Pediatrics

St. Mary’s Physician Associates provides care for babies, young children and teenagers through every stage of development – from the first special moments of infancy to young adulthood. 

Our clinicians understand the unique care your child needs and are well-trained in delivering the appropriate pediatric care. We’re here to help your children get the healthcare they need to grow into healthy, strong adults.

Pediatrics Services Provided

We offer a wide range of pediatrics services, everything from treating an ear infection to managing a complex condition such as diabetes or asthma. This includes:

• Performing well-child checkups and physical exams
• Giving vaccinations and making recommendations for immunizations
• Diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, infections and other health problems
• Prescribing medications
• Offering general health advice and answering questions about your child’s growth and development
• Evaluating physical, emotional and social development and making sure your child is meeting milestones
• Collaborating with other specialists when needed and referring you to other pediatric specialists when warranted

At Your Child’s Pediatrics Check-Ups

In their first few years of life, your child will need frequent doctor visits. As they grow older, their routine visits will transition to annual check-ups through age 21. 

A typical wellness check for a baby includes a growth chart, reflex check, head and hip check and an umbilical cord examination. For older children and adolescents, the check-up will include a complete physical exam. This means a reflex check, hearing and vision screenings, measuring height and weight and checking vitals (heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing). A pediatrician will also be able to check for any necessary immunizations and preventive care. 

At a routine check-up, pediatric patients have the opportunity to speak to their pediatric doctor about anything. They can ask questions or voice any concerns they may have. If your child has a pre-existing health condition, you can update their pediatric care provider on any changes in their health or treatment. 

Caring for Children With Medical Conditions

Our pediatrics team is there for you or your child every step of the way. That’s why it’s important to reach out to your pediatrician when concerns arise regarding any symptoms or issues you’re experiencing. St. Mary’s Physicians Associates oversees and treats children with any of the following:

Asthma

Asthma is a serious illness that can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. About six million children in the US (up to 17 years of age) have asthma. When left untreated, it can cause permanent lung damage. 

Small children aren’t always able to vocalize their symptoms, which is why it’s important to monitor them closely if there’s reason for concern.

Common symptoms of childhood asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (or a whistling sound when breathing)
• Chest tightness and congestion
• Frequent coughing that may occur or worsen when asleep or triggered by exercise
• Trouble sleeping
• Delayed recovery from respiratory infections
• Fatigue

Family history and environmental factors may increase the risk of your child developing asthma.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. RSV usually presents itself four to six days after being contracted. The symptoms typically appear in stages rather than all at once. 

While RSV can begin mildly, it can quickly become dangerous for infants or small children by causing pneumonia or bronchitis.

Common RSV symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Wheezing

There isn’t a specific care approach for RSV other than the normal cold recommendations. Manage your child’s fever with fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Make sure your child is staying hydrated by giving them plenty of fluids. Talk to your child’s primary care provider if you have any questions or concerns about your child and RSV.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. 

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Hand, foot and mouth disease is extremely common in young children and can spread very quickly. While it isn’t imminently dangerous, it is very contagious and can spread to anyone at any age by bodily secretions (mucus, saliva, blister fluid and feces).

Hand, foot and mouth disease is most contagious in the first week after contraction, but can be spread days or weeks after symptoms go away. It’s most common in the back-to-school months in the summer and fall. 

HFMD symptoms include:

• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms (general unwellness, sore throat)
• Mouth sores
• Skin rash

There isn’t a specific approach to treat HFMD, so it’s best to just treat symptoms as they present. Fever-reducers for fever and keeping your child hydrated are steps you can take to aid their recovery. 

Contact St. Mary’s Physician Associates for Pediatric Services

The pediatric team at St. Mary’s Physician Associates provide pediatric services for patients in the Northwest Oklahoma area. Check insurances accepted at St. Mary’s Physician Associates, what items to bring with you the day of appointment and new patient forms.