General Paediatric OPD
Most of what worries a parent turns out to be ordinary. The job of a children's clinic is to tell the difference quickly: the fever that needs watching from the one that needs admission, the cough that is asthma from the one that is not. Growth, feeding and development are checked at the same visit.
- Paediatrician available around the clock
- Growth plotted at every visit
- Same-day consultations for acute illness
- Parents' concerns treated as information
Stay
Outpatient
Duration
About 20 to 30 minutes
Anaesthesia
Not applicable
About General Paediatric OPD
A paediatric consultation is different from an adult one because most of the history comes from somebody else. Parents notice changes before anyone else, and a good deal of the skill is in listening to what has changed rather than only examining what is there today. Every visit includes weight and height plotted on a growth chart, because that is how problems are found before anyone complains of them.
- The history usually comes from the parent, and that is the most useful part
- Growth is plotted at every visit, not only when there is a concern
- Most childhood illness is self-limiting and needs reassurance rather than medicine
- Development is checked alongside the presenting problem
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about general paediatric opd. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest general paediatric opd.
- Fever, cough, cold and childhood infection
- Diarrhoea, vomiting and feeding problems
- Poor weight gain or growth concerns
- Recurrent illness or repeated absences from school
- Skin rashes and allergies
- Behaviour, sleep and development questions
- Routine health checks
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
History from the parent
What has changed, when it started and what you are worried about. Bringing a note of dates and temperatures helps considerably.
Examination
A full examination appropriate to the age, including chest, abdomen, throat and ears, done in a way that keeps the child settled.
Growth and development
Weight, height and where relevant head circumference are plotted on a growth chart, and milestones are checked.
Plan and safety net
You leave with a plan and, importantly, with clear signs to watch for that would mean coming back sooner.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Bring the immunisation card and any previous growth records
- Note when symptoms started, the temperatures recorded and any medicine already given
- Bring a list of anything the child is allergic to
- Bring previous prescriptions or reports if the child has been seen elsewhere
- Feed a baby beforehand if possible, as a settled child is easier to examine
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Most childhood illness settles within a few days with fluids and rest
- Give medicines for the full course prescribed, not only until the child seems better
- Watch for the specific warning signs you are given rather than general worry
- Return sooner if the child becomes drowsy, will not drink, or has difficulty breathing
- A follow-up is arranged where growth or development needs rechecking
Why choose Humayun for your child
What parents need from a children's clinic is a clear answer quickly, and somebody who does not dismiss their worry.
- A paediatrician on duty at all hours, so a fever at midnight is seen by a children's doctor
- Growth and development tracked at every visit, which is how problems are found early
- Clear warning signs given at every consultation, so you know exactly when to return
- Inpatient beds and neonatal care in the same building if a child needs admitting
Your Health Matters
Take the next step towards better healthcare.
Connect with our experienced specialists and find the right care for you and your family.
More in Paediatric Services
Newborn Care
Examination and care of babies in the first weeks, covering feeding, jaundice, weight and the checks done before discharge.
Immunisation
Routine childhood vaccination and catch-up schedules, given on time and recorded properly.
Growth Monitoring
Regular measurement of weight, height and head size plotted on a growth chart, which is how problems are found early.
Developmental Assessment
Structured checks of movement, speech, social interaction and learning, so support can start early where it is needed.
Paediatric Emergency Care
Round-the-clock emergency assessment and treatment for children, by staff used to examining children.
Paediatric Inpatient Care
Ward admission for children who need intravenous treatment, oxygen or observation, with a parent staying throughout.
Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
Intensive care for newborns needing breathing support, feeding through a tube, or close monitoring in the first weeks.
Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU)
Intensive care for critically ill children needing organ support, continuous monitoring or ventilation.