María García, paediatrician: "Screens can cause language disorders in children"

Dr María García Henarejos, a paediatrician at IMED Alcoy, provides an updated perspective on common consultations, the evolution of paediatrics in recent years, and the keys to protecting the health of young children, especially in an era marked by the rise of screen use and childhood stress. We gather the most notable insights from the doctor.

"Fever, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, and skin rashes are the most common reasons parents consult in paediatrics," explains Dr García Henarejos. "These vary according to the child's age, but in general, they are the most frequent."

Although seasonal changes often lead to an increase in respiratory or viral pathologies, the doctor emphasises that "prevention in paediatric age is essential throughout the year."

Among the most effective recommendations, she highlights "vaccination, maintaining good hygiene, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and basic measures to prevent infections, such as hand washing or covering when coughing or sneezing."

Paediatrics has seen significant advances in recent years, both in technology and medical approach. "The preventive approach has gained importance, with special attention to nutrition, mental health, and healthy lifestyle habits," she states. Applications have also been introduced that allow families to closely monitor their children's health status, share information with paediatricians, and even develop more specific treatments thanks to advances in genetics.

Regular paediatric check-ups are essential to monitor the child's proper development. "They allow for early detection of potential problems, ensure appropriate vaccination, and provide guidance to parents," the specialist points out.

These check-ups "are scheduled at key moments such as 15 days of life, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months, and then at 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, and 14 years, following the nationally established Child Health Programme," the doctor adds.

One of the major dilemmas many families face is knowing "when a child's ailment requires urgent medical attention." Dr García Henarejos provides a clear guide:

- Skin: lesions that do not disappear when pressed, sudden appearance of spots with swelling, or symptoms like difficulty breathing.

- Breathing: noticeable difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, marked ribs, or persistent respiratory noises.

- Digestive: refusal of food in infants, persistent vomiting, prolonged diarrhoea, signs of dehydration, or intense abdominal pain.

- Behaviour: excessive drowsiness, seizures, loss of strength, extreme irritability, or suicidal thoughts.

- Fever: in infants under 3 months, any fever above 38°C is a reason for urgent attention.

- Accidents and injuries: deep wounds, open fractures, blows with loss of consciousness, ingestion of toxins or medications.

"Other milder conditions can be assessed in a scheduled consultation without the need to go to emergencies," the doctor clarifies.

Regarding the use of screens and their impact on children, the doctor warns about the negative effects: "They can cause language disorders, affect socialisation, sleep, and concentration, as well as increase sedentary behaviour and have consequences on mental health, such as anxiety or low self-esteem."

Emotional management plays a key role in this context. "The most important thing is for parents to know how to identify signs of stress or anxiety and create a trusting environment where the child feels comfortable expressing their emotions." From there, she adds, "it is essential for the family to become real support and, if necessary, seek help from school, psychological, or medical professionals to address the problem early."