Understanding Anemia and Liver Function in Young Children
Anemia and Liver Function The child is just 1 year and 2 months old. Recently, blood tests and liver function tests were conducted for insurance purposes. The results are as follows: Hemoglobin 10.7 g/dL (normal range 13-18), Hematocrit (Ht) 32.7% (normal range 40-54), Mean Corpu...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The definition of anemia is a hemoglobin level below the 2.5th percentile for age. Generally, a hemoglobin level less than 11 does indicate anemia. Liver function is normal in this case. It is important to investigate the causes of anemia, which may include nutritional def...[Read More] Understanding Anemia and Liver Function in Young Children
Concerns About Breastfeeding: Baby's Sleep and Urine Output Issues
Breastfeeding issues Hello, doctor. My baby is 3 months and 1 week old, weighing 6 kg. I am currently breastfeeding, but my baby loves to sleep during the day. I wake her up to breastfeed every four hours, and at night, I supplement with 90 ml of formula. If she still seems hungr...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello, There are several ways to assess whether milk intake is sufficient: 1. Consuming 100-200 cc of milk per kilogram of body weight each day. 2. Urinating 6-7 times a day. 3. In the first three months, an average daily weight gain of 30 grams; from 3 to 6 months, an avera...[Read More] Concerns About Breastfeeding: Baby's Sleep and Urine Output Issues
Managing Infant Spit-Up: Should You Switch Formula?
Spitting up issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my one-month-old baby. Initially, I was breastfeeding, but my milk supply has decreased, and since I have to go back to work, I have started supplementing with formula. My baby has always had some spitting up, which was ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: 1. Breast milk is less likely to cause spitting up compared to formula milk. 2. If formula feeding is necessary and there are issues such as diarrhea, spitting up, or dermatitis, you may consider switching formulas. Wishing you good health and a Happy New Year. Sincerely, ...[Read More] Managing Infant Spit-Up: Should You Switch Formula?
Understanding Your Baby's Hoarse Voice: Causes and Concerns
Baby has a hoarse voice? I would like to ask about my one-and-a-half-month-old baby who suddenly has a hoarse voice. Recently, there has been a lot of crying, but this is the first time it has happened since birth. I checked the temperature and there is no fever, and the appetite...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Possible causes of hoarseness in young children include: 1. Common cold, 2. Croup, 3. Foreign body aspiration, 4. Loud shouting. If there is no improvement after 2-3 days, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician. Wishing you health and happiness. Sincerely, Dr. Pei Ren-S...[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Hoarse Voice: Causes and Concerns
Is Acidified Formula Safe for Infants with Colic and Constipation?
Acidified formula milk? Hello Doctor: My baby experienced colic and constipation in the early stages after birth. However, after switching to acidified formula, there has been significant improvement, although the stools are still loose, occurring once a day. The growth is good. ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The nutritional content of the acidified formula is sufficient for infants up to 6 months old. After 6 months, it is necessary to introduce complementary foods, and you may also consider stage two (6-12 months) formula. Of course, if you wish to choose the stage two acidif...[Read More] Is Acidified Formula Safe for Infants with Colic and Constipation?
