We strive to create individualized treatment plans for each of our patients as each person has a unique history and unique needs. Some of our services include:
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a fairly common disorder that affects a person’s ability to remain focused and control impulsive behaviors. Those with ADHD might find themselves feeling restless and have a near-constant urge to be active and moving. Although it is frequently diagnosed in children and adolescents, ADHD can continue well into adulthood, along with problems such as inattention, disorganization, and poor impulse control.
Some of the symptoms of ADHD can include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
- Failure to follow through on instructions, projects, or tasks
- Easily sidetracked
- Trouble getting and staying organized
- Frequently losing items necessary for school, work, or other essential tasks
- Becoming distracted easily by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
Forgetful in daily activities - Seems not to listen well when spoken to directly
- Fidgeting, squirming, and not being able to sit still
- Restlessness
- Inability to quietly engage in play or hobbies
- Being constantly in motion
- Talking nonstop
Interrupting others when they’re speaking, blurting out answers, finishing other people’s sentences, and not being able to wait for one’s turn to speak
Having any or some of these symptoms does not always mean a person has ADHD. Children are especially prone to some of these behaviors naturally and ultimately learn to harness their energy and focus as they grow. An active child doesn’t necessarily equate to one with ADHD, and we are very careful to assess each patient’s full medical and personal history before making a diagnosis.
It is our highest priority to provide thorough and effective care to all our patients, and that starts with treating the person as a whole, not just the symptoms. Treatment options for ADHD may include medication such as stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants, therapy, and stress-management techniques, to name a few.
If you have questions about ADHD and how we can help you with your symptoms, please call our office at (212) 838-4715 today!
Newborn Care
Here at Richard G. Merkler, MD, FAAP, we are proud to offer exceptional newborn care to our littlest patients! We know how important it is to establish consistency with routine infant care, and we are committed to providing the highest standard of care with health screenings and monitoring to help ensure healthy development and growth in your child.
Additionally, we are here to help answer questions about feeding and sleep schedules, diaper changes, umbilical cord cleaning, and circumcision care. Whether it is your first child or your newest of many, we are here to support you as you navigate this stage of parenthood and give your child the best healthcare possible.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (212) 838-4715.
Allergies
At Richard G. Merkler, MD, FAAP, we offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for those who struggle with allergies. We understand that allergies can manifest in various ways from environmental factors to food, and we offer a wide range of treatment options to help your child live comfortably.
Possible signs of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to:
- Difficulty breathing
- Red eyes
- Runny nose
- Skin rashes or hives
- Sneezing
- Swollen face, lips, or tongue
- Upset stomach
- Watery eyes
In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur where the swelling of the throat blocks proper airflow. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention and administer an Epi-Pen if available.
Diagnosing Allergies
Some allergy symptoms may appear to be signs of an upset stomach, cold, or flu, making it difficult to diagnose at home. If you suspect your child has an allergy, schedule an appointment with our office to confirm a diagnosis.
We will conduct a thorough allergy test, including blood work and additional skin testing if necessary. In cases where further evaluation may be needed, we can refer your child to an allergist.
Treatment
For some, careful management of allergen exposure can be enough to keep your child symptom-free. In other cases, medication may be prescribed to keep allergy symptoms under control.
For more information on our allergy treatment options, contact our office at (212) 838-4715.
Asthma
Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects around 9 million children every year within the U.S. Once triggered, your child’s airways will become inflamed making it difficult to breathe and lead to other serious health complications. We understand that asthma can be frightening for both children and parents. At Richard G. Merkler, MD, FAAP, we can help you minimize symptoms and manage your child’s asthma with our comprehensive treatment options.
Common asthmatic triggers
There are several triggers that can lead to an asthma attack. Some of the most common asthmatic triggers for children include:
- Allergens like pollen, mold, or pet dander
- Environmental irritants like smog and smoke
- Extreme excitement or anxiety
- Prolonged exercises
- Rapid weather changes or cold weather
- Respiratory illnesses
By paying attention to potential triggers during attacks, you can help manage your child’s condition by minimizing exposure to potential triggers in the future.
Treatment
Asthma treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms, how frequently your child experiences attacks, and your child’s age.
If your child is very young, they may require a nebulizer to help them breathe in their medication through a face mask.
