Pediatrics in Humble TX

Flu Test in Humble TX

If you have a respiratory illness with fever, chills, a persistent cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue, it may be the flu. Some people will experience vomiting and diarrhea whenever they contract the flu. While the flu is most active during the colder months of the year it can happen at anytime. It is impossible to determine if someone has the flu based on symptoms alone. We can do a rapid flu test to determine if the influenza virus is the reason you are sick.

Strep Test in Humble TX

A rapid strep test can be done with a quick swab of your child’s throat. The results come back within minutes, to verify if group A streptococcus bacteria is present. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes the back of the throat and tonsils to become irritated and swollen. Strep throat is painful and will make it difficult for your child to swallow. You may notice white or yellow spots on the throat and tonsils. You may also notice swollen lymph nodes on either side of the neck that may feel tender to the touch.

Ear Wax Removal in Humble TX

Excessive ear wax can become problematic for children; it can cause several different types of complications for your child. This includes an obstruction in your child’s ability to hear, persistent ringing in the ears, a feeling of fullness in the ear canal, itching, odors, dizziness, and more. There are multiple different ear wax removal methods we can use including ear drops that soften the wax inside the ear- making it easier to remove; ear irrigation to flush wax out of your child’s ear; and even manually removing the wax with tools.

Urine Dipstick in Humble TX

A urine dipstick test is normally done as part of a general urinalysis. However, if your doctor has specific concerns related to your child’s health, this test can be done to examine those closer. Your child will be required to give a urine sample, then a chemically treated strip will be placed into the urine. The patch will change colors to indicate the levels and presence of white blood cells, protein, glucose, and more. These tests can be used to find irregularities and determine if your child has a UTI, kidney disease, diabetes, liver problems, and more.

EKG in Humble TX

An electrocardiogram is a painless and noninvasive way to measure the electrical activity of your heart. We use these test to examine how the heart is working and to identify any irregularities or problems. The EKG will display the rate and regularity of heartbeats, check the size and location of the heart’s chambers, and determine if there are any signs of damage. The test is done by placing electrodes, small metal tabs, onto the skin with adhesive. The electrodes are placed on the shoulders, the chest, the wrists, and the ankles. Depending on the type of test the patient will either be asked to stay still, or to exercise while being monitored.

Blood Sugar Testing in Humble TX

Blood Sugar Testing: Monitoring your child’s blood sugar can help you to determine if they are having issues maintaining healthy glucose levels. Blood sugar testing can help parents of children with diabetes to keep blood sugar levels in check, by taking control and playing a more active role in balancing their nutrition and medication. Close monitoring will allow you to get a deeper understanding for the impact certain foods, exercising, and medications can have on glucose levels. Your doctor can help you to come up with a dietary and lifestyle plan for your child to manage their blood sugar and maintain a healthy life.

Contraception in Humble TX

Contraception is a form of birth control that helps to prevent pregnancy. Many parents choose to put their child on birth control even if they are not sexually active; this is because there are several benefits other than it being a simple and convenient way to prevent pregnancy. Being on birth control can help to regulate your periods, making it easier to track and prepare for your cycle. Additionally, contraception can help to reduce acne, balance your hormones, ease symptoms of pms, and aid in preventing cysts from developing on ovaries. There are many different forms of birth control you can discuss with your doctor.

Vision Screening in Humble TX

In order for your child to be successful in school and otherwise, it will be important to ensure they have clear vision; this is a key factor in your child’s development. Your child’s vision system will not be fully developed as a baby or young child. Both eyes must work together in order to put out equal input for your child’s brain to properly understand what it is seeing, If your child’s vision is not adjusted early on it can cause them limited vision their entire life. If a doctor detects something is wrong with your child’s sight during a vision screening, they may need an additional eye exam.

Child Wellness Exams in Humble TX

Child wellness exams are designed to keep your child on track during a period of rapid change and development. Sometime it can be easy for a parent to overlook certain areas their child may be falling behind in, physically, or mentally. At a child wellness exam your child will be checked to see if they are reaching their age-appropriate milestones. This plays a vital role in the development of your child because it gives your physician the chance to check for irregularities in your child physical, behavioral, developmental, and emotional status. Small children are growing at the fastest rate and will require more child wellness exams than older children.

Sport Physicals in Humble TX

Sport physicals are required for children before they join sports teams. This is done because playing sports is a physically demanding task that requires a lot out of someone. Sports physicals are designed to ensure you have the proper tools you need to be successful while playing sports, These exams look into the child’s medical history; record their height and weight; test your child’s vision; check the function of their heart, lungs, ears, nose, and throat; inspect your child’s posture and strength; and more. Female patients may be asked about their periods, and male patients may be screen to ensure they do not have a hernia.

Newborn Screening in Humble TX

Newborn screening is the required testing of every newborn to check for harmful and potentially fatal disorders, that without the test, are otherwise undetectable. A simple blood test will be required in order to check for these conditions. While the conditions tested for are rare and most babies will be given a clear pass, catching them early on can make a huge difference in the development of your child. Some of the conditions checked for during your newborn screening are: phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, galactosemia, sickle cell disease, biotinidase deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, maple syrup urine disease, tyrosinemia, cystic fibrosis, MCAD deficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency, toxoplasmosis, and more.