Understanding Baby's Stool Changes: Formula Switch and Digestive Health
Baby formula transition? Hello doctor, my baby had been drinking Enfamil and Meiji since birth, but it took several days for him to have a bowel movement. We took him to the pediatrician, and after using petroleum jelly, he finally had a bowel movement, but it was soft. Later, du...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello, the acidified formula contains citric acid, which helps with protein coagulation, making it easier to digest and absorb. It is suitable for babies with reflux, colic, and bloating. It is less commonly reported that acidified milk causes diarrhea. If there is recent diarrhe...[Read More] Understanding Baby's Stool Changes: Formula Switch and Digestive Health
Understanding Persistent Jaundice in Infants: Causes and Concerns
The jaundice in the one-month-old infant has not decreased to below the normal range? Hello, my baby is currently one month and one week old and is partially breastfed. The jaundice index is still at 2.9. The body no longer appears yellow, but the face still has a slight yellow t...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: It is quite common for a one-month-old baby to have a bilirubin level around 2-3 mg/dL. This is due to the shorter half-life of fetal red blood cells compared to adults, along with factors such as increased enterohepatic circulation, which can result in higher bilirubin le...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Jaundice in Infants: Causes and Concerns
New Moms: Understanding Baby Feeding and Milk Supply Issues
New mothers' issues with milk supply? Hello Dr. Pei: My baby is now over 2 months old. Previously, I fed her every 2.5 to 3 hours, giving her about 100-120 ml, but she often spits up. The day before yesterday, I changed to a fixed schedule of every 4 hours with 100 ml. My mo...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The milk intake for newborns is approximately 100-200 cc/kg/day, and feeding should be based on demand; you can feed them whenever they show signs of hunger. Some newborns may experience gastroesophageal reflux, so feeding in small amounts more frequently, maintaining an u...[Read More] New Moms: Understanding Baby Feeding and Milk Supply Issues
Why Is My Baby Having Watery Stools After Switching to Lactose-Free Formula?
Drinking lactose-free milk powder can cause diarrhea? Hello Doctor, my baby is currently one month and 24 days old. Initially, we were using Abbott's hydrolyzed protein formula, but he had a bowel movement every two days and his stools were somewhat hard. We then switched to...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello, the purpose of lactose-free formula is to prevent diarrhea, and most babies do not experience diarrhea after consuming it. It is more likely that the formula is not suitable (intolerance) for them, or they may coincidentally have gastroenteritis. You can visit the hospital...[Read More] Why Is My Baby Having Watery Stools After Switching to Lactose-Free Formula?
Understanding and Treating Webbed Fingers and Toes in Newborns
Why do newborns have webbed fingers or toes at birth? My niece gave birth to a baby girl today, but there was an issue with her fingers and toes being fused together. 1. What could be the cause of this? 2. How should it be treated? 3. When can surgery be performed? 4. How can I c...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Syndactyly, also known as webbed fingers, may involve only the skin being connected, but it can also involve the bones being fused. Causes include Down syndrome, unknown reasons, or manifestations of other syndromes. Further examination: X-rays, chromosome analysis, or blo...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Webbed Fingers and Toes in Newborns
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Worry for Your Child
Blood in stool? Hello doctor, my child is almost five years old. For some time now, I have occasionally noticed a small amount of blood on the wet wipes after he uses the bathroom. My child has bowel movements almost every day and eats vegetables and fruits regularly. I would lik...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The causes of blood in a child's stool include constipation with anal fissures, hemorrhagic enteritis, intussusception, coagulopathy, lower gastrointestinal polyps or tumors, diverticula, or foreign bodies. The primary concern is to rule out constipation; other causes...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Worry for Your Child
Understanding Enterovirus Isolation: Guidance for Parents with Infected Children
Isolation issues related to enteroviruses? Hello Dr. Pei, my eldest child was diagnosed with enterovirus on Monday, and my 8-month-old daughter developed a fever on Thursday and was confirmed to have enterovirus on Friday. We tried to isolate the eldest as much as possible when w...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: There are over sixty types of enteroviruses, and once infected, an individual only gains immunity to that specific type. If it is confirmed that the younger sister was infected by the older sister, then the older sister will not be reinfected by the younger sister. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding Enterovirus Isolation: Guidance for Parents with Infected Children
Understanding Growth Hormone Treatment for Children: Risks and Costs
Administration of growth hormone? Hello, my child is currently 4 years and 10 months old, with a height of about 98 cm, which is below the 3rd percentile. We are preparing to go to a major hospital for an examination. I would like to know if there are any side effects associated ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello, there are many factors that can contribute to short stature, such as malnutrition, skeletal disorders, chromosomal abnormalities (such as Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Down syndrome, etc.), chronic renal failure in children, thyroid hormone deficiency, or growth ...[Read More] Understanding Growth Hormone Treatment for Children: Risks and Costs
Concerns About Low Urine Output in Breastfed Infants: What Parents Should Know
Oliguria My baby boy is almost 11 months old, currently breastfed, weighing 10 kg and measuring 75 cm, all within the growth curve standards. He is very active and alert, but he completely refuses to drink water, resulting in very little urine output. However, he sweats a lot whe...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Mother He, Hello. Crying can lead to sweating and tearing up, which is likely a key factor. Under normal circumstances, urine accounts for half of the body's fluid loss, while the other half is lost through respiration, sweating, and feces. If sweating increases signif...[Read More] Concerns About Low Urine Output in Breastfed Infants: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Elevated Body Temperature in Young Children: When to Worry?
