Centre for Children
Children represent the future and ensuring their care and development should be the priority for all communities around the world. Children are prone to malnutrition and infectious diseases that can be prevented and cured. The health problems that children face is quite different from that of an adult. A child’s response to illness and medications depends on the age of the child.
Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care, development and diseases of infants, children, and adolescents up to the age of 18. Pediatricians diagnose and treat health conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. They assess children, who are ill, injured or having diseases. A pediatrician gives information about vaccinations and complex surgeries of children to their parents so that they can make an informed decision about their child’s health.
Continental Centre for Children is the best hospital for child care in Hyderabad as we have the best pediatricians in Hyderabad, who have extensive knowledge and experience to take care of children from when they are babies to adolescence. Our team of doctors has expertise in the care of children and their special needs.
Our pediatricians advise vaccination schedules for babies, newborn baby care, information about allergies, asthma, nutrition needs of children are given to the parents of the children. The Child care team at Continental Hospitals provides comprehensive medical treatment for children of all ages.
The facilities at Continental Centre for Children include a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as well as a Children’s Intensive Care Unit (CICU) having well equipped and specialized technologies to look after newborn infants and children of all age groups. There is also Pediatric Emergency Transport Service (PETS), a mobile intensive care unit that is available 24x7 and is capable of stabilizing critical pediatric patients and providing a safe and controlled transfer to the hospital.
Why Choose Continental Hospitals for General Pediatrics?
At Continental Centre for Children, Pediatric Allergic Specialists, Pediatric Psychiatrists, and Surgeons work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care for children making it the best hospital for child care in Hyderabad. We offer comprehensive and complete family care for children from infants to adolescents.
Regular check-up of children is done at Continental Hospitals to take care of their health and well being with timely vaccinations and to identify any illnesses or allergies at an early stage so that they get the expert care in time. Continental Hospitals also has Pediatric Emergency Transport Service (PETS), a mobile intensive care unit that is available 24x7 and is capable of stabilizing critical pediatric patients and providing a safe and controlled transfer to the hospital. We even offer psychological help and counseling to adolescents who need help if they are suffering from stress or depression of any kind.
We have a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that caters to the needs of a baby born premature or a sick newborn, who require careful and patient handling and care. The NICU has advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to give special care for babies born prematurely or requiring special care due to some illness.
Care for critically-ill children requiring surgery from life-threatening diseases or congenital disorders is done at Children’s Intensive Care Unit (CICU), present at Continental Hospitals, making it the best hospital for child care in Hyderabad. The children requiring transplantations, cardiac surgeries, neurosurgeries, and orthopedic surgeries and trauma are taken excellent care of in the CICU by the on-duty doctors, nurses, and surgeons.
Child care at Continental Hospitals is led by a specialized group of doctors having extensive training and expertise in diagnosing complex medical conditions of children making it the best hospital for child care in Hyderabad. When the diagnosis of some diseases of children is difficult to ascertain by some doctors, they are often referred to Continental Hospitals for complete investigations and diagnosis of the children’s symptoms.
A doctor has to take into account all the emotional and development aspects of the child rather than the physical conditions to ascertain the correct diagnosis of the child’s health. There are so many illnesses and diseases affecting children that it becomes difficult to list them.
Some of the common ailments affecting children are Coughs, colds, Ear infection, Croup, Meningitis, Food allergies, Chickenpox, Measles, Mumps, Rickets, and whooping cough. There is a variation of disease occurrence in children and adults. Disorders of nutrition are a growing concern in children as it affects their overall development.
Diagnosis of the diseases or disorders occurring to children depends on many factors like genetics not only of the child but the whole family, environmental factors such as air pollution, water pollution, drug effects passed on by mother to the baby and many more such factors.
Some of the diagnostic procedures for unborn babies include the examination of the fetus by X-ray and ultrasound, and by electrocardiography and electroencephalography (methods for observing and recording the electrical activity of the heart and the brain, respectively). Fetal blood can be obtained for analysis, and certain techniques permit direct viewing of the fetus.
Pediatric diagnosis requires extensive knowledge of each stage of development of a child to its adolescence. The development of the child is not restricted to body size but also sexual development, the development, and function of organs, biochemical composition of body fluids, enzyme activity, psychological and intellectual development. The anatomical structure, biochemical, immunological, and physiological function of children are different and the causes of diseases or disorders in children are different.
Diagnostic procedures primarily include a physical examination of the child and Blood tests. With the severity of the symptoms affecting the child, other diagnostic procedures are also advised like imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI scan, CT scan, ultrasonography, biochemical methods such as liver function tests, thyroid function tests, kidney function tests, hormonal studies, urinalysis, fecal analysis, toxicological tests, and biopsies.