For older children who have mild and infrequent asthma attacks, rescue inhalers or bronchodilators may be enough to manage their symptoms should they occur.
For more moderate to severe cases, our doctors may prescribe long-term preventative medication that your child will need to take daily in addition to rescue inhalers to keep their asthma under control.
For more information on asthma and our treatment options, contact our office at (212) 838-4715.
Common Cold
The cold and flu can be uncomfortable for anyone, but especially for children as they may not always be able to say how they are affected the same way adults can. Fortunately, at Richard G. Merkler, MD, FAAP, both the cold and flu can be easily diagnosed within our office with immediate results allowing us to treat your child the same day and give them the care they need.
A cold is from a virus that may cause upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal and sinus congestion, and a sore throat. Though uncommon, a cold can be accompanied by a slight fever. Colds generally last anywhere from 7 to 10 days.
What is the flu?
The flu is caused by a specific influenza virus. As with a cold, the flu will also affect your child’s upper respiratory system causing similar symptoms. In addition to congestion, sore throat, runny nose and other symptoms of a cold, your child may experience fatigue, body aches, chills, and a loss of appetite. The flu is often accompanied by a high fever that can persist if left untreated. The flu can last anywhere from one to several weeks.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for the cold or flu, we can still provide treatment options to help your child find relief.
Over the counter medication can help reduce a fever and relieve aches and pains associated with being sick from the cold and flu. A humidifier can also add extra moisture into the air to alleviate nasal and sinus congestion. At home, it is important to keep your child hydrated and allow them to get as much rest as possible.
Antiviral medication may be prescribed to your child to help them recover faster. Before prescribing any medication, our doctors will discuss any potential side effects with you.
The best way to prevent the flu is to schedule yearly flu shots for your child and family. The shot will only take a few minutes of your time but will protect you for an entire year.
For more information on the cold and flu, please contact our office at (212) 838-4715.
Ear Infection
Ear infections can be a common occurrence during childhood, but fortunately, they are easily treated. At Richard G. Merkler, MD, FAAP, we can help your child find relief from an ear infection as soon as possible.
If your child is old enough to verbalize feelings clearly, he or she may complain of ear pain, itching, burning, or that the ear feels hot to the touch.
If your child is too young, then you may be able to recognize signs of infections by the following symptoms:
- Balance problems
- Fluid or discharge from ears
- Poor appetite
- Pulling on ears
- Restlessness
- Rubbing ears constantly
- Unusual fussiness
Another symptom associated with ear infections can be a fever. Most children with an ear infection will display several symptoms listed above. If your child is displaying some of these symptoms, schedule an appointment to get your child fast relief.
Causes
Ear infections typically occur from bacteria or viruses that have entered your child’s body. This often occurs when your child is unwell from a cold or respiratory infection.
Treatment
Treatment will vary depending on your child’s symptoms.
If your child is not feeling better with over-the-counter medication or warm compresses, antibiotics may be prescribed. These antibiotics can usually be taken with over-the-counter medication as needed. Before prescribing any medication, your doctor will go over any potential side effects with you.
Most children begin to feel better after a few days of treatment. If your child experiences ear infections often, they may need to undergo a simple procedure to drain their ears of fluid to prevent future infections.
For more information on ear infections and our treatment options available, please contact our office at (212) 838-4715.
Weight Management
Here at Richard G. Merkler, MD, FAAP, we want to help you on your journey towards optimal health. In order to care for you as a whole patient from the foundation, it is necessary to integrate nutrition into your wellness plan. The best way to get the nutrients you need is to consume whole foods. If we all ate perfectly, no supplementation would be needed. However, the majority of Americans do not get enough balanced nutrition due to various reasons.
Our goal is to find fun and easy ways to incorporate a healthy mind-set for our patients.
Dietary recommendations are the foundation of clinical nutrition, but you may need some supplementation as well.
Supplementation is needed to combat health variables such as stress, the consumption of processed foods, food additives, and foods that are grown on depleted soils. Clinical nutrition recommendations are determined by integrating information from your health history, exam, and lab results.
Here at Richard G. Merkler, MD, FAAP, we offer nutritional counseling to help optimize your health goals and weight management. We want to break down the myths surrounding common diets and simply your nutrition by focusing on an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Please contact our office at (212) 838-4715 today for questions on how to start your own journey.