Elevated body temperature? Hello, my child is currently one year and five months old. Two days ago, they had a fever of 38.5°C. After seeing the doctor, we were told that their throat was slightly red, but their appetite and energy levels were normal. They did not take any medica...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Xiao Li, Hello, a body temperature below 37.8°C is not considered a fever. If it exceeds 37.8°C, the most common cause is infection, while other causes may include inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumors or other malignancies, medications, or vaccination reaction...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Body Temperature in Young Children: When to Worry?
Understanding Elevated GOT and GPT Levels in Young Children: A Parent's Guide
Regarding pediatric GOT and GPT? Hello Dr. Pei, My son is currently 3 years and 5 months old. Last Friday, he had a runny nose, so we took him to a nearby clinic where he was prescribed medication. He took the medication twice (in the morning and at noon) with the following com...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Mrs. Chuang, Hello. When liver cells are inflamed, the levels of GPT (ALT) can rise. Possible causes of hepatitis include infections, medications/toxins, bile duct obstruction, tumors, and autoimmune diseases. When the liver is inflamed, it is important to avoid factors tha...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GOT and GPT Levels in Young Children: A Parent's Guide
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Children's Stool: When to Seek Help
Children may experience the passage of transparent, sticky mucus during bowel movements? I would like to consult a doctor about my 11-year-old son. Since June, he has been experiencing the presence of a transparent, viscous substance in his stool, sometimes accompanied by blood. ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Anna, Regarding red stools, the first step is to confirm whether the color is due to red items (such as ingested foreign objects or the natural color of food). The second consideration is bleeding. Causes of bleeding can include infections, foreign bodies, constipation with...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Children's Stool: When to Seek Help
Is Your Baby's Nighttime Pooping Normal? Pediatric Insights
Infant stool issues? Hello Dr. Pei, My daughter is currently 7 months old. She has bowel movements 3-4 times a day and almost every night she wakes up to have a bowel movement. Is it abnormal for her to wake up in the middle of the night to poop? Is this related to her drinking...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Mrs. Kang: I am unsure if your weight is within the standard range. How long have your symptoms persisted? Is your stool loose or normal soft yellow? It is true that nighttime bowel movements tend to decrease with age; however, if you are also experiencing loose stools and a...[Read More] Is Your Baby's Nighttime Pooping Normal? Pediatric Insights
Understanding Involuntary Head Shaking in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
Could you please provide more details about the issue of involuntary head shaking in children? Hello, my child is 2 years and 3 months old and has had five episodes of cold and fever with febrile seizures. We have done two EEGs, both of which were normal. However, recently I have...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Yaya: Based on your child's current milk intake, there should not be a risk of calcium deficiency. A blood test can easily determine if there is a calcium deficiency. It is recommended to consult a pediatric neurologist. Dr. Liu Zhengchao from the Pediatric Neurology De...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Head Shaking in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
Concerns About Grayish-White Stool in a Four-Year-Old Child
A four-year-old child has grayish-white stools? Hello Doctor, my son just turned four years old. He was born prematurely at 33 weeks with a birth weight of 2060 grams and has no special medical conditions. While exclusively breastfed, he had bowel movements approximately every tw...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Possible causes: 1. Constipation: An X-ray can be performed for confirmation. 2. Biliary dilation: This can cause pale stools and abdominal pain. 3. Other intra-abdominal diseases: Consider stool analysis and imaging studies, etc. Wishing you health and happiness! Dr. Pei ...[Read More] Concerns About Grayish-White Stool in a Four-Year-Old Child