Pediatrics

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the health of children aged 0-18. Pediatricians monitor the growth and development processes of children, ensure their protection from diseases, and provide treatment.

General pediatrics is the most comprehensive branch of child health and diseases. It aims to meet all health needs of children from birth to the end of adolescence (typically up to 18 years of age)

Childhood is a period during which the body and immune system are still developing. Therefore, children may be more susceptible to infections and other illnesses compared to adults. Fortunately, many childhood diseases can be prevented through vaccines and good hygiene practices.

The health of our children is every parent's top priority. Their healthy growth and development is the most valuable investment for our future. Accessing accurate information and consulting with a specialist doctor, especially on childhood illnesses, is of great importance.

Our department serves the 0-18 age group, and our entire team works to provide the best care for our children, who are our future. From Intensive Care to Kidney Diseases, our specialist physicians are at your service for all kinds of illnesses.

Protecting a child’s health and being informed about child health and diseases is important for every parent. Pediatrics focuses on the healthy development of children, from infants and young children through all stages of childhood up to adolescence. Specialist doctors assist with health issues during this sensitive period.

The field of growth and development in children differs from that of adults. Pediatricians closely monitor the healthy growth of all children from the prenatal period through adolescence. By providing early diagnosis and treatment of health problems, they help children take steps toward a healthy future.

Children’s immune systems are not yet fully developed, making them more vulnerable to infections. It is important to be attentive to various health issues, including abdominal pain, urinary tract problems, and blood disorders. Healthcare services ensure the accurate diagnosis and treatment of such conditions. Specialist doctors work to provide the most appropriate care for children.

Anemia in children is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood is below normal. Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia can have negative effects on a child’s growth and development.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in children and is usually caused by insufficient iron intake. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folic acid, chronic illnesses, or genetic disorders can also lead to anemia.

Diabetes in children is a chronic disease that is increasingly common today and causes concern for families. This disease, which occurs due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin, can significantly affect the quality of life of children.

There are two main types of diabetes seen in children:

Type 1 Diabetes: It usually develops as a result of an autoimmune process that destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.
It is more commonly seen in children.
Due to insulin deficiency, the body cannot use sugar for energy, and blood sugar levels rise.

Type 2 Diabetes: It is generally associated with factors such as obesity, genetic predisposition, and a sedentary lifestyle.
It is more frequently seen during adolescence.
The body cannot use insulin effectively (insulin resistance).

Childhood obesity is an increasingly common and significant condition that can lead to serious health problems. Obesity occurs as a result of excessive fat accumulation in the body. It can negatively affect both the physical and psychological health of children. Genetic predisposition, unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, and psychological factors are among the main causes of obesity in children.

Allergic diseases in children occur as a result of the immune system overreacting to harmless substances. These conditions can significantly affect the quality of life of children. They develop due to exposure to various substances called allergens. Common allergens that can cause allergic reactions in children include house dust mites, pollens, mold, animal dander, foods, and medications.

Asthma: A chronic disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Allergic Rhinitis: Nasal discharge, sneezing, and itching caused by the nasal mucosa’s reaction to allergens.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A chronic skin disease that causes redness, itching, and dryness.
Food Allergies: An excessive immune response to certain foods.

Allergy tests play an important role in identifying sensitivities to specific allergens. Treatment of allergic diseases includes avoiding allergens, medication, and immunotherapy.

It is a common health problem, especially in girls, that can lead to serious kidney problems if left untreated. This infection occurs due to the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. The E. coli bacteria is the most common cause of UTI in children.

Childhood exanthematous diseases are illnesses that primarily affect school-aged children and manifest on the skin with redness, bumps, and spots. Many of these diseases are caused by viral or bacterial infections and can be contagious.

The most common exanthematous diseases include:

Measles
Rubella
Chickenpox
Scarlet fever
Fifth disease
Sixth disease
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

Early diagnosis and accurate identification are critical to preventing the spread of these diseases and ensuring appropriate treatment. Although most exanthematous diseases resolve on their own, some can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if you notice a rash on your child, it is important to consult a pediatrician.

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. This disorder negatively affects children’s ability to maintain attention, control impulses, and manage excessive activity. ADHD can significantly impact children’s academic performance, social relationships, and daily lives.

Pediatric specialties can be considered sub-branches of child health and diseases (pediatrics). These specialties focus on specific groups of diseases or organ systems seen in children.

Pediatric Urology is a medical specialty that deals with health problems related to the urinary tract and genital organs of children from infancy to adolescence. Specialists in this field are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies, infections, injuries, and other diseases of the urinary system in children.

Pediatric surgery is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of surgical diseases in children from birth to adolescence. The anatomical, physiological, and psychological differences between children and adults require specialized expertise in this field.

Pediatric Nephrology is a medical specialty that deals with kidney and urinary tract diseases in children aged 0 to 18. Doctors specialized in this field are called pediatric nephrologists.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a medical specialty that deals with the mental, emotional, and behavioral problems of children and adolescents aged 0 to 18. Specialists in this field aim to support the healthy mental development of children and adolescents and to diagnose and treat mental disorders.

Pediatric Rheumatology is a medical specialty that diagnoses, treats, and monitors rheumatic diseases in children under the age of 18. These conditions arise from improper functioning of the immune system and affect various parts of the body such as joints, muscles, bones, skin, and organs.

Pediatric Endocrinology is a medical specialty that deals with diseases affecting the hormone system and metabolism of children aged 0 to 18. It examines children’s growth and development processes, sexual maturation, sugar metabolism, and hormonal balance. It diagnoses and treats problems that may arise in these areas.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology is a specialized medical field that deals with allergic diseases and immune system disorders in children. Specialists diagnose, treat, and monitor common conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, and food allergies. They also manage rare and serious conditions like immunodeficiency. Ensuring the proper functioning of the immune system and controlling allergic reactions in children are the primary goals of these specialists.

They deal with infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites in children aged 0 to 18. Since children’s immune systems are weaker compared to adults, they are more susceptible to infections. Therefore, pediatric infectious diseases hold an important place in child health.