Chronic Conditions

Caring for a child with a chronic condition can be challenging, especially when you’re unsure how to manage their symptoms effectively. At Rigby Pediatrics, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We specialize in treating chronic conditions in kids, offering the support and care your child needs to manage their health with confidence. Our providers are dedicated to helping families in Rigby, Idaho, find the right treatment and support for long-term health concerns so you don’t have to face them alone.

What Are Chronic Conditions?

A chronic condition is a health problem that persists for more than 12 months and either requires regular medical treatment or severely impacts your child’s ability to perform daily activities.

Regular chronic condition treatment is important for kids to ensure they get the most out of their lives. Many chronic conditions can’t be “cured,” but the proper treatment will mitigate symptoms and prevent further problems from developing later down the road.

Rigby Pediatrics is here to help your child thrive despite their chronic condition.

Chronic Conditions We Treat at Rigby Pediatrics

Our team treats a diversity of chronic conditions that are extremely common in young children, such as:

ADHD and other behavioral disorders:

The CDC reports as many as 7 million children in the United States have ADHD, making it one of the most prevalent behavioral disorders in the country. Kids with ADHD tend to have difficulty concentrating on tasks or sitting still, though they may also experience other social and cognitive symptoms.

Allergies:

We treat all kinds of allergies in kids, including frequent ones like hay fever, nut allergies, latex allergies, and more. Allergies cause immune system reactions and are amongst the most common chronic conditions.

Asthma:

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that inflames the airways and causes breathing issues. It is triggered by allergies or other airborne contaminants. Treatment is necessary to prevent serious occurrences like asthma attacks.

Diabetes:

Children can suffer from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Both relate to issues with blood sugar regulation. Type 1 means your child doesn’t produce enough insulin, while type 2 means they’re resistant to insulin.

Eczema and other skin conditions:

Eczema is a chronic skin condition causing excessive dryness, scaling, and itchiness. Other skin concerns include psoriasis and rosacea.

Gastrointestinal issues:

Many children develop chronic conditions in their bowels and gut. IBS is the most common and can lead to constant stomach pains and difficulty going to the restroom.

Migraines:

If your child experiences frequent and severe headaches, they may suffer from migraines, a neurological condition that worsens in response to light or sound.

Obesity:

19.7% of US children and adolescents are classified as obese. Obesity is a condition where excess body fat causes further long-term health concerns, such as an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.

Treatment for Chronic Conditions in Kids

Our chronic condition treatment for kids spans many approaches depending on each child’s needs. Treatment options often involve:

Individualized care plans: These plans are tailored to your child’s needs and will ensure they get all the help required on a regular basis to manage their chronic condition.
Medication: We prescribe various forms of medication to treat things like allergies and chronic pain. Your child may receive topical medicines for things like chronic skin conditions.
Lifestyle changes: Many chronic conditions (like obesity and diabetes) can be controlled and treated by lifestyle changes. We help your child adhere to healthier habits and encourage them to do things that can alleviate their symptoms.
Therapies or specialist support: A qualified pediatrician will work closely with your child to give them specialist support or therapy services to help manage and come to terms with their chronic condition.
Regular checkups: Your child will receive regular checkups to track their progress and help manage their symptoms.

Tips for Parents of Kids With Chronic Conditions

Knowing how to deal with your child’s chronic condition will make life easier for both them and you. If your child has recently been diagnosed with a chronic condition, we recommend:

Learning about your child’s condition: Research your child’s chronic condition to learn as much about it as possible. Doing so will help you figure out what they are or aren’t capable of and how to manage their daily lives.
Keeping detailed records: Always keep track of their medical records, as they will be important when developing or modifying a treatment plan. For example, their pain or allergy medication may interact with other common drugs.
Encouraging your child to communicate openly: Create an open dialogue with your child so they feel comfortable talking about their condition. It stops them from bottling things up and helps you both get on the same page.
Focusing on the positives: Always look on the bright side and focus on what your child can do and achieve rather than what they might be unable to do due to their chronic condition. Also, support any small wins during the treatment process, such as a reduction in certain symptoms.
Building a support network: Make sure your child has a solid support network around them. This group will include you, their pediatrician, and anyone else helping manage the physical or emotional aspects of their condition.
Teaching your child to self-advocate: Help your child learn how to express themselves and develop essential skills to be more independent. Make sure they know their capabilities as well as their limitations.

Schedule an Evaluation With a Pediatrician in Rigby

If your child has a chronic condition, it doesn’t mean they’re destined for a life of pain and suffering. With the proper treatment, they will live a long and happy life, achieving all their dreams and aspirations.

Don’t let your child’s diagnosis define them. Contact Rigby Pediatrics to schedule an appointment so we can find the best treatment path to help them thrive!

(208) 357- 4432