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Up to 20 million children in the U.S. have a chronic disease or illness. With a compassionate team dedicated to providing personalized care, board-certified pediatrician Yvrose Valcourt, MD, and pediatric nurse practitioner Whitney Lutz, NP, deliver comprehensive chronic disease management at their offices in Aiken, Hardeeville, and Walterboro, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia. Call the pediatric office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more. The practice also offers telehealth visits for your convenience.
Chronic Disease Management Q&A
What is chronic disease management?
Chronic diseases are health concerns requiring ongoing care that usually last a year or more. Many chronic diseases affect children throughout life. With more than 20 years of pediatric experience, Valcourt Pediatric Associates’ providers help children and their families manage chronic diseases, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs.
Which health concerns can chronic disease management address?
Chronic disease management can help reduce complications, relieve symptoms, and slow the progression of many chronic diseases, including:
Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It’s most commonly diagnosed in children and requires ongoing care, including taking insulin. The practice also provides care for Type 2 diabetes, which typically develops later in life but can affect children.
Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disorder that affects the lungs’ airways. The small tubes, which carry air in and out of the lungs, inflame and narrow when your child has asthma. Effective treatment and preparation are essential to prevent complications like pneumonia.
Allergies
These are overreactions from the immune system, which protects your child from infectious diseases. Your child may have a reaction to normally harmless substances, like pet dander, pollen, or eggs. Developing an effective and responsive treatment plan, which includes medication and trigger avoidance, is crucial for children with allergies.
Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, red patches of skin. It’s usually diagnosed within a child’s first few years of life. Your pediatric specialist works with you to help soothe your child’s skin and reduce flare-ups.
Partnering with a pediatrician you trust to care for your child’s changing needs is essential when managing chronic diseases.
What does chronic disease management include?
Valcourt Pediatric Associates tailors your child’s plan to address their unique needs, risk factors, and goals. Chronic disease management can include a range of interventions and treatments, including:
- Regular health screenings
- Blood pressure and sugar monitoring
- Nutrition counseling
- Lifestyle modifications
- Weight management
- Prescription medications
- Topical ointments
- Coordination among specialists
- Goal setting and monitoring
Your child’s plan may change as they age. Valcourt Pediatric Associates continuously monitors your child's progress, adjusts their plan accordingly, and ensures seamless transitions as they move through different life stages.
Call Valcourt Pediatric Associates or schedule an appointment online today to ensure effective chronic disease management for your child.