Pediatric Chronic Illness Treatment Specialist Q&A

We would all like to think of our children as being immune to chronic illnesses and diseases, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. Chronic conditions are generally defined as illnesses or physical disabilities that affect a child for more than 12 months and cause the child to experience some sort of limitations in their ability to participate in normal activities due to the severity of their symptoms or condition. Some examples of chronic illnesses that can affect children include asthma, depression, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and congenital heart disease. On the physical disabilities side, some examples of chronic limitations are cerebral palsy, visual or hearing impairments, meningomyelocele, and loss of function in one or multiple limbs. Chronic conditions can affect children at any age, whether it is a condition they are born with, develops in infancy, or develops later on in childhood or into adolescence. The response the child experiences will vary based on when the condition develops and they are diagnosed, particularly if they are suddenly limited to what activities they can participate in and what they can do on their own. Chronic disease in children can cause pain and discomfort, abnormal growth and development, activity limitations, and more medical care, whether it be tests, treatments, or hospital visits. In some cases, children may not be able to participate in other activities, including school, that other kids their age get to do.

Several common chronic childhood diseases are unfortunately growing each year in the number of cases. Some of the most chronic diseases seen in children today are asthma, obesity, diabetes, malnutrition, and developmental disabilities, such as ADHD and autism. The good news is that most of these conditions can be managed through proper monitoring, medical treatment, and in some cases, medication. Preventative care through pregnancy can help lower the risk of children developing these conditions at a young age, although some are genetic conditions that no amount of medical intervention can control or prevent. Through early diagnosis and regular, preventative medical care, some conditions such as obesity and malnutrition can be treated before they get too serious. Other conditions such as asthma, diabetes, ADHD, and autism will require ongoing care and management of symptoms, typically through the use of medication, but also other forms of coping mechanisms. These treatments and management will allow children to lead very normal lives with their peers and be able to participate in most of the same activities as their friends.

Fast Aid Urgent Care provides treatment for patients under the age of 21 for a variety of chronic illnesses. We have a highly experienced team of pediatric specialists who have your child’s health and well-being at the forefront of their practice’s mission. We offer care as needed, either by appointment or through our walk-in urgent care, for regular patients as well as new patients.

If your child is not a current patient at Fast Aid Urgent Care, we will coordinate your child’s ongoing care with their pediatrician or family doctor to ensure that everyone is on the same page and familiar with any medical conditions or treatment that your child has or is receiving. We can provide urgent treatment for conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, sickle cell anemia, asthma, cystic fibrosis, ADHD, autism, and other conditions that can affect children. With our onsite laboratory and testing services, we can perform a variety of tests to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your child’s condition as fast as possible. One of the worst things as a parent is seeing your child sick or suffering and not being able to help them. We are here to offer that help and get them back to being happy, healthy kids. For more information, call us. We serve patients from Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Leon Springs TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Cross Mountain TX, New Braunfels TX, Hunter TX, Zorn TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Rio Medina TX, Rolling Oaks Estates TX, Dripping Springs, TX, Saddletree Ranch TX, Belterra TX, Lemon Creek Boerne TX, Scenic Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Belle Chasse LA, Timberlane LA, Woodmere LA, and surrounding areas.