Pediatric endocrinologist is a doctor who has special expertise to perform examinations and treatment in children who have disorders related to hormones and glands.
Prior to obtaining his degree, pediatric endocrinologist must complete his education to obtain the title of General Physician and Pediatrician (Sp.A) first. Furthermore, he will continue his subspecialty education and get a Sp.A(K) degree.
A List of Problems Pediatric Endocrinologists Can Handle
Pediatric endocrinologists treat health problems related to the child's endocrine system.
The endocrine system consists of organs that act as endocrine glands in the body, including the adrenal glands, parathyroid, ovaries, testes, thyroid, and pancreas. These organs produce hormones, which are chemicals that play an important role in regulating bodily functions, such as growth and reproduction.
The following are some conditions in children that can be treated by a pediatric endocrinologist:
- Growth problems, such as short and abnormal growth of children for their age due to lack of growth hormone
- Problems with early puberty or delayed puberty in children
- Problems with the thyroid gland, such as congenital hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer
- Disorders of the pituitary and adrenal glands
- Abnormalities in the ovaries and testes
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes and obesity in children
- Disorders related to vitamin D deficiency, such as rickets and calcium deficiency
- Emotional disorders caused by hormonal factors
- Hypoglycemia
Actions that can be performed by a pediatric endocrinologist include:
- Performing a physical examination and tracing medical history, growth and development, and monitoring weight
- Evaluating the nutritional adequacy of children
- Evaluating the emotional state of the child related to hormonal disorders
- Carry out supporting examinations, either by laboratory tests or by imaging
- Provide insulin therapy for children with diabetes
- Planning surgery on the affected glands
- Carry out treatment, care, and monitoring of children with cancer
- Provide an explanation regarding the problems experienced by children to parents
When Should You See a Pediatric Endocrinologist?
It is recommended that you take your child to a pediatric endocrinologist if your child:
- Experiencing unusual and abnormal growth according to his age
- Looking thinner or overweight for no apparent reason
- Experiencing early puberty or late experiencing puberty
- Experiencing symptoms of frequent urination, feeling thirsty constantly, and increasing or decreasing appetite drastically
- Often feel tired for no apparent reason
- Have body odor like adults
Things to Prepare Before Meeting a Pediatric Endocrinologist
Before meeting with a pediatric endocrinologist, you should prepare the following things to make it easier for the doctor to determine the right treatment:
- A detailed history of complaints and symptoms, if necessary in the form of notes
- List of children's and parents' medical history
- List of drugs or supplements that the child is taking
- List of foods and drinks consumed by children every day
- Records of changes in the child's height and weight
- Unusual medical conditions experienced by children
Finding the best pediatric endocrinologist and suitable for your child is not easy. Therefore, don't hesitate to ask questions and ask for recommendations from relatives, friends, relatives, or the pediatrician you visit.
In addition, it is also important to find out about how much it costs, the experience of the pediatric endocrinologist, and in which hospital he practices.
