PAEDIATRICS

The Department of Paediatrics at Apollo Clinic Agartala provides compassionate and comprehensive healthcare for newborns, infants, children and adolescents. The department focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, timely treatment and continuous monitoring to support healthy growth and development from birth through the teenage years.

Children have medical needs that are different from adults. Their symptoms, medicine requirements, nutritional needs and developmental patterns vary according to age. The paediatric team follows a child-friendly and family-centred approach, helping parents understand their child’s condition and make informed decisions about treatment, vaccination, nutrition and long-term health.

Comprehensive Child Health Assessment

Every child is evaluated based on age, symptoms, medical history, birth history, vaccination status, feeding pattern, growth, developmental milestones and relevant family history.

The paediatrician may assess the child’s weight, height, temperature, breathing, hydration, nutritional status and overall activity. Where required, appropriate laboratory tests, imaging studies or specialist referrals may be advised.

Treatment is planned according to the child’s age, diagnosis, severity of illness and overall health.

Conditions Evaluated and Managed

The Department of Paediatrics provides consultation and management for a wide range of childhood health concerns, including:

• Fever and common childhood infections
• Cough, cold, sore throat and respiratory illnesses
• Vomiting, diarrhoea and digestive problems
• Abdominal pain and constipation
• Allergies and skin-related concerns
• Poor appetite and feeding difficulties
• Anaemia and nutritional deficiencies
• Childhood asthma and recurrent wheezing
• Urinary infections
• Headache, weakness and fatigue
• Growth and developmental concerns
• Behavioural and school-related difficulties
• Adolescent health concerns
• Routine child health check-ups
• Vaccination and immunisation guidance

Newborn and Infant Care

Newborns and young infants require close monitoring during the early stages of life. The department provides guidance regarding feeding, weight gain, jaundice, sleep, hygiene, vaccination and common newborn concerns.

Parents may consult the paediatrician for problems such as poor feeding, excessive crying, vomiting, fever, breathing difficulty, reduced activity or inadequate weight gain.

Early consultation is especially important for very young infants because their condition can change quickly.

Vaccination and Immunisation

Vaccination is an important part of preventive child healthcare. The department provides vaccination guidance according to the child’s age, previous immunisation records and medical condition.

Parents are encouraged to maintain an updated vaccination record and attend scheduled follow-up visits. The paediatrician may also guide families regarding missed vaccines, catch-up vaccination and additional vaccines that may be considered according to individual requirements.

A mild fever or discomfort may sometimes occur after vaccination. Parents receive appropriate guidance regarding expected reactions and warning signs requiring medical attention.

Growth and Development Monitoring

Regular growth and developmental monitoring helps assess whether a child is progressing appropriately for age. During consultation, the paediatrician may review weight, height, head circumference in younger children, feeding habits, speech, movement, learning and social behaviour.

Further evaluation may be advised when a child shows:

• Poor weight gain
• Delayed speech
• Delayed walking or movement
• Learning difficulty
• Reduced social interaction
• Behavioural changes
• Loss of previously achieved skills

Early identification and intervention can support better developmental outcomes.

Childhood Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for physical growth, brain development and immunity. The department provides guidance on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, balanced meals, healthy snacks, portion sizes and age-appropriate nutrition.

Children with poor appetite, low weight, obesity, anaemia or suspected nutritional deficiencies may require detailed evaluation and individual dietary advice.

Parents are also guided regarding iron, calcium, vitamin D and other supplements when medically indicated.

Fever and Childhood Infections

Fever is one of the most common reasons for paediatric consultation. It may occur due to viral infections, bacterial infections or other medical conditions.

The paediatrician assesses the child’s age, temperature, activity, hydration, breathing and associated symptoms before advising treatment or investigations. Parents are guided on safe fever management, adequate fluid intake and warning signs.

Antibiotics are recommended only when clinically appropriate and should not be given without medical advice.

Respiratory and Allergy-Related Conditions

Children may experience recurrent cough, cold, wheezing, allergies or breathing difficulty. These symptoms may be caused by viral infections, asthma, environmental triggers or other respiratory conditions.

The department provides evaluation and treatment for common respiratory illnesses and guides families regarding medicine use, inhaler technique, trigger avoidance and follow-up when required.

Severe breathing difficulty, bluish lips, chest retraction or unusual drowsiness requires urgent medical attention.

Digestive and Gastrointestinal Concerns

Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and changes in appetite are common in childhood.

The paediatrician evaluates the duration and severity of symptoms, hydration status, feeding pattern and possible causes. Parents receive guidance regarding fluids, feeding and medicines according to the child’s condition.

Persistent vomiting, blood in stools, severe abdominal pain or signs of dehydration require prompt medical evaluation.

Adolescent Healthcare

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, hormonal and emotional development. Teenagers may require medical support for growth concerns, nutrition, obesity, acne, fatigue, menstrual concerns, sleep problems, stress or behavioural changes.

The department provides age-appropriate and respectful consultation while maintaining privacy and involving parents where suitable.

Adolescents are also guided regarding healthy eating, physical activity, screen time, sleep, hygiene and preventive health practices.

Preventive Paediatric Care

Regular paediatric check-ups are useful even when a child appears healthy. Preventive visits allow the doctor to monitor growth, development, vaccination, nutrition and overall health.

These consultations also provide parents with an opportunity to discuss feeding, sleep, behaviour, school performance and other concerns before they become more significant.

When Should You Consult a Paediatrician?

Parents should consider consulting a paediatrician when a child has:

• Persistent or high fever
• Difficulty breathing or recurrent wheezing
• Poor feeding or repeated vomiting
• Diarrhoea or signs of dehydration
• Unexplained weakness or reduced activity
• Poor weight gain or sudden weight loss
• Persistent cough or recurrent infection
• Rash, swelling or allergic symptoms
• Delayed speech, walking or development
• Behavioural or school-related concerns
• Missed vaccinations
• Any symptom that causes concern or affects normal activity

Newborns and young infants with fever, breathing difficulty, poor feeding or unusual drowsiness should receive prompt medical attention.

Child-Friendly and Family-Centred Care

The Department of Paediatrics at Apollo Clinic Agartala follows a gentle, respectful and child-friendly approach. The paediatrician takes time to listen to parents, examine the child carefully and explain the diagnosis and treatment in clear language.

Parents are encouraged to ask questions and participate actively in their child’s care. The department is committed to supporting children with reliable medical treatment, preventive guidance and continuous care throughout their growing years.