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Healthy, Happy & Confident Children

What We Offer

Elk Grove Pediatrics has provided over 30 years of compassionate and comprehensive pediatric services for families throughout the Greater Sacramento region. Committed to nurturing healthy and happy lives, our pediatricians work with every child from infancy to young adulthood, through all stages of their development.

We warmly welcome new patients from Elk Grove, CA, and the surrounding areas, and we invite parents and guardians to call our office at 916-686-5003 or book an appointment online today!

Now offering telehealth appointments.

General Pediatric Services

Ear Infection

Did you know that five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by the time they turn 3-years-old?

When your child is suffering from an ear infection, it can be difficult to comfort and soothe them. Elk Grove Pediatrics offers top-notch care for ear infections so children can recover quickly and parents can achieve greater peace of mind. Call 916-686-5003 if you suspect your child has an ear infection.

What Causes Ear Infections in Children?

Children are more susceptible to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes have not fully developed. Eustachian tubes are responsible for drainage, and when undeveloped, children are more prone to bacteria growth and subsequent infection.

The most common type of ear infection, known as otitis media, occurs when bacteria infiltrate the middle of the ear. In response, fluid buildup can occur behind the eardrums, causing significant pain.

Young children with enlarged adenoids are also more susceptible to ear infections because these can interfere with the Eustachian tubes’ drainage system. A child’s immune system also isn’t as strong at a young age, so they may not be able to fight off infection as effectively or quickly.

When Should I See the Doctor?

Most ear infections can clear up on their own after two to three days. However, if your child displays any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatrician:

  • A fever over 102°F
  • Significant pain
  • Symptoms don’t go away after three days

What Are the Signs of an Ear Infection?

Some children may be able to verbalize their pain and discomfort when they’re experiencing an ear infection and fluid buildup behind their eardrums. Children can also display the following symptoms:

  • Tugging on the ear
  • Fever
  • Trouble sleeping

Fluid can also drain from the ear, and some children can develop hearing problems. More often than not, and without the need for verbalization, parents will be able to notice when their child is in pain and not feeling well.

How are ear infections treated?

After reviewing your child’s symptoms and medical history, one of our pediatricians will perform an ear examination. If your child has an ear infection, we may prescribe antibiotics and over-the-counter medications for their comfort. Because ear infections typically resolve on their own, antibiotic treatment may not be necessary.

Does your child suffer from frequent ear infections? This is not uncommon, and if your child does, our pediatric team may recommend more aggressive treatment measures, such as placing drainage tubes in their ears.

Flu

Children are often hit particularly hard during flu season. In fact, 20-30% of annual flu cases occur in children.

At Elk Grove Pediatrics, we offer comprehensive flu services and preventative treatment for children of all ages. If you think your child has the flu, or if you would like to schedule their flu vaccination, call 916-686-5003 today.

What is the flu & what are the symptoms?

Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection. It’s transmitted from child to child through airborne droplets.

Flu symptoms can come on abruptly, usually within one to four days after the initial infection. The symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Body aches
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Cough

While some of these symptoms can resemble a common cold, they are often more severe.

How is the flu treated?

There is no cure for the flu, but plenty of rest, hydration, and at-home care can help ease your child’s symptoms. Your pediatrician can recommend antiviral or anti-inflammatory medications to help as the flu runs its course.

When is the flu dangerous?

Most children gradually recover from the flu and get better after a few days. However, the flu can be dangerous to children with pre-existing respiratory conditions, like asthma or allergies.

Seek emergency medical care if your child displays any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever over 104°F
  • Rapid breathing
  • Blue lips
  • Lethargy
  • Dehydration
  • Seizures

Less severe symptoms can persist for up to a week or more in some children. If persistent, or if complications like an ear infection develop, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician.

How can you prevent the flu in children?

The CDC recommends that children aged six months and older receive their annual flu shot. With the flu shot, children and their families are better protected against the flu each year.

Strep Throat

Young children are susceptible to contracting sore throats and the common cold every year. But when it comes to strep throat, it is an entirely different matter.

Highly contagious and uncomfortable, strep throat requires expert guidance and prompt medical treatment. If you suspect your child has strep throat, call 916-686-5003 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician.

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat, a highly contagious infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, can affect people of any age but it is far more common in children.

Transmitting through airborne droplets, strep throat can make its rounds in schools and among peer groups, typically during winter and early spring. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

How is Strep Throat Treated?

After reviewing your child’s symptoms and examining their throat, one of our pediatricians will run a quick and painless swab to check for the presence of bacteria.

If we confirm strep throat, we will typically prescribe antibiotics and over-the-counter pain relievers. Because strep throat is highly contagious, you should plan on keeping your child home for a few days while the antibiotics go to work.