Some of the conditions afflicting children that are treated at Continental Hospitals are asthma, chronic pain, obesity, epilepsy, diabetes, oral health, making it the best pediatric hospital in Hyderabad.
When children and adolescents are exposed to dust, tobacco, it may trigger asthma in them and they need medication to control asthma attacks
Chronic pain in children and adolescents could be due to intense headaches, abdominal pain, back pain and musculoskeletal pain (rheumatic arthritis).
Childhood obesity occurs due to unhealthy eating among children like eating high- calorie snacks and drinking sugar-rich soft drinks and less or no physical activity.
Epilepsy or seizures which are caused by brain injury, infections, poisoning and brain development before birth can affect children and may need immediate medical attention in some cases.
Juvenile diabetes or type I diabetes affects children when their pancreas is unable to produce insulin which may cause fatigue, blurred vision, irritability and hunger in children.
Untreated cavities can cause pain and infection that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning in children, so oral health is important in children.
Treatment & Procedures
There are several diseases and infections affecting children from infants to adolescents. The treatment for each child varies and an efficient doctor can diagnose and treat each child according to the symptoms that are observed by them. It is essential in such cases that parents have to decide the right pediatrician for their children’s overall care physically and mentally. At Continental Hospitals, the doctors will provide information about the medical treatment, surgery or any additional treatment that is required for each child so that the parents or caregivers can make a well-informed decision about the child’s health and well being. Continental Hospital is the best hospital for child care in Hyderabad and provides the best pediatric services.
Some of the conditions that are treated at Continental Hospitals are
Adolescent medicine
- It is a medical subspecialty that focuses on the care of patients who are in the adolescent period of development.
- They are specialists who talk to adolescents about topics like reproductive health, drugs, eating disorders, irregular periods, mood changes, questions about sexual identity, and problems at home or school.
- Adolescents or Teenagers sometimes have depression, anxiety and other mental challenges that require time and care to heal. Treatment is provided to them using psychiatric counseling, therapy to address the teenager’s emotional and medical needs by assessing the problems they face and by creating an individual treatment plan.
- Our child care specialists at Continental Hospitals holistically help such troubled teens.
HIV and AIDS prevention and care
- AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS is an advanced stage of HIV.
- There is no cure for an HIV infection.
- When treating children affected by HIV and autoimmune diseases, antiretroviral drugs are given to the children. For preventing HIV transmission from mother to baby, there is a recommendation for antiretroviral management of drugs.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychological therapy in children. There are here are 5 types of medication licensed for the treatment of ADHD:
- Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine, guanfacine. But, the pediatric consultant knows which medication is best for the child suffering from ADHD as each child is different.
- Behavior therapy usually involves behavior management, which uses a system of rewards to encourage a child to try to control their ADHD. Specially tailored parent training and education programs can help in learning specific ways of talking to a child, and playing and working with them to improve their attention and behavior.
Bone cysts
- They are fluid-filled pockets in the bone that have not developed into actual bone or bone tissue. Benign (noncancerous) bone cysts are common in children and often go away on their own
Children and youth special health care needs
- Children with special health care needs are those who have or are at increased risk for a disease, defect or medical condition that may hinder their normal physical growth and development. For example, a child or a youth suffering from autism, down’s syndrome, heart diseases, cancer, etc.
- These children and youth are provided high-quality care and support systems for families and caregivers.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition.
- There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, but the treatment focuses on symptom relief of medication and therapy. Medication includes a low dose of antidepressants. Therapy includes cognitive training and graded exercises such as stretching etc.
Club Foot
- It is a birth defect that can affect one or both feet. Early treatment usually helps correct it.
- Treatment for club foot usually starts within a week or two of the baby being born.A technique known as the Ponseti method is the main treatment for club foot, which involves gently manipulating the baby’s foot into a better position, and then putting it into a cast. This is repeated every week for about 5 to 8 weeks. After the last cast comes off, most babies need a minor operation to loosen the tendon at the back of their ankle (Achilles tendon), which is done using a local anesthetic. It helps to release their foot into a more natural position. The baby will need to wear special boots attached to each other with a bar to prevent the club foot returning.
Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of disorders that affect muscle movement and coordination. In many cases, vision, hearing, and sensation are also affected. There is no cure for cerebral palsy.
- Treatment includes providing assistive aids like wheelchair, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, medications like anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and orthopedic surgery to improve mobility in children.
Developmental screening and referral
- A child having a developmental delay has to be screened and monitored. For it to be identified early the intervention services and support of a pediatrician is necessary.
- Development screening tools can be specific to a disorder (for example, autism), an area (for example, cognitive development, language, or gross motor skills), or they can be about development in general, addressing multiple areas of concern.
