Adults & Pediatrics

Adult and pediatric health care have numerous similarities but some critical differences. At Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, N’Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, offers comprehensive individualized care for each patient at every stage of their lives. From newborn care and child development to illnesses of old age like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, you and your family can be sure of receiving high-quality health care. Call Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center to learn more about services for adults and pediatrics, or book an appointment online today.

Does health care for adults and pediatrics include the same medical services?

You might assume that adults and children require very similar medical care, and often they do. However, children’s requirements sometimes differ in important ways. For example, many medications are unsuitable for young children, and others require close monitoring.

Different things also affect children and adults — children are more likely to get tonsillitis, ear infections, and croup. Adults frequently develop osteoarthritis, coronary artery disease (CAD), and high blood pressure, which are rare in children.

Communication is also different. Very young children are nonverbal and can’t tell you what’s wrong. As they start talking, communication improves, but it can still be challenging.

Many primary care practices don’t see children, meaning you must visit a separate pediatrician for your child’s health care. However, Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center welcomes patients of all ages.

The practice provides comprehensive care throughout life. That includes diagnosing and treating acute symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and painful urination. It also includes treating minor injuries like cuts and sprains. Preventive medicine is also vital for all ages.

What health care services do adults need?

Services adults need that typically aren’t a concern in pediatrics include:

• Family planning and fertility
• Smoking cessation
• Menopause management
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Cholesterol management
• Geriatric medicine

Some services for adults start to become relevant for children as they grow older. For example, well-child exams change to annual physicals or well-woman/man exams. It’s also important not to leave things like birth control until it’s too late.

What health care services are common in pediatrics?

Children’s health care might include:

• Weaning
• Developmental assessments
• Early or late menstruation
• Autism screening
• Vaccinations

Most immunizations take place in childhood, but some might need boosters in later life. Conditions like flu and COVID-19 typically require boosters yearly or more frequently.

Pediatrics also covers the difficult stage between childhood and adulthood. Puberty starts in early adolescence, and children undergo rapid mental and physical changes for the next few years. Navigating this time can be challenging for children and their families, but Dr. Bamba understands the problems involved and helps smooth the transition.

Call Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center to learn more about the adult and pediatric services available, or schedule a consultation by completing the online booking form today.