Frequently Asked Questions

In high risk pregnancies, Pediatrician maybe involved even before the baby is born as part of a multi-disciplinary team managing the mother and unborn baby. For normal pregnancies, it is advisable to consult Pediatrician from birth. Frequent visits in the first few years are needed for regular vaccinations, diet advice, growth and development monitoring. Ensuring regular follow-ups are essential to build a rapport between parents and the doctor in order to be able to do the right thing for the baby at every stage of life.

Paediatricians have a wide range of responsibilities which include:  Being present in the labor room or Operation theatre during delivery of the baby, providing essential newborn care and any Resuscitation if required. In our hospital, we have a team of Newborn care specialists (Neonatologists) available for Essential Newborn Care. If baby requires any close monitoring or special care or is born preterm or low birth weight, baby will be managed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Providing regular Out-patient and In-patient care of pediatric patients Conduct well visits and follow-up baby from birth, advise and address concerns regarding child’s diet Keep a track of child’s illnesses, growth and development Administer vaccinations to prevent vaccine-preventable illnesses  To provide care during acute illness, diagnose and prescribe appropriate medication as per age and weight of the child.  To advise parents about likely cause of illness, order investigations and advise on hospitalisation if necessary. Facilities for the same are available at Aster Women and Children’s including Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for care of very sick children.  To refer the child with any chronic health condition to the concerned Speciality and play an active role as Primary care provider in the management of the child alongwith the Specialist

A paediatrician is a doctor who specializes in providing medical care for children, adolescents and young adults (from birth -18 years of age). These doctors prevent, detect and manage any physical, behavioural and developmental issues that may occur in a child and offer right advice to ensure their healthy growth and development.

A newborn baby may have Newborn respiratory distress syndrome if the lungs are not fully developed and are not providing enough oxygen, which may cause breathing difficulty. This condition has been usually observed in newborn babies.

Asthma is not allergic but children having allergies or having a family history of allergies are more susceptible to asthma. If a child having asthma also have allergies it can worsen the symptoms of asthma

Yes, respiratory diseases can be allergic and affect breathing in children. If, the child is creating a wheezing sound while breathing or if there is rapid breathing or shortness of breath it might be a sign of allergic respiratory infection. A dry cough with clear mucus also indicates that it can be an allergy.

The doctor might suggest following tests for your child depending upon the symptoms Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy X-ray Pulmonary function testing  Sweat chloride test Bronchoalveolar lavage Laryngoscopy Skin prick test

Chronic cough  Wheezing  Pneumonia Exercise limitation Asthma Cystic fibrosis  Lung diseases in infants include chronic lung diseases like bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Difficulty in breathing Shortness of breath  A cough that is persisting for long  Mucus or blood in cough  Pain and discomfort while breathing

Our team manages, acute and long-term respiratory conditions through our evidence-based and latest treatments.  Our pulmonologists specialize in Bronchiectasis, Cystic fibrosis, Primary ciliary dyskinesias, Immunodeficiencies  We conduct dedicated bimonthly state-of-the-art multidisciplinary clinics gathering all specialties under one roof and providing support groups