A pediatrician is a doctor that specializes in the health of children. Many pediatricians follow children from the time they are born until they are young adults. While some pediatricians quit providing care when a child turns 18, other pediatricians will provide care until they reach the age of 21.

No matter what their age, here are 4 kinds of conditions pediatricians diagnose and treat in babies, children, and young adults.

1. Chronic Conditions

A chronic condition is something that a child might have for the rest of their life. For chronic conditions that don't have a cure, a pediatrician provides a treatment that will help the child best manage their symptoms.

Some of the most common chronic conditions in children include:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Cystic fibrosis
• AIDS
• Epilepsy
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)

Chronic conditions also include disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy.

2. Injuries

A child with a severe injury might need to go to the emergency room or urgent care. Most injuries will require follow-up care, which is something the child's pediatrician can provide.

Some common injuries in children include:

• Skin abrasions, cuts, and burns
• Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
• Swallowing or choking on foreign objects
• Accidental poisoning

Another type of common injury that school-aged children sustain is sports-related injuries. These injuries include concussions, torn ligaments, and sprains and strains.

3. Developmental Disorders

When a child has a developmental disorder, it means they have a mental or physical impairment that creates functional limitations, as well as problems with communication and behavior.

Some of the most common types of developmental disorders in children include:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Learning disability
• Developmental delays
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Stuttering or stammering
• Intellectual disability

Vision loss and hearing problems are also considered developmental disorders. For many developmental disorders, pediatricians often recommend certain therapies that can be very beneficial for these children. Some of these therapies include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis.

4. Mental Disorders

Not just adults suffer from mental disorders. These types of disorders are also becoming more prevalent among children. According to recent statistics, just over 17 million children in the United States have a mental disorder.

Some of the most common mental disorders for children include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Conduct Disorder (CD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

To treat mental disorders in children, pediatricians can prescribe different medications as well as psychotherapy.

If you have questions, reach out to a local pediatrician.