At-home care is essential. During this time, you can help keep your child comfortable by having them to do the following:

  • Rinse with saltwater
  • Hydrate & drink plenty of fluids
  • Rest
  • Eat soft foods

Strep throat will usually clear out after two to three days on antibiotics, and your child should start to feel more comfortable and ready to get back to school or daycare.

What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

A sudden sore throat and pain when swallowing are some of the telltale signs of strep throat. Aside from the discomfort, children can also develop one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Swollen and red tonsils
  • Pus around their tonsils
  • Red spots at the back of their mouth (or on the roof of their mouth)
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Body aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tender and swollen lymph nodes in their neck

Oddly enough, some children don’t develop any symptoms at all, but they’re still able to pass on strep throat to others.

The bottom line is that if your child is in discomfort, it’s best to have them checked out by a pediatrician. By doing so, you can also prevent other children from contracting the infection from your child.

Nutrition

In what can feel like a blink of an eye, your young child grows up into an individual who is ready to embark on the journey of adulthood. While your child is still a child, they must receive proper nourishment to meet their developmental milestones and get the best start in life.

Our pediatric team offers nutritional counseling for kids, and if you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with one of our pediatricians, contact us today.

Why is Nutrition Important?

Ensuring your child can fulfill their nutritional needs early on in life sets them up for a lifetime of health and wellness. Throughout their life, from the time they stop breastfeeding, your child relies on nutrients for their physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

Our pediatricians can help parents navigate their child’s needs and meet their daily nutritional requirements. Whether your child is a picky eater, has food allergies, has weight problems, or if you’re interested in giving them a headstart with nutritional counseling, our pediatric team is ready to help.

How Can I Avoid Weight Problems In My Child?

Childhood obesity affects 13.7 million children and adolescents in the United States. Carrying extra weight as a child can have serious health implications, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Poor bone & joint health
  • Asthma
  • Sleep apnea

Childhood obesity can also lead to future cardiovascular problems.

Under the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, you can get your child within a normal and healthy weight range. We will provide and design a structured nutritional program to address weight problems and meet your child’s needs.

What Should Be Part of My Child’s Diet?

Navigating the world of nutrition can be challenging, but when it comes to nutrition for kids, adhering to a basic and balanced diet of the following can fulfill your child’s nutritional needs:

  • Protein
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Dairy

Each of these food groups contains the necessary vitamins and nutrients your child needs for healthy development. In addition to providing nutritional counseling for kids, our pediatricians can also help parents understand portion control.

Long-Term Services

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly misunderstood condition because it blurs the lines between a mental disorder and normal, child-like behaviors.

The team at Elk Grove Pediatrics specializes in ADHD and is here to equip parents with the tools and resources they need to help their children. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician to discuss and diagnose ADHD, contact us today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD affects around 9.4% of children in the United States. There are different types of ADHD, including:

  • Inattentive type
  • Hyperactive/impulsive type
  • Combination

The causes of ADHD are not known, but it is widely believed that genetics, brain injuries, or premature birth may play roles in the development of ADHD.

How is ADHD treated?

There is no cure for ADHD. However, with medication and therapy, children can learn to manage their ADHD.

Your child’s pediatrician may recommend one or more of the following:

  • Prescription medications
  • (stimulants, non-stimulants, or antidepressants)
  • Behavioral therapy & counseling
  • Special education programs

With successful management of the disorder, children can reach their fullest potential and optimize their chances for success in adulthood.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?

Because there are different types of ADHD, symptoms can vary. It’s best to work with a pediatrician to help determine whether your child has ADHD.

Here are the symptoms of two of the most common types of ADHD. Children must display six or more of the symptoms listed under each category.

Inattentive Type

  • Lack of attention to detail
  • Problems staying focused
  • Failure to listen
  • Trouble following instructions (chores, homework, etc.)
  • Organizational problems
  • Easily distracted
  • A propensity to lose or misplace things
  • Avoidance of tasks that require concentration

Hyperactivity/Impulsive Type

  • Trouble sitting still
  • Fidgeting
  • Moving (running, climbing, etc.)
  • frequently, and not when appropriate
  • Inability to play quietly
  • Talking too much
  • Interrupting
  • Blurting things out loud
  • Difficulty with waiting their turn or in lines

Allergies

From food allergies to hay fever, allergies affect up to 40% of children in the United States. Elk Grove Pediatrics offers allergy testing and treatments to help children better manage and minimize their allergies for life.

Does your child suffer from allergies? For expert diagnosis and management of childhood allergies, book an appointment for your child online today.

What Is An Allergy?

