What are some common conditions treated by pediatric endocrinologists?
Pediatric endocrinologists diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, including: Type 1 diabetes and other forms of diabetes mellitus Growth disorders, such as short stature or excessive growth Disorders of puberty, such as early or delayed puberty Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism Adrenal gland disorders, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia Disorders of sexual development and intersex conditions Calcium and bone metabolism disorders, like rickets or osteoporosis Pituitary gland disorders, such as growth hormone deficiency Disorders of the reproductive system, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents
Why has paediatric endocrinology become important?
The endocrine disorders that affect children are different from those seen in adults. The management of these disorders requires a depth of knowledge and expertise which is often beyond that can be attained by general practitioners in this specialty.
Paediatric endocrinologists are specifically trained to have a better understanding of these disorders and their impact on different stages of growth and development of your child. They are also trained specifically to handle children and address the concerns of the families, making a timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment when indicated, and specific monitoring of certain disorders.
The Paediatric endocrinology history is often detailed, in depth and followed by a thorough and complete examination of your child in order to put together a comprehensive assessment and best possible plan for your child.
What is Paediatric endocrinology?
The endocrine system consists of various glands that secrete hormones. Hormones are chemical signals which are poured by the glands into the blood and carried by it to different target organs where they perform regulatory functions of growth, puberty, metabolism of blood glucose, calcium and many more.
Paediatric endocrinology is a subspecialty of paediatrics that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the endocrine system in children such as diabetes, disorders of growth, puberty, thyroid, adrenal glands, bone and calcium etc.
