Pediatrics

In the Pediatrics Department, Emsey Hospital provides services in the diagnosis and treatment of Neurological Diseases, Endocrinological Diseases, Cardiological Diseases, and Allergic Diseases.

In our department, for children between the ages of 0–15, well-child follow-up, screenings, all childhood vaccination applications, nutrition education and follow-up, growth and development monitoring are carried out; in cases of illness, diagnosis and treatment are performed.

The outpatient examination rooms are arranged to ensure that children are examined in the comfort and safety of an environment designed specifically for them. All staff members make sure to act in accordance with child psychology.

An appointment system is implemented in our outpatient services. Outpatient services are available every weekday and on Saturdays. Our hospital has fully equipped neonatal and intensive care units.

There is a changing and breastfeeding room of sufficient size and equipment for waiting mothers to change diapers and breastfeed.

Our patients can choose their own doctor from our team. Our doctors act within the framework of jointly established scientific programs both during healthy child follow-ups (vaccination, nutrition, growth, screenings) and in cases of illness. In cases of illness, examinations (laboratory, radiology) are performed reliably and within the necessary time.

In our hospital, pediatric surgery specialists can evaluate our patients not only in outpatient clinics but also at any time in the inpatient wards.

As our hospital is a “baby-friendly hospital,” general check-ups are carried out for newborns, and breastfeeding training is given to mothers.

Allergic Rhinitis in Children

Definition of the Disease

Allergic rhinitis is a recurrent disease of the nose and upper respiratory tract, presenting with symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, and palate itching. In 50–60% of patients, symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (allergic eye inflammation) may also be observed. The disease may occur throughout the year (perennial allergic rhinitis), with varying duration and severity, or only in certain seasons (e.g., spring). The first symptoms may appear at any age in childhood (especially after ages 5–6). Fever is generally not seen during symptom periods.

Prevalence

In our country, the prevalence among children is approximately 10–15%. The incidence of allergic rhinitis increases in those whose mother and/or father has allergic rhinitis or another allergic disease.

Causes

The symptoms most often occur after exposure to airborne pollen from plants, as well as allergens such as house dust mites, mold spores, and skin or hair debris from domestic animals.

In addition, cigarette smoke, air pollution, strong odors, cold air, and windy weather, which irritate the upper respiratory tract, can trigger symptoms. During symptom-free periods, the child may be completely healthy.

Diagnosis and Methods

Allergic rhinitis is diagnosed in children with frequent nasal and eye itching, discharge, and congestion, through examination findings, laboratory tests, and allergy skin tests. Skin allergy tests can be performed at any age group and should be evaluated by allergy specialists. The findings obtained guide treatment.

Treatment

The most important step in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is to avoid factors that act as triggers for that patient (such as pollen, house dust mites, cigarette smoke, or strong odors). There are two groups of medications for treatment. One group consists of drugs used continuously, even when the child is well. For example, in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis in spring, medications may be given continuously throughout the spring months (April–July) if necessary. In children with perennial allergic rhinitis, medications may be given intermittently or for long periods at various times of the year. If allergic conjunctivitis symptoms also accompany allergic rhinitis, additional eye drop medications may be required. This group of medications mostly includes antihistamine tablets and corticosteroid nasal sprays.

The other group of medications is used as needed when symptoms occur. Allergic rhinitis medications may be in the form of syrup, pills, or nasal sprays. In selected patients, allergy vaccines (immunotherapy) may also be recommended as a treatment option to reduce the allergy to specific allergens.

Patients undergoing treatment are followed up at appropriate intervals, informed about how to manage their complaints in between visits, and told where to apply if they encounter an unresolved problem. If patients comply with the recommended treatment, a reduction in the severity of the disease is observed; if not, symptoms may worsen. Regular monitoring of patients and readjustment of treatment according to the course of the disease is one of the most important points.

Complications

In children with allergic rhinitis, due to the proximity and sensitivity of the upper respiratory tract, other conditions such as sinusitis, adenoid enlargement, and otitis media may sometimes accompany it. In addition, in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis often continues throughout the year.

Risks When Left Untreated

If the disease is not treated, it may negatively affect the child’s daily life, quality of life, and school performance. It may also predispose to other diseases such as recurrent upper respiratory tract problems (such as sinusitis) and ear infections.

Prognosis

In some patients with an allergic disease, symptoms of another allergic condition may develop over time. For example, in children with allergic rhinitis, asthma symptoms may appear later.

With treatment, symptoms usually improve rapidly, and the severity and frequency of complaints decrease.
The goal of treatment is not complete recovery, but control of the disease.

Neurological Diseases

Childhood brain and nerve diseases are actually common but can be difficult to recognize even by conscious parents. Seizures, fainting, developmental delays, inability to speak, inability to walk, imbalance, tics, and certain behavioral disorders may be signs of childhood neurological diseases.