The immune system protects us from toxins, bacteria, and all types of foreign invaders. For some, their immune systems mistake benign substances (allergens) as harmful, causing a misfired immune response. With an allergy, an immune response can take the form of a mild rash to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

It’s not known why some people develop allergies and others don’t, but researchers believe genetics and environment can play a role.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies?

A child’s immune response to allergens can take many forms, including:

  • Respiratory issues
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Skin rashes
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Hives

In extreme cases, some children may go into anaphylactic shock, requiring immediate medical care. The signs of anaphylaxis vary, but an inability to breathe, distress, vomiting, and loss of consciousness can occur.

What Are the Most Common Allergies in Children?

The most common allergies in younger patients include:

  • Food allergies
  • Hay fever
  • Pet allergies
  • Mold & dust
  • Insect sting allergies

Food allergies are among the most common allergies, often triggered by:

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts & other nuts
  • Fish & shellfish
  • Soy
  • Wheat

How Are Allergies Treated?

A pediatrician will first need to run blood tests to identify an allergy. The pediatrician will also explore your child’s symptoms and the circumstances surrounding their onset and development. Parents should record symptoms and when they occur to give their pediatrician a quicker and better idea of what may be causing their allergies.

Depending on your child’s unique situation, their pediatrician will recommend a treatment plan that may include:

  • Long-term medications
  • On-the-spot treatments
  • Trigger avoidance
  • Immunotherapy

Unfortunately, there are no cures for allergies. With proper treatment and maintenance, children can manage their allergies and enjoy their carefree years.

Asthma

Over 8% of American children have asthma. Asthma is also a leading cause of missed school days.

Our pediatric team is here to help children with asthma breathe easier and teach their families how to better manage the condition.

Does your child have asthma? Contact us today to schedule an appointment to go over your child’s treatment options for asthma.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma causes the airways to inflame, narrow, and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma ranges in severity for both children and adults. In some cases, asthma is a minor nuisance. For other children, asthma can be a life-altering condition that limits a child’s life in significant ways.

What Causes Asthma?

The cause of asthma is not known. However, researchers believe genetics, allergies, secondhand smoke, exposure to toxins, and being overweight can cause asthma.

Several things can trigger asthma attack, including:

  • Airborne irritants (mold, pet dander, & dust)
  • Colds & flus that affect your child’s respiratory system
  • Physical activity
  • Food ingredients (such as preservatives & sulfites)
  • Gastrointestinal problems & acid
  • reflux
  • Cold air
  • Stress

What Are the Symptoms of Asthma?

Symptoms of asthma vary in severity, and they can include:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Coughing with exertion

Frequent asthma attacks can magnify these symptoms and even become life-threatening.

How Is Asthma Treated?

Your child’s pediatrician will first run a series of tests to determine their lung function. After reviewing your child’s symptoms, their pediatrician can administer any of the following treatments:

  • Prescription medications for long-term control
  • Spot inhalers & other tools that subdue immediate symptoms
  • Trigger avoidance
  • Immunotherapy

The goal of treatment is to help children better control their asthma.

Autism

Nearly 1 in 54 children are identified with autism spectrum disorder. At Elk Grove Pediatrics, we help families navigate the complexities of autism and better manage their child’s autism.

If you would like to learn more about autism or schedule an appointment with a specialist, please call 916-686-5003 today!

What Is Autism?

Clinically known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autism is a developmental disability that produces a range of effects. There are high-functioning forms of autism, as well as disabling forms that render some children unable to communicate with their surroundings.

Autism causes difficulties with socialization, speech, nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. These effects are unique to every child. This is why the condition is often referred to as a “spectrum” with many subtypes.

How Is Autism Treated?

Early intervention can give your child the best chances for coping with and managing their autism. Your child’s pediatrician can help identify early signs and when it may be appropriate to begin early intervention, speech therapy, and other treatment methods.

What Are the Signs of Autism?

The onset of autism signs often occur around the age of three, and they can typically include:

  • Lack of eye contact
  • Not following you when you point
  • Lack of interest in people or objects around them
  • Aversion to close contact
  • Repeating things that are said to them
  • A need for routine
  • Social awkwardness

Autism is a difficult condition to define, and every child displays different symptoms. As autism progresses, it may become difficult to interact or communicate with your child.

Contact us at 916-686-5003 today!

Elk Grove Pediatrics, Pediatric Doctor in Elk Grove, CA

Elk Grove Pediatrics
9727 Elk Grove Florin Rd Suite 250
Elk Grove, CA 95624

Phone: 916-686-5003
Fax: 916-686-5015
Phone Hours Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 12 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 
Closed Daily 12-:00 - 1:00 PM for Lunch