Until what age can children see a pediatrician?
2022.06.01
Have you ever wondered how old your children can be to go to a pediatrician?
As it turns out, there is no clear rule.
What ages are covered by pediatrics?
Generally speaking, children go to pediatrics until middle school and to internal medicine when they reach high school age. In other words, “age 15” is one guideline.
This is because at the age of 15 or older, the internal organs involved in the metabolism and elimination of medicines are functioning at the same level as those of adults, and the same
amount of medicines can be prescribed as those for adults. You’ve seen that dosage and administration of over-the-counter drugs are also divided into “15 years and older” and
“younger than 15 years old,” or written as “adults (15 years and older),” right?
On the other hand, the Japanese Pediatric Society declares that the target age for treatment in pediatrics is “until adulthood” (*).
Therefore, if you are not sure whether to go to a pediatrician or an internist, choose the one that is easier to go to, depending on the situation. For example, if you have a family
pediatrician and feel comfortable seeing him or her all the time, it is OK to continue seeing him/her after the age of 15. Some people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or allergies who continue to see their pediatrician may continue to see the same pediatrician into adulthood.
Pediatrician or Dermatologist?
Depending on the symptoms, you may also wonder whether you should go to a pediatrician or another department.
For example, skin problems such as eczema or hives. You may be wondering whether you should go to a pediatrician because your children are young, or a dermatologist because you have skin problems.
There is no clear rule for this either, and each has its own advantages. Dermatology is the one with the highest expertise in skin diseases.
On the other hand, pediatrics has the advantage of seeing many cases of children and being able to examine the skin and the whole body, growth, life, and other aspects of the patient’s total health. If you have a family pediatrician, we recommend that you visit him or her first and ask for a referral to a dermatologist if a more specialized diagnosis or treatment is needed.
The same applies not only to skin problems, but also to illnesses such as asthma, rhinitis, and food allergies.
In this sense, it is a good idea to have a pediatrician who you can feel free to consult about anything. In April 2022, Kodenmacho Children’s Clinic opened on the second floor of Medical Prime
Nihonbashi Kodenmacho. In addition to treating colds, flu, vaccinations, and infant checkups, we also specialize in treating allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis.
Please feel free to stop by.
Reference
Japan Pediatric Society
https://www.jpeds.or.jp/modules/guidelines/index.php?content_id=66