Hepatitis B in Humble TX

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that occurs whenever the Hepatitis B virus is contracted. This virus is preventable with vaccinations. Hepatitis B is most commonly spread by exposure to body fluids from someone who currently is suffering from the disease. Symptoms of Hepatitis B vary between patients but can include yellowing of the eyes or skin, abdominal pain, and darkened urine. Many times, especially in children, there are no apparent symptoms. In chronic cases of Hepatitis B, patients may experience liver failure, cancer, or scarring of the liver. This conditions will often clear up on its own, however, chronic cases will require medication, lifestyle changes, and potentially a liver transplant.

Hepatitis A in Humble TX

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that occurs whenever the Hepatitis A virus in contracted. This virus is preventable with vaccinations. Hepatitis A is most commonly spread from exposure to contaminated food or water, or from contract with someone who is currently suffering with the virus. While symptoms of Hepatitis A vary between patients, the most common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and a persistent low-grade fever. This condition will normally clear up on its own with one or two months of time but should be closely monitored by your healthcare provider over this time period.

MMR in Humble TX

The MMR vaccine is a vaccine that was designed to protect your child against contracting measles, mumps, and rubella. All of these conditions put your child at serious health risk, vaccinations should be taken seriously and tracked. The MMR is a vaccination that will require multiple rounds in order to be effective. Your child should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine somewhere between 9 to 15 months of age. The second dose should be administered somewhere between 15 month to 6 years of age, with at least 4 weeks time between the doses.

Varicella in Humble TX

The varicella vaccine, which is also known as the chickenpox vaccine, was designed to protect children against getting chickenpox. The varicella vaccine is highly effective; one dose of the vaccine prevents 95% of moderate cases of chickenpox and 100% of severe cases of this disease. In children who receive two doses of the varicella vaccine, more effective results have been reported. Symptoms of the chickenpox include: blisters, scabs, ulcers, red spots, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, itching, and more. The vaccine is given to children between 12 and 15 months of age; between the age of 4 to 6, your child should receive a booster shot to ensure they are guarded against the disease.

Tdap in Humble TX

The Tdap vaccination is a combination vaccine that can protect your child against three different, potentially life-threatening bacterial diseases. These diseases include tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis- also known as whooping cough. Tdap has a smaller dose of the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, which is approved for adolescents starting at the age of 11. Tdap is often referred to as a booster dose because it helps to boost the immunity that begins to wane from the round of vaccines your child is given between ages 4 to 6. Keep strong records of your child’s vaccination charts in order to ensure they are safely guarded against these diseases.

DTaP in Humble TX

The DTaP vaccination is a combination vaccine that can guard your child against three different, potentially life-threatening bacterial diseases. The diseases protected by DTaP include diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. DTaP is safe for children under the age of 7 but will require further doses as your child matures. The second round of vaccination will be a smaller dose that is used in order to help boost your child’s original round of DTaP. This is done because the vaccinations efficiency will begin to wane over time and needs to be restored.

Polio in Humble TX

The polio vaccine was designed to prevent poliomyelitis. There are two different forms of this vaccination, one is an inactivated poliovirus given by injection and a weakened poliovirus, which is administered by mouth. When injected the vaccine can be given in the arm or leg, depending on the age of the patient. Polio vaccines are safe to be given with other vaccines. In order to fully protect your child against polio, they will need to receive four different doses of the vaccination at the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and then a booster dose somewhere between the ages of 4 and 6.

Pneumonia in Humble TX

Pneumococcal vaccines are vaccines that protect against the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. When received, these vaccinations can prevent some cases of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccines: conjugate vaccines and polysaccharide vaccines. These vaccination can either be given by injection into a muscle or just under the skin. It is recommended that all children under the age of two are given the pneumococcal vaccines. Pneumonia is a common condition seen in young children, it can be life-threatening in severe cases and should be avoided with vaccination.

Rotavirus in Humble TX

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Rotavirus is considered the most common cause of diarrhoeal disease in infants and young children- who are the most susceptible to this virus. The symptoms of this condition include watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. This condition will cause dehydration which can become severe enough to be life-threatening. There are two different forms of the rotavirus vaccine, both require multiple doses to be administered. Both types of this vaccination should be given before the age of 6 months old.

Hib in Humble TX

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease is a serious condition that is caused by bacteria. It most commonly affects children under 5 years of age. This disease is contagious and can be contracted by children or adults who have the bacteria. Your child can carry the germs in their nose and throat and not get sick, but if they are spread to the lungs or bloodstream, it can cause serious health issues. Hib disease can cause bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, severe swelling in the throat, infections of the blood and heart, and even death. Your child will require 3 or 4 doses of the vaccine, depending which brand is used. The first dose is received at 2 months of age, second dose at 4 months of age, third dose at 6 months of age, and then the final dose between 12 and 15 months.

Meningitis in Humble TX

Meningitis is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in teens. Meningitis causes a dangerous inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Unfortunately, Meningococcal disease can become life threatening rapidly. Teens are at a much higher risk of getting meningitis. Two meningitis vaccines protects against four different types of meningococcal disease. There is also an additional type of vaccine protects against serotype B, which also causes meningitis. Your child should receive their first dose of this vaccine between 11 and 12 years of age. A booster dose will be required at 16 years old to keep your child protected.