Best Paediatricians in Mumbai

A paediatrician is a doctor specialising in caring for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. They diagnose, treat, and prevent various physical, behavioural, and developmental issues. Paediatricians ensure the health and well-being of children from birth through adolescence. 

Paediatricians often work closely with families to ensure the best possible outcomes for their young patients. If your child is experiencing any medical issues, it is important to consult a qualified paediatrician. They offer accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options. 

How to Become a Paediatrician in Mumbai?

With childbirth, paediatric care is an ongoing process. Individuals undergo extensive education and training to become a paediatrician in India. If you are looking for a paediatrician, consider the following qualifications: 

1. A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program

2. Compulsory rotatory residential internship 

3. A Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in Paediatrics

4. Residency training in a medical college or hospital to gain hands-on experience

5. Registering with the Medical Council of India 

How to Choose the Best Paediatrician in Mumbai? 

Choosing the best paediatrician involves considering several factors. It helps you find a doctor to meet your child’s needs and provide excellent care. Here are some steps to select the best paediatrician in Mumbai:

1. Referrals: Seek recommendations from friends, family members, or other parents. Referrals can offer valuable insights into the quality of care a paediatrician provides.

2. Credentials: Verify the paediatrician’s qualifications and credentials. Ensure they are registered with the relevant authorities and have the necessary medical licences.

3. Experience and Specialisation: Inquire about the paediatrician’s experience. Some paediatricians may have subspecialties in neonatology, paediatric cardiology, or paediatric neurology. 

4. Hospital Affiliations: Find out which hospitals the paediatrician is affiliated with. Ensure that the hospital is reputable and provides comprehensive paediatric services.

5. Availability: Check whether the paediatrician’s working hours align with your schedule. Also, inquire if the paediatrician is available for emergencies or after-hours care.

6. Accessibility: Consider the location of the paediatrician’s hospital or clinic. It should be easily accessible from your home. It is especially important in emergencies.

7. Communication Style: Schedule a consultation to assess the paediatrician’s communication style and how they interact with the baby. A good paediatrician should be approachable, listen to your concerns, and provide clear explanations.

8. Insurance: Paediatric treatment can get expensive when it includes several visits and lab tests. Verify if the paediatrician accepts your health insurance plan. It can help lower your costs.

When to See a Paediatrician in Mumbai? 

You should consult a paediatrician in Mumbai whenever your child requires medical attention. Some health problems may need to be checked right away. Common symptoms that require a visit to the paediatrician include: 

1. Persistent crying

2. A frequent urge to urinate

3. Trouble waking up the child

4. Sharp or constant pain in the belly 

5. A persistent rash, especially when accompanied by a fever

6. A barking cough with a high-pitched sound while breathing in 

7. Vomiting and diarrhoea for more than 12 hours

8. A fever of 100.4℉ or higher for a baby under three months or 102.2℉ for a baby older than three months

9. Blood in vomit or poo

10. Signs of dehydration, like dark urine, dry lips, crankiness, and sunken fontanelles (a soft spot on the baby’s skull with a noticeable inward curve)

11. Signs of an eye infection, like watery, pink, or sticky eyes

12. Discharge from eyes, ears, navel, or genitals (external reproductive organs) for more than 24 hours 

13. Seizures 

Common Diseases Treated by Paediatricians in Mumbai 

Paediatricians are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage various medical conditions and health concerns in infants, children, and adolescents. However, they do not perform surgeries. Conditions treated by paediatricians in Mumbai include:

1. Ear Pain: It can result from an ear infection, sore throat, or teething (the growth of teeth through a baby’s gums). Ear pain can cause the infant or toddler to become irritable and fussy. 

2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A common infection in the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra). It may cause symptoms like:

1. Burning while urinating

2. A frequent urge to urinate

3. Abdominal pain

3. Respiratory Infections: Paediatricians diagnose and treat infections of the respiratory system. These include:

1. The common cold

2. Pharyngitis (sore throat)

3. Sinusitis (the spaces inside the nose called sinuses is become inflamed and swollen)

4. Bronchitis (causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and infected)

5. Bronchiolitis (causes the small airways in the child’s lungs to become infected) 

6. Asthma (inflammation and narrowing of the airways to the lungs) 

4. Skin Infections: Common skin infections in children may include chickenpox, rubella, measles, fifth disease (red rash on the child’s cheek), etc. 