- If the screening test identifies a potential developmental problem, further developmental and medical evaluation is needed.
- Continental Hospitals have pediatric Interventionists who will monitor a child’s development comprehensively to identify any risks at an early stage, making it the best hospital for child care in Hyderabad.
Drug and alcohol use and abuse
- Recurrent use of alcohol or drugs (or both) in adolescents results in problems such as being unable to control the use of alcohol or drug, having poor health, poor school performance, change in a group of friends and withdrawal symptoms
- Parent counseling and inculcating healthy behavior in children can help adolescents in the long run.
Growth Plate Fractures
- Growth plates are discs of cartilage located at the end of long bones, the area of the bone where growth occurs in children and adolescents and a fracture could occur to accidents or falls. They are usually treated using a splint or cast, but some injuries may require surgery to ensure the best alignment for normal bone growth to continue.
Injury prevention
- Injury prevention is vital in children as it can cause death sometimes.
- Children have to be supervised and instructed to prevent injuries caused by fires (burnt by scalding or flames –cooking with care, fire alarms), drowning (having life jackets and learn live-saving skills), poisoning (household cleaners, medication, etc not to be kept unattended), falling (home safety devices, by sports injury, etc)
Management of chronic diseases in children
- Children with chronic illnesses may be ill or well at any given time.
- Chronic illness doesn’t just affect the child with the condition, but the entire family has to make major changes in schedules and priorities
- Management of chronic diseases in children involves support from family and friends both physically and mentally, keeping the children active, coordinating with the child’s school for their special needs.
Neurally mediated hypotension
- It is also known as fainting.
- It is most often treated with a combination of increased salt and water intake in conjunction with drugs that regulate blood pressure.
Obesity prevention and management
- Treatment for childhood obesity is based on the child’s age and if he or she has other medical conditions. Treatment usually includes changes in the child’s eating habits and physical activity level and sometimes might include medications or weight-loss surgery.
Osteomyelitis
- It is an infection in the bone that causes swelling and inflammation of the bone tissue. It usually affects children in the long bone in the arm (humerus) and legs (femur). Antibiotics are prescribed for treatment of this infection and sometimes surgery is required to remove parts of the bone or remove fluids that may have accumulated.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- In PCOS, the ovaries, sometimes, the cells that produce eggs within the ovaries fill up with fluid (cysts) instead and these cysts multiply. When this happens, the ovaries become enlarged and young women miss periods because no eggs are released, causing serious consequences.
- The treatment for PCOS in adolescents depends on each case and involves medication to regulate periods, acne and unwanted hair growth. Teenage girls are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle and lose weight.
Toe walking
- It is observed in children who walk on the balls of their feet with no contact between the heel and the ground.
- Treatment for persistent toe walking often involves a period of casting or bracing to help stretch the muscles and tendons in the calves and encourage a normal gait.
Sexually transmitted diseases
- They are caused by bacteria and fungi.
- Babies with infected mothers can have problems such as pneumonia, eye infections, and brain damage.
- Sexually transmitted diseases in teenagers are Human Papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, herpes simplex virus and trichomoniasi.
- These infectious diseases can be treated with the right medication such as antibiotics like azithromycin, erythromycin,doxycycline (for Chlamydia), Topical cream and solution preparations such as imiquimod, podophyllin, podofilox, fluorouracil (5-FU), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (for HPV)
Shoulder disability
- When the shoulder joint becomes loose and leaves the socket, it is called shoulder dislocation or shoulder disability
- Our pediatricians in Continental Hospitals provide a combination of treatments such as restriction of movement of the shoulder, physiotherapy to prevent stiffness to the joints, icing, and medication to reduce inflammation and modification to the activities so that there is no further dislocation. Sometimes, our best child care doctors can do minimally invasive surgeries to repair damaged tissues based on the severity of the problem.
Continental Hospitals is one of the best children’s hospital in Hyderabad as our pediatricians offer a wide range of services to infants, children, and adolescents. They have extensive knowledge and expertise in fields of Pediatrics Advance Life Support. We have the best pediatricians in Hyderabad who take care of critically ill children requiring monitoring, ventilation and various surgical and non-surgical procedures. Our doctors have had extensive training and knowledge about the care of premature babies and the intensive care and treatment required in handling the babies.
Our team of doctors at Continental Hospitals have worked in world-renowned hospitals in the UK and their innovative techniques in taking care of children have won them praises from their peers in the medical fraternity. The pediatric care at Continental Hospitals is exceptional, praiseworthy as we have a dedicated and hardworking pediatric team that looks after each patient that enters its Department of Child Care making it one of the best pediatric hospitals in Hyderabad.
