or swelling around the umbilical cord.
Do you have a question or concern about your newborn? Call (615) 329-3595 to reach your child's pediatrician in Nashville, TN, at Pediatric Associates of Davidson County.
Is breast actually best? Here are some things to consider before deciding if breastfeeding is ideal for you and your baby.
If you’re about to become a mom, there are a lot of decisions to make. Is your baby going to sleep with you? What kind of car seat should you get? Will you breastfeed? Breastfeeding is a delicate topic for most moms. If you are wondering whether to breastfeed or formula feed, our Nashville, TN, pediatricians would be happy to sit down with you to discuss the pros and cons of each option so you can do what’s best for you and your child.
Pros: Breastfeeding offers health benefits for the baby and you!
Breastfeeding provides health benefits for both of you. For the mom, breastfeeding can help to produce the hormones needed to contract the uterus and return it to its regular size, which can aid in a faster post-delivery recovery process. Breastfeeding may also reduce your risk for certain chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding your baby provides the following health benefits for your newborn:
- All of the vital nutrients your baby needs in one source
- Fewer ear infections, colds, and respiratory infections
- Reduced risk for obesity, asthma, allergies, and type 2 diabetes as they get older
- Fewer sick days, which may result in fewer trips to the doctor or hospitalizations
Pros: It’s Free
An obvious reason why breastfeeding may be a great option is the fact that it’s free. You don’t have to spend money stocking up on formula or have to make an emergency trip to the grocery store because you ran out. You also won’t have to worry about washing a bunch of baby bottles every night, which we know no new mom has time for.
Cons: It Might Be Stressful
Look, breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for many moms and their newborns. It gives them time to connect and the oxytocin that’s produced from these feeding sessions can certainly help you two bond. When breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned and your baby has trouble latching or you’re dealing with sore, painful nipples, then these are signs that you need help. You do not need to do this alone. Our Nashville, TN, pediatricians can provide breastfeeding and lactation support and consultations to address and conquer these challenges.
If you’d like to schedule a breastfeeding consultation with our Nashville, TN, pediatricians, or if you’re having trouble breastfeeding and need advice, simply call Pediatric Associates of Davidson County today at (615) 329-3595. to schedule an appointment with us
Pertussis, more commonly referred to as whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial infection of the lungs. The nickname comes from the “whooping” sound that occurs when a child breathes. While many people assume that whooping cough is an infection that no longer exists, it’s actually more common in the US than we’d like to admit. In fact, pediatricians have seen an increase in the number of whooping cough cases over the last couple of decades.You might brush off the early signs of whooping cough because they look an awful lot like the common cold. Older children and teens may develop congestion, mild fever, cough, or runny nose; however, within the first 1-2 weeks you will notice that the cough gets worse. In fact, your child may develop severe and sudden coughing fits.
Children and newborns are more likely to display severe symptoms. They may not have a whoop in their cough, but they may vomit or show severe fatigue after coughing. While anyone can develop whooping cough, infants are at particular risk for serious and life-threatening complications so it’s important to have your family vaccinated.
While newborns are too young to be vaccinated against whooping cough, you should make sure that the rest of your family is fully vaccinated. The DTaP vaccine will protect against whooping cough and will be administered at 2, 4, and 6 months old, again at 15 to 18 months, and again at 6 years for a total of five doses.
If you suspect that your child might have whooping cough, you must call your pediatrician right away. Children under 18 months old may require hospitalization so doctors can continuously monitor them, as children are more likely to stop breathing with whooping cough. Of course, coming in during the early stages of the infection is important as antibiotics are more effective at the very start of the illness.
- Resting as much as possible
- Staying hydrated
- Sticking to smaller meals to safeguard against cough-induced vomiting
- Making sure your family is up to date on their vaccinations
You've heard the saying "Prevention is the best medicine," and when it comes to your kids well-child visits are a key component of preventative care.
With your child growing and changing physically, mentally, and emotionally year after year, it is important to keep up regular visits with their pediatrician to ensure their ongoing health and wellness. Pediatric Associates of Davidson County in Nashville, TN, is here to help you care for your child at each stage of their life.
What happens during a well-child visit?
During your appointment with your pediatrician at our Nashville, TN, office your child will be examined and assessed to determine their current health and conduct any necessary intervention for potential health concerns before they intensify, or issues that have already developed.
The physical examination will include measuring your child's height and taking their weight, checking vital signs, and performing basic hearing and vision tests. If your pediatrician has any concerns, they may schedule a follow-up visit or refer you to a specialist.
You will have an opportunity to discuss any issues or questions you have surrounding your child's health, including sleep habits, nutrition, behavioral problems, or developmental delays.
In addition to providing physical care, your pediatrician can offer tips on reducing screen time, increasing physical activity, expanding your child's diet, and more.
Immunizations are also a vital part of well-child visits. Children are recommended to have a series of vaccinations, beginning at birth and extending through age 18. Important inoculations include the vaccines for measles, meningitis, hepatitis B, tetanus, rotavirus, influenza, and, for tweens and teens, the HPV vaccine. These shots will help protect them from potentially severe illness or disease. The number of immunizations your child requires each year will decrease in frequency as they age.
The coronavirus vaccine is not yet approved for children and young teens, but your pediatrician will likely encourage it once approved and available.
Keep your child on the path to lifelong good health with your pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of Davidson County. Call our Nashville, TN, office today at 615-329-3595.