Concerns About Young Children Swallowing Foreign Objects: What to Do?
Accidental ingestion in children? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about my child who is almost one and a half years old. At that time, while sitting in her car seat, my older daughter gave my younger daughter a folded small round mirror to play with. Subsequently, my older ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Iron is well visualized on X-rays. It is recommended to consult a pediatric outpatient clinic or the emergency department for chest and abdominal X-rays to confirm if there has been any ingestion. If there are currently no symptoms, it is still advisable to get the imaging...[Read More] Concerns About Young Children Swallowing Foreign Objects: What to Do?
Should You Rush to the ER for Your Baby's Oral Injury?
Oral issues in infants? If the baby has bitten off a large piece of fruit and you are concerned about choking, you attempted to remove the fruit with your fingers but accidentally scratched the roof of the mouth with your fingernail, causing bleeding, you should assess the situat...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The baby has a wound on the upper gum, which based on the description appears to be superficial and small. If you have an oral spray at home (for conditions such as enterovirus or herpes), you can use it to help alleviate discomfort. If the bleeding persists for a long tim...[Read More] Should You Rush to the ER for Your Baby's Oral Injury?
Can I Still Grow Taller During Puberty? Understanding Growth Stages
Height issues during puberty? Hello doctor, I currently have pubic hair and an Adam's apple, and my height is 160 cm. Can I still grow taller? What stage of puberty am I in?
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: 1. According to the Tanner stages of puberty, there are five stages; the presence of pubic hair indicates stage three. 2. The appearance of the Adam's apple signifies stage five, which is the end of puberty. If there are concerns about limited growth potential, it is ...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller During Puberty? Understanding Growth Stages
Understanding Shaken Baby Syndrome and Neck Support for Infants
Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Neck Hello, Doctor! A few days ago, while I was burping my baby who is less than 10 days old, I wasn't familiar with the situation and didn't support her neck properly (I only placed my hand on her shoulders). Suddenly, she lifted her head a...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Based on your description, there should not be any injuries to the baby's brain or neck. You can monitor the baby's activity over the next couple of days for signs such as vomiting, seizures, or excessive crying to determine if a visit to the doctor is necessary....[Read More] Understanding Shaken Baby Syndrome and Neck Support for Infants
Understanding Low Platelet Counts in Children: When to Seek Further Testing
Regarding platelet count? Hello Dr. Pei, my son is currently in the first year of junior high school (13 years old). He had a blood test at school that showed abnormal platelet levels, with a reference range of 150-400, and his result was 128. Should this value be further investi...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The standard for thrombocytopenia is less than 150,000 platelets, and 128,000 is indeed slightly low; however, a platelet count below 20,000 is when functional insufficiency occurs, leading to spontaneous bleeding. It is recommended to have a follow-up blood test in 2-4 we...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts in Children: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Pediatric Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Further inquiry regarding platelet count? Hello Dr. Pei, thank you for your response to my question. Actually, my child's school conducted a health check with a hospital last semester, and on October 4, 2023, the platelet count from the blood test was 125 (the hospital'...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello! After about six months, the platelet levels have not fluctuated much; they are far from the danger zone, so there is no need for concern or to deliberately have more blood drawn. Just pay attention to any signs of bleeding tendencies, such as frequent nosebleeds, or subcut...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Pediatric Constipation: When to Seek Medical Help
Childhood constipation Hello Doctor, my son is seven years old. He hasn't had a bowel movement for the past two to three days, and after I gave him yogurt, he was able to go. His stool appeared soft and there was no blood (I'm not sure if the stool was hard at the begin...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello! 1. The recovery time for anal fissures caused by constipation varies depending on the severity. I will prescribe antibiotic ointment to prevent infection, while also encouraging exercise, hydration, and fiber intake to prevent worsening of constipation and the fissure. 2. ...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Constipation: When to Seek Medical Help
