Find top-rated pediatricians in Arlington, TX

Pediatrics 101

Pediatrics is a branch of medicine that deals explicitly with the diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative aspects of children’s health. Most children first see a pediatrician within 3-5 days after birth and continue to do so until they are 17–18. Pediatric medicine is technically a subspecialty of primary care, the cornerstone of health care for all ages.

Pediatricians, like other primary care providers, are usually the first point of contact for a patient with the greater health care system. You (and your child) will generally see a pediatrician before seeing any medical specialist.

All board-certified pediatricians have specialized education in children's health. There are also pediatricians with health care specialties, like pediatric cardiologists, dermatologists, and neurologists. These doctors are qualified to diagnose and treat acute and chronic diseases and can often offer preventative care. As fully licensed primary care providers, pediatricians have the training and experience to treat conditions from infancy to adolescence.

As primary care providers, pediatricians perform several medical procedures and practices. These include:

• Performing physical exams and wellness check-ups (well visits)
  
• Giving immunizations (vaccinations) for diseases such as hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), rotavirus, and more
  
• Conducting speech therapy when appropriate
  
• Offering guidance for pain management
  
• Checking for milestones in skills, behavior, and growth
  
• Working with parents to monitor their child’s development
  
• Diagnosing and treating diseases, including illness, infection, and injuries
  
  

Common Pediatric Conditions

As fully licensed primary care providers, pediatricians have the training and experience to treat hundreds—if not thousands—of conditions in young people from infancy to adolescence and from all backgrounds.

Common conditions treated by pediatricians include:

Common Colds: Common colds are the most prevalent form of upper respiratory infection. Cold symptoms include sneezing, coughing, a sore throat, a runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. Colds are highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or toys.

Strep Throat: Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. It is most commonly seen in children between the ages of 5 and 15, but it can occur at any age. Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, white patches on your tonsils, difficulty swallowing, and feeling tired. Strep throats are highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces.

Ear infections: Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, affecting millions of children every year. An ear infection is caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the middle ear and cause inflammation and fluid buildup. Symptoms of an ear infection can include pain in the ears, fever, decreased hearing, drainage from the ears, irritability, and trouble sleeping.

Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This thin membrane lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of your eye. Viruses, bacteria, allergies, irritants like smoke or chlorine in pools, or contact lens use cause it. Symptoms include redness in one or both eyes, itching and burning sensations in the eyes, tearing up more than usual, swollen eyelids, crusty eyelashes upon waking up, and discharge from your eyes.

Impetigo: Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It is common in children aged 2-6 but can affect people of any age. Symptoms include red sores that may be itchy, blisters filled with pus, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck area. The sores usually appear on the face, hands, and arms but can also be found on other body parts.

Chickenpox: The varicella-zoster virus is the primary cause of the highly contagious chickenpox infection. It typically affects children, though adults can also get it. Symptoms of chickenpox include an itchy rash with red bumps that may blister and scab over, fatigue, fever, and headache.

In addition to treating acute illnesses like those listed above, pediatricians play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions in children.

Chronic conditions commonly seen in children include:

• Diabetes
  
• Asthma
  
• Cystic fibrosis
  
• Epilepsy
  
• Obesity
  
  

Pediatricians will also track and manage a child’s development throughout their youth. In infancy, this means tracking specific measurables like weight and skeletal structure.

As the child gets older, this also means diagnosing and treating developmental disorders like:

• ADHD
  
• Cerebral palsy
  
• Autism
  
• Dyslexia/ dysgraphia/ dyscalculia
  
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
  
• Aphasia (an inability to understand or express speech)
  
  

Booking Pediatric Care on Sesame

With pediatricians and primary care physicians across the Arlington area, Sesame offers convenient in-person and video consultations (often with same-day availability) in your neighborhood.

How to schedule an appointment:

• Search "Pediatrician" in Sesame’s search bar
  
• Explore the list of nearby service providers
  
• Choose from video or in-person services
  
• Choose a time that best accommodates your schedule
  
• Book your visit!