Paediatric specialists

A paediatric cardiologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels in children and assesses heart function and its changes at different stages of a child’s growth.

We recommend seeing a paediatric cardiologist if:

• A doctor has found a heart murmur.
• Your child complains of palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.
• Unusual shortness of breath, weakness or chest pain occurs during physical exertion.
• A congenital heart defect is suspected or has been diagnosed.
• A heart condition that has already been diagnosed needs monitoring.

Depending on medical indications, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) and other tests of heart function may be performed.

A paediatric neurologist assesses the nervous system, neurological development and nervous-system-related health problems in babies, children and teenagers.

A consultation may be needed because of:

• Recurring or severe headaches.
• Seizures or suspected epileptic fits.
• Problems with movement, coordination or balance.
• Delayed motor development in a baby.
• Changes in muscle tone.
• Other suspected neurological disorders.

During the consultation the doctor assesses the child’s neurological condition and, if needed, recommends additional tests or further monitoring.

A paediatric endocrinologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the hormonal system and disorders related to growth, puberty and metabolism.

We recommend an appointment because of:

• Slow or unusually fast growth.
• Early or delayed puberty.
• Thyroid disorders.
• Suspected or diagnosed diabetes.
• Hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorders.
• Monitoring of other endocrine diseases.

The doctor assesses the child’s growth and development indicators and, if needed, orders hormonal, laboratory or other tests.

A paediatric pulmonologist advises on diseases of the respiratory system and helps find the causes of persistent or recurring breathing problems.

A consultation may be needed when:

• Your child has a long-lasting or recurring cough.
• There is wheezing or recurring episodes of shortness of breath.
• Bronchial asthma is suspected or has been diagnosed.
• Lower respiratory tract infections recur frequently.
• A chronic respiratory disease needs monitoring.

Depending on the child’s age and symptoms, the doctor may recommend lung function or other diagnostic tests.

A paediatric allergologist helps find the causes of allergic diseases, assesses the nature of allergic reactions and chooses suitable treatment or a plan for further monitoring.

We recommend an appointment because of:

• Recurring skin rashes, hives or itching.
• Suspected food allergy.
• Allergic rhinitis, sneezing or a blocked nose.
• Allergic reactions to insect stings or medicines.
• Atopic dermatitis.
• Other suspected allergic diseases.

If needed, the doctor recommends allergy tests and advises on how to control the symptoms and avoid exposure to the identified allergens.

An eye doctor who sees children assesses the development of vision and the condition of the eyes and diagnoses eye diseases in children.

A consultation may be needed if:

• Your child squints, looks at things from very close up or complains of poor vision.
• You notice a squint (strabismus).
• Your child has red, watery or uncomfortable eyes.
• Short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism is suspected.
• A previously diagnosed vision problem needs monitoring.
• A more thorough assessment of a baby’s or child’s eyes has been recommended.

The doctor chooses vision and eye tests appropriate for the child’s age and gives recommendations on treatment or vision correction.

An ear, nose and throat doctor sees children with diseases of the upper airways, ears, nose and throat.

We recommend an appointment because of:

• Frequently recurring ear infections.
• Reduced hearing or suspected hearing problems.
• A constantly blocked nose or difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
• Recurring throat infections.
• Snoring or suspected breathing problems during sleep.

The doctor examines the ears, nose and throat, recommends additional tests if needed and draws up a treatment plan.

A doctor specialising in paediatric surgery can perform ultrasound examinations that help assess the condition of a child’s organs and tissues.

An ultrasound examination may be recommended when a more detailed assessment is needed of:

• The abdominal organs.
• The urinary system.
• Soft tissues or palpable lumps.
• Other organs and structures, depending on the purpose of the specific examination.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive examination that does not use ionising radiation. The type of examination and the preparation depend on the area examined and the child’s age.