Opal Court Pediatrics

06/03/2026

05/29/2026

Mononucleosis, often called mono, is a common viral illness in teens caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is sometimes referred to as the “kissing disease” because it spreads through saliva.

Typical symptoms include significant fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and sometimes an enlarged spleen.

Many teens feel very tired for several weeks, even after other symptoms begin to improve.

Treatment is mainly supportive, focusing on rest, hydration, and symptom relief. Because mono can affect the spleen, it is important to avoid contact sports or heavy activity until cleared by a healthcare provider.

If your teen has symptoms of mono or prolonged fatigue, contact Opal Court Pediatrics to discuss evaluation and guidance on safe return to activities.

05/27/2026

Has your teen been complaining of knee pain? It could be Osgood Schlatter.

Osgood Schlatter is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents, especially those who are active in sports that involve running and jumping. It occurs when the growth plate just below the kneecap becomes irritated from repeated stress during periods of rapid growth.

Teens may notice pain, swelling, or a bump just below the knee, often worse with activity like sports, running, or climbing stairs. Symptoms can come and go during growth spurts.

Management typically includes activity modification, stretching, ice, and supportive care to reduce strain on the area while the body continues to grow.

If knee pain is ongoing, causing limping, or limiting participation in activities, contact our office so we can evaluate it and develop a plan for safe return to activity.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day! ❤️🤍💙

As a reminder the office is CLOSED today and will reopen tomorrow with usual hours.

05/22/2026

Sleep regressions are common in the toddler years and can happen even after a child has been sleeping well. These changes are often temporary and can be linked to normal development.

Common causes include teething, changes in routine or schedule, new fears or separation anxiety, and developmental milestones such as language growth or increased independence. Toddlers may resist bedtime, wake more during the night, or have difficulty settling.

These phases are usually short-lived, and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can help provide stability during this time.

If sleep struggles are lasting longer than expected or are significantly affecting your child or family, call to schedule an appointment so we can help guide you.

05/21/2026

The next meet and greet with Dr. Rao will be Thursday, June 4th at 5:00 PM. Please call the office to reserve your spot today. 301-791-6666.

05/20/2026

Mental health is an important part of overall health for children, teens, and parents.

Counseling is not only for times of crisis—it can also help with everyday challenges such as big emotions, behavior changes, stress, and life transitions. Talking with a trained professional provides support, tools, and strategies to help families navigate these experiences.

Normalizing conversations about mental health helps children and teens feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it.

Dr. Rao says mental health checkups are like oil changes for your car. We do not wait until the car breaks down to get the oil changed. We make sure we are changing the oil regularly to keep it running well. Mental health care works the same way, regular support can help prevent bigger concerns over time.

If you are interested in counseling or would like help finding local resources, contact Opal Court Pediatrics to discuss options available in your area.

05/18/2026

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness in young children. It often starts with a fever and decreased appetite, followed by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the diaper area. The spots may look like small red bumps or blisters.

This illness is very contagious and spreads easily through saliva, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Good hand washing and keeping children home while they have fever or open sores can help reduce spread.

Most cases are mild and improve on their own within about a week. Focus is on comfort, including fluids and pain control, since mouth sores can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.

Call our office if your child is not drinking well, shows signs of dehydration, has persistent high fever, or if you have concerns about worsening symptoms.

05/15/2026

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that give skin its color. While it is less common in children, early detection is important.

Regular skin checks can help parents notice changes over time. Keeping an eye on moles and new spots during routine care like bath time or getting dressed can make it easier to recognize anything unusual.

A few signs to watch for include moles that are changing in size, shape, or color, spots that look different from others, or any area that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal.

Trust your instincts if something looks unusual.

Sun protection also plays a key role in prevention. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting peak sun exposure can help protect your child’s skin over time.

If you notice any concerning skin changes, contact Opal Court Pediatrics to have it evaluated.

05/13/2026

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to long-term complications such as chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids, and babies can be exposed at birth or early in life without obvious symptoms.

Before routine vaccination, many people developed chronic hepatitis B infections that lasted a lifetime. The introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine has significantly reduced infection rates, especially in children.

Vaccination helps protect babies from early exposure and provides long-term protection as children grow. Keeping vaccines up to date remains one of the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis B and its complications.

If you are unsure whether your child is up to date on vaccines, contact our office and we can review their immunization record with you.