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Pediatrics

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.

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

Pediatricians oversee the general health and wellness of their patients. A pediatrician will conduct well visits and consultations to ensure a child is healthy and developing typically. In addition, these physicians diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions in their patients.

Common acute pediatric conditions 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 common in children between the ages of 5 and 15 but 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 among the most common childhood illnesses, affecting millions of children annually. Ear infections are 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. Symptoms include red sores, blisters filled with pus, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck area.

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.

Pediatricians can order lab tests and prescribe medication to diagnose and treat the conditions listed above.

Immunizations

In addition, a pediatrician will oversee your child’s immunization schedule to ensure they are protected from harmful diseases. These immunizations are required in all fifty states for a child to be eligible to attend public school.

Standard immunizations required by law include:

• Hepatitis B vaccine
  
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (known as TDaP)
  
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
  
• Poliovirus vaccine
  
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
  
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
  
  

Booking Pediatric Care on Sesame

With pediatricians and primary care physicians in Santa Ana, Sesame offers convenient in-person and video consultations (often with same-day availability) near you.

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!
  
  

Sesame offers both in-person and online visits. If you book a video appointment, you will receive an email with a link to join the visit. You will also be able to access this link in another reminder email you will receive 30 minutes before the appointment start time and within your account.