🏥 I. Introduction to Pediatrics

Full Name: Department of Pediatrics
Service Population: Children from newborns to 14 years old (or 18 years old)
Core Responsibilities: Responsible for children's growth and development monitoring, preventive health care, disease diagnosis and treatment, and health management.

✅ Common Scope of Diagnosis and Treatment in Pediatrics:

• Neonatal diseases

• Respiratory system diseases: Common cold, pneumonia, pediatric asthma

• Digestive system diseases: Feeding difficulties, pediatric diarrhea, indigestion

• Skin diseases: Diaper rash, pediatric eczema

• Allergic diseases: Food allergy, allergic rhinitis

• Endocrinology and growth development: Short stature, precocious puberty

• Neurodevelopment: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tic Disorder

• Vaccination and health check-ups

🌟 Special Reminder: Children are not "small adults". Their physiological, immune and metabolic characteristics are different from those of adults, and diagnosis and treatment must be conducted by professional pediatricians.

🌿 II. Pediatric Asthma

🔹 Definition:

Pediatric asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent wheezing, cough, chest tightness and dyspnea. Symptoms often worsen at night or in the early morning, and can be triggered by allergies, infections, cold air and other factors.

🔹 Epidemiological Status:

• The prevalence of pediatric asthma in China is about 3%-5%, and it is on the rise.

• The first onset occurs before the age of 5 in most cases.

🔹 Main Symptoms:

🔹 Common Triggers:

• Allergens: Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold

• Viral infections (e.g., the common cold)

• Cold air, smoke, perfume

• Strenuous exercise, emotional agitation

🔹 Diagnostic Methods:

1. Pulmonary function test (cooperative for children ≥ 6 years old)

2. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) test: Assesses airway inflammation

3. Allergen testing: Skin prick test or blood test for IgE

4. Chest X-ray: Rules out other diseases

🔹 Treatment Principles:

✅ Long-term control + acute relief

💡 Important Reminder: Asthma cannot be "cured completely", but with standardized treatment, more than 90% of children with asthma can achieve full control and live and exercise normally.

III. Pediatric Eczema

🔹 Definition:

Pediatric eczema, medically often referred to as Atopic Dermatitis, is a chronic, recurrent and pruritic skin disease, and it is the starting point of the "atopic march".

🔹 Onset Characteristics:

• Onset mostly occurs within 2 months after birth

• Associated with heredity, skin barrier defects and immune abnormalities

• Often accompanied by a family history of allergies (e.g., parents with asthma, rhinitis, etc.)

🔹 Clinical Manifestations by Age Group:

🔹 Core Issues:

• Impaired skin barrier → Transepidermal water loss → Dryness and pruritus

• Increased susceptibility to irritation and infection(e.g., Staphylococcus aureus)

🔹 Treatment Methods:

1. Basic Care: Moisturization is the key!

• Apply fragrance-free moisturizer (e.g., Vaseline, CeraVe) 3–5 times daily

• Bath water temperature < 38℃, bath duration < 10 minutes; avoid alkaline soap

2. Pharmacological Therapy

• Topical glucocorticoids: e.g., hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone butyrate (safe for short-term use)

• Topical calcineurin inhibitors: e.g., tacrolimus (for facial use and long-term maintenance)

• Antihistamines: Relieve pruritus and improve sleep

3. Identify Triggers

• Avoid dust mites, animal dander and synthetic fiber clothing

• Allergen testing or dietary elimination is recommended for those with suspected food allergy

4. Biologics

• Dupilumab (Dupixent): Used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with significant efficacy

✅ Eczema is not caused by "excess moisture", but by skin dryness — moisturization is more important than medication!

💩 IV. Pediatric Diarrhea

🔹 Definition:

Pediatric diarrhea refers to an increase in the frequency of defecation and loose stool consistency, typically with ≥ 3 bowel movements per day and a marked increase in water content.

🔹 Classification:

🔹 Common Causes:

🔹 Red Flags (Immediate Medical Attention Required):

• Lethargy, excessive sleepiness or irritability

• Decreased urine output, tearless crying (signs of dehydration)

• Persistent high fever

• Blood or mucus in stool

• Intractable vomiting with inability to eat or drink

🔹 Treatment Principles: Dehydration Prevention + Etiology Identification + Continued Feeding

1. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): The core measure for preventing and treating dehydration.

2. Continued Feeding: No fasting required. Breast milk/formula feeding as usual; complementary foods may be reduced in quantity.

3. Symptomatic Treatment:

• Smectite Powder: Protects the intestinal mucosa

• Probiotics: Regulates the intestinal flora

• Lactase: For use in cases of lactose intolerance

4. Avoid Antibiotic Misuse: Antibiotics are not indicated for viral diarrhea.