Practice based in Umhlanga

Treatment and management of all acute and chronic problems in newborns, infants, children and adolescents.

Dr Mark Moodley is a Specialist Paediatrician based in Umhlanga who treats a variety of conditions in infants and children. In addition to acute childhood illnesses, Dr Moodley also has an interest in Infectious Diseases, HIV/TB, Cardiology, Pulmonology and Neonatology, as well as COVID infection in children.

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Dr Mark Moodley Specialist Paediatrician Umhlanga

Who is Dr. Moodley?

Dr Mark Moodley is a Specialist Paediatrician in the Durban area. He obtained his Bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) in 2012 with University of Kwazulu-Natal and thereafter completed 24 months of internship training at RK Khan Hospital. He completed 12 months of community service at Dr Harry Surtie Hospital in rural Upington in 2015 where he started his career in Paediatrics.

Dr Moodley has advocated for hundreds of children during his work at rural areas. He thereafter worked as a Medical Officer in the department of Paediatrics in Upington, Northern Cape. He completed his Diploma in Child Health during his community service time with the College of Medicine SA in 2015.

He began his resident training in Paediatrics in the Free State in 2018. During this time he completed his Masters in Paediatrics which is currently being considered for publication.

Dr Moodley completed a thesis which looked at Acinetobacter baumannii infections and outcomes in premature neonates. He was advised to submit his findings to the Free State Department of Health as his study showed significant findings and high mortality rates in premature babies with infection.

He achieved his Fellowship in Paediatrics in 2021. His interests include Neonatology, asthma, allergy and behavioural disorders in children. He is now practicing in the private sector in the Umhlanga area.

He treats all acute and chronic illnesses in children. He has featured on multiple radio and media talk shows discussing important topics pertaining to child health such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

What is Dr. Moodley like?

Z

Compassionate

Dr Moodley truly cares about his patients and it shows in his approach both with children and their parents

A

Patient

Dr Moodley is able to pacify any situation and bring calmness for his patients

N

Transparent

Clarity and openness is key to advising parents about their child’s wellbeing and post consult care needs

Paediatric Services

Management of acute and chronic illness, infections and other pediatric health conditions
Child wellness consultations
General paediatric consultations and assessments
Newborn attendance and neonatal care, including neonatal ICU
Newborn assessments and guidance for parents
Paediatric and neonatal admissions
Vaccinations and immunisations
Nebulisation per referral
Growth monitoring and nutritional assessments
Management of chronic conditions
Neuro-developmental assessment and monitoring
Psychological care
Education guidance
Lung function tests per referral
Ongoing primary health care and education

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CHRONIC ILLNESSES

Children who have chronic health conditions may have impaired growth and poor development. These children require frequent hospitalization, medical treatments and clinic visits. Optimal management of chronic illnesses is imperative. Some common chronic conditions include

Asthma

Asthma is a reversible disease of the lower airways. Children may present with chest tightness, a cough that occurs mostly at night, tiredness and wheezing. Asthma exacerbations can result in hospitalisation. Asthma is treatable with medication and lifestyle changes.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition where the child experiences recurrent seizures. These seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain . There are many different types of epilepsy . Your child may need further workup such as an EEG or a scan of the brain. Seizures can be controlled on medication.

Diabetes

Children with diabetes cannot make the hormone insulin . Insulin gives cells the energy they need in the form of glucose. These children may experience bed-wetting, frequent thirst, easily fatigued and loss of weight. Children with diabetes need a specifically tailored diet and insulin to control this condition. Poor control can result in complications needing urgent hospital admission.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder. Children with the disorder may experience severe damage to the lungs, gut and other organs. The cells that produce sweat, mucus and digestive juices are affected leading to thick secretions. The treatment of cystic fibrosis requires a multi-disciplinary approach. These children need frequent follow-ups with their Paediatrician.

ACUTE PROBLEMS

Fever

Fever in children is common. Your children should be seen by a healthcare professional for fever. It may be a symptom of underlying infection. Common types of infection in children are the common cold, infection of the ear, urine infections and pneumonia. There may be more serious infection such as meningitis which requires urgent treatment. Children under 3 months may need hospitalisation for further workup. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passage of loose stools. It may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. These children are prone to dehydration which can become severe and life-threatening . Children may lose important salts and electrolytes. Knowing how to make a rehydration solution at home can be life-saving. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with 8 teaspoons of sugar in 1 litre of boiled water and give after every loose stool.

Allergy

Allergy in children is common. Children may be allergic to certain foods, medications or exposure to dust mites, pets, pollen, mould and certain types of fungi. These children present with raised and itchy rashes all over the body. Sometimes allergies may become life-threatening especially when the child’s airways become blocked. Allergy can be diagnosed by skin tests and blood tests.

Vomiting

There are different conditions that present with vomiting. Some common conditions include acute gastroenteritis, food-poisoning and allergy, toxins. Vomiting may be a sign of a more sinister problem such as raised pressure in the brain which needs urgent attention. Some infections may result in vomiting such as infection of the ear and urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections are common in children, especially in girls. Common symptoms include burning and discomfort when the child urinates. There may be blood present in the urine. Infants may present with poor feeding and vomiting. Your paediatrician will check the child’s urine for infection. Infants may require an ultrasound to check for abnormalities in the urinary tract and kidneys.

DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DISORDERS

These disorders are common in children and can be quite distressing and challenging for parents and teachers .

Common disorders include
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Autism spectrum disorder

Autism can present in different ways. The earliest sign of autism is speech delay in a child. A child that is not speaking at 2 years should be a red flag. These children also have social milestone delays . They do not smile at their parents and find it difficult to make friends and communicate. They may have abnormal repetitive movements . They often have toe walking and head banging . Vaccines are NOT a cause for autism . The diagnosis of autism is not easy. Early treatment and therapy however may benefit the child.

ADHD

This is a common disorder in children . These children are often fidgety, restless and on the go. They find it difficult to concentrate in class and school performance may decline as a result. The condition is treatable with medication and therapy .

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Neonatal Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. This is caused by excessive bilirubin levels in the blood and is common in neonates. When the baby’s bilirubin level is too high, there may be severe damage to the brain which is irreversible. The baby may need admission to the hospital. The baby is placed under blue lights to help lower the bilirubin levels.

Neonatal Sepsis

Babies with infections can present in different ways. They may become lethargic, have poor feeding and their skin colour may change. The infection needs treatment with antibiotics at hospital. Neonatal sepsis can be life-threatening if not treated.

Reflux

Acid reflux is common in neonates. Most infants will outgrow this condition and treatment is seldom necessary unless there are complications such as poor growth which needs further workup.

Apnoea

Apnoea is when the baby stops breathing and the lips and body may become blue . This can be scary for parents . Apnoeas can result from infections , reflux or more serious conditions like an underlying heart condition. Take your baby urgently to the Paediatrician of you think your baby has apnoeic episodes.