5. Genetic Disorders: These conditions can affect a child’s health and development. They may include: 

1. Cystic fibrosis (a condition that damages the lungs, pancreas, liver, and other organs due to a buildup of thick mucus).
2. Down syndrome (a child is born with an extra chromosome). 

6. Developmental Delays: Paediatricians assess and provide early intervention for developmental delays like speech, language, and motor skill delays. They also help manage autism spectrum disorder, which is caused by differences in the brain.

7. Chronic Conditions: Long-term or chronic conditions in children include diabetes, epilepsy (recurring seizures), and obesity. 

Please Note: These are not the only conditions treated by paediatricians. 

Types of Tests Recommended by Paediatricians in Mumbai 

Paediatricians in Mumbai may recommend tests for children based on age, medical history, and specific health concerns. Routine tests recommended by paediatricians in Mumbai include: 

1. Blood Tests: Checks the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, enzymes, proteins, and hormones in the blood. The test helps diagnose specific conditions like anaemia.

2. Urine Tests: This includes analysing a urine sample for the presence of bacteria, blood, and protein. Urinalysis helps detect urinary tract infections and kidney problems. 

3. Imaging Studies: In cases of injury or specific medical concerns, paediatricians may ask for X-rays, ultrasounds, or other imaging tests to diagnose or monitor conditions.

4. Allergen Skin Testing: Paediatricians may recommend allergy testing if a child has suspected allergies. These can include skin prick tests, intradermal tests, or patch tests. 

5. Auditory Testing: These tests help identify the functioning of the auditory nerve. They find out if a child has hearing loss. It may include tests like:

1. Auditory brainstorm (checks the inner ear, the hearing nerve, and parts of the brain)
2. Otoacoustic emissions (checks hair cell function in the inner ear). 

6. Colonoscopy: It is used to examine the inside of the large intestine. Colonoscopy in children may be performed to find the cause of stomach pain, diarrhoea, or bleeding from the bowel. 

7. Fluoroscopy: This imaging test helps the doctor view internal organs in motion. During this test, the child is asked to drink a contrast. The doctor examines the internal organs using a fluoroscopy camera. It detects problems related to the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, rectum, and urinary tract. 

8. Upper Endoscopy: The test uses an endoscope (a long, flexible tube with a camera) to examine the upper digestive tract. It includes the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). 

Common Paediatric Procedures Available in Mumbai 

Paediatricians perform several procedures to treat and manage medical conditions in children. Common treatments and procedures performed by paediatricians in Mumbai include: 

1. Vaccinations and Immunisations: Administering vaccines to protect children against diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, and more. 

2. Physical Therapy: Paediatricians, along with a physical therapist, use exercises, massage, and other techniques. It helps improve physical abilities in children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or sports injuries. 

3. Occupational Therapy: It includes various techniques and activities like play-based therapy to improve children’s skills and confidence. The treatment benefits children with physical, behavioural, or developmental issues that impact their everyday activities like eating and dressing. 

4. Speech Therapy: It provides valuable support for children facing communication challenges like speech delays or language disorders. Speech therapists employ various techniques to assist children in enhancing their speech and language abilities. These may include exercises and games.

5. Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach paediatricians use to address children’s emotional and behavioural issues. It helps treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders. 

6. Surgery: In specific medical cases or injuries like congenital disabilities, hernias, or appendicitis, surgery may be required for children. Paediatric surgeons possess specialised training to perform surgical procedures.

Is Paediatric Treatment in Mumbai a Good Option to Consider? 

Paediatric treatment in Mumbai is highly recommended for families seeking quality healthcare for their children. The city has a robust healthcare infrastructure with renowned paediatricians and specialised paediatric hospitals. 

Paediatric hospitals in Mumbai are known for their expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and experienced medical staff. These hospitals focus on the healthcare needs of children, creating a child-friendly and supportive environment. This makes Mumbai a top choice for paediatric healthcare in India. 

Takeaway 

Paediatricians in Mumbai are crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of children. Their expertise, dedication, and access to advanced medical facilities make them invaluable specialists. You can contact an expert at HexaHealth to find the best paediatrician in Mumbai for your child’s medical needs.