Addressing Infant Constipation: Formula Changes and Dietary Solutions
Infant bowel movement issues? Hello Doctor, my baby is currently 4 months and 7 days old. He is drinking Karolotani goat milk formula. After birth, he was in the hospital for three days and was also given Karolotani. At that time, his meconium was normal. After being discharged, ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: It appears there is a mild case of constipation. 1. If the baby is over 4 months old, you can introduce complementary foods, utilizing the fiber in these foods (such as fruit puree, vegetable puree, etc.); this can help with bowel movements. 2. Most hydrolyzed formulas hav...[Read More] Addressing Infant Constipation: Formula Changes and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Bedwetting in Children with Epilepsy: Causes and Solutions
Children in preschool still need to wear diapers at night? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about my 6-year-old child who has epilepsy. He goes to the bathroom before bed but still wets the bed. Sometimes he also wets the bed during nap time at school. He usually feels a strong...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Enuresis refers to the involuntary loss of urine during sleep in children over the age of 5. The prevalence decreases from 15% in 5-year-old children to 1% to 2% in children aged 15 and older. Nocturnal enuresis may be caused by one or more related factors in children, suc...[Read More] Understanding Bedwetting in Children with Epilepsy: Causes and Solutions
Managing Nutcracker Syndrome in Children: Concerns and Alternatives
Children's Nutcracker Syndrome Hello Doctor, my daughter is in the first grade and has a problem with protein in her urine. After undergoing a kidney ultrasound and a CT scan, it was found that she has Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS). The doctor prescribed Losartan, which is a med...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The main manifestation of NUTCRACKER SYNDROME is hematuria; if there is persistent proteinuria, other kidney diseases should be considered. If blood/urine tests do not provide a clear answer, a kidney biopsy should be considered. You may discuss this with the pediatric nep...[Read More] Managing Nutcracker Syndrome in Children: Concerns and Alternatives
Understanding Hypothyroidism in Children: Growth Concerns and Treatment
Hypothyroidism Hello Doctor, my son had normal results during the newborn screening at birth. His growth curve has consistently been around the 3rd percentile, and all other growth assessments have been normal. However, over the past two to three years, I have noticed that his he...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: 1. An 8-year-old was diagnosed with hypothyroidism; newborn screening was normal. The most common cause is autoimmune disease leading to acquired hypothyroidism. 2. The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement, not iodine supplementation. 3. A c...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism in Children: Growth Concerns and Treatment
Understanding Hypothyroidism in Children: Growth Concerns and Treatment
Hypothyroidism Hello Doctor, my son had normal results during the newborn screening at birth. His growth curve has consistently been around the 3rd percentile, and all other growth assessments have been normal. However, over the past two to three years, I have noticed that his he...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Estimating adult height should also take into account the heights of the parents, generally calculated as the average of the parents' heights +/- 6.5 cm. If a child's height is significantly below the estimated value based on the parents' heights, it is impo...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism in Children: Growth Concerns and Treatment
6-Year-Old Boy with Prominent Left Chest: What to Know?
A 6-year-old boy has a protrusion on the left side of his chest compared to the right side? The physician recently discovered that the 6-year-old boy at home has a protrusion on the left side of his chest that is more prominent than the right. Upon palpation, it feels like a more...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: In the outpatient clinic, I have encountered numerous cases of asymmetric thorax, some of which include pectus carinatum, pectus excavatum, asymmetric ribs on both sides, and scoliosis. I recommend an X-ray examination; however, there is no need to worry too much. In most ...[Read More] 6-Year-Old Boy with Prominent Left Chest: What to Know?
Understanding Pediatric Lymph Node Issues and Tonsillectomy Concerns
Cervical lymphadenopathy? Hello, Doctor: My child is 7 years old and had swollen lymph nodes two years ago. We went to the hospital for an ultrasound and blood tests, and the doctor said they were benign lymph nodes. They are still present now, sometimes getting larger and someti...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: 1. In children, lymphadenopathy is most commonly caused by infections. There are rare cases where it may be due to malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, Kawasaki disease, drug reactions, or post-vaccination responses. 2. If the lymph nodes are less than 2 cm, there is usu...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Lymph Node Issues and Tonsillectomy Concerns
Antibiotics and Drug Interactions: Pediatric Considerations for Parents
Antibiotics, drug interactions Hello, Doctor Pei. Two days ago, after my visit to the doctor, I was told that I might have bronchopneumonia (an X-ray was taken). I was prescribed Zithromax 250 mg tablets, and since I weigh 17 kg, which exceeds the original dosage, the doctor advi...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello! 1. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort as a side effect after taking the oral antibiotic ZITHROMAX. 2. If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, it is acceptable to take antacids directly; it is not necessary to take them simultaneously with the antibi...[Read More] Antibiotics and Drug Interactions: Pediatric Considerations for Parents
Is Your Baby Experiencing Diarrhea After Formula? Possible Lactose Intolerance
Bowel movement occurs within half an hour after consuming hydrolyzed milk formula? My baby is currently seven months old and has been exclusively bottle-fed with breast milk. However, due to work commitments, we have started trying formula milk. Generally, after consuming Abbott ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Breast milk also contains lactose, so your situation is likely not lactose intolerance. I suggest trying a different brand of formula. There is no need to specifically choose a lactose-free formula. Best regards, Rensheng.[Read More] Is Your Baby Experiencing Diarrhea After Formula? Possible Lactose Intolerance
Why Your Baby Can't Close Their Mouth: Causes and Solutions
The infant is unable to close their mouth tightly? My child is currently 7 months old, but he/she is unable to keep his/her mouth closed and often has it open. Could a tight frenulum be causing this condition, or are there other possible causes? Additionally, if the frenulum is t...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Sleeping with the mouth open is a habit and is not related to the lingual frenulum. When the frenulum is too short, the tongue may protrude forward, causing a phenomenon where the tip of the tongue is pulled back in the middle. It is advisable to have a doctor examine it f...[Read More] Why Your Baby Can't Close Their Mouth: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Mild Sleep Movements in Seven-Year-Olds: When to Seek Help
A seven-year-old child experiences slight body twitching during sleep? Hello, I would like to ask if it's normal for a seven-year-old child to experience mild, alternating limb twitching during sleep. If it's not normal, which medical specialty should be consulted? Than...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The possible reasons are the following four: postural compression; electrolyte imbalance; neurological issues; normal conditions. You may consider visiting a pediatric neurologist and arranging for tests such as blood work or an EEG. Wishing you health and peace! Sincerely...[Read More] Understanding Mild Sleep Movements in Seven-Year-Olds: When to Seek Help
Understanding Microcephaly Diagnosis in Newborns: A Pediatric Perspective
Diagnosis of Microcephaly in Newborns Hello, the child experienced intrauterine growth restriction due to fetal distress and underwent an emergency cesarean section at 37 weeks and 3 days. After birth, the length, head circumference, and chest circumference were approximately at ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: According to the WHO diagnostic criteria, a head circumference less than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean is required for a diagnosis of microcephaly. However, if both length and weight are proportionally small, we would not diagnose microcephaly but rather classi...[Read More] Understanding Microcephaly Diagnosis in Newborns: A Pediatric Perspective
Height Growth Concerns for a 14-Year-Old: What to Expect?
I would like to inquire about height-related issues? I am currently 14 years and 10 months old and have not had my bone age assessed. I have been staying up late for about a year (going to bed around midnight). My height is currently 168 cm. In the second semester of sixth grade,...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The average height for adult males in Taiwan is between 170-172 cm. Genetics is the most significant determining factor; the expected average adult height can be calculated as (FATHER + MOTHER)/2 plus 6.5 cm. Exercise, nutrition, and overall health can also contribute posi...[Read More] Height Growth Concerns for a 14-Year-Old: What to Expect?