Recommended Vaccine Schedule for Flu and MMR in Young Children
Influenza vaccine and MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine? The child is currently 1 year and 3 months old and has received the first dose of the influenza vaccine. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has not been administered yet. Please advise on the following: ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Cynthia, Hello! The influenza vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, while the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. Inactivated vaccines and live vaccines can be administered simultaneously or at any interval without an increased risk of side ...[Read More] Recommended Vaccine Schedule for Flu and MMR in Young Children
Understanding Pediatric Bloating: Causes, Prevention, and Speech Concerns
Bloating Hello, doctor: (1) My son has been experiencing bloating for more than a week, and applying anti-bloating cream hasn't helped much. Could this indicate indigestion if it continues like this? How can we prevent it in the future? (2) My child is currently 2 years and ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Xiao Min, Hello! (1) The condition of abdominal bloating is particularly noticeable in children after they eat, primarily due to the thinner abdominal wall muscles. Generally, this improves after the age of 5. However, one should be cautious of the following conditions: -...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Bloating: Causes, Prevention, and Speech Concerns
How to Prevent Newborn Cold Transmission from Mother?
Common Cold in Newborns? Dear Doctor: I am about to give birth, but I have a slight cold. I am very worried about transmitting the cold to my baby after birth. How can I prevent my baby from getting infected with a cold? Is it serious if the baby catches a cold? A concerned mothe...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Xiaofen, Hello! The vast majority of colds do not have significant effects on the health of mothers and their fetuses. Common cold viruses may slightly increase the risk of miscarriage, but they do not raise the rate of fetal abnormalities, especially in early pregnancy. Re...[Read More] How to Prevent Newborn Cold Transmission from Mother?
Should My Child Switch Epilepsy Medications Based on EEG Results?
Please inquire about epilepsy medications? My daughter is 3 and a half years old and has been taking Lamotrigine for epilepsy for six months. Recently, we conducted a follow-up EEG after six months of medication and found that her entire brain starts to discharge as soon as she f...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello! Although my specialty is pediatric gastroenterology and pulmonology, I will do my best to find answers for you. I hope this information is helpful! A. Tegretol (Carbamazepine) Indications: Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, complex partial seizures, mixed seizures, epil...[Read More] Should My Child Switch Epilepsy Medications Based on EEG Results?
Is It Safe for Toddlers to Drink Diluted Sports Drinks?
Shu Pao Hello, Doctor: My child is currently 1 year and 8 months old and is in a private daycare. The teachers often give him diluted (about half) sports drinks like Gatorade. I would like to know if this could have long-term effects on my child's kidneys. He is not sick and...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The main components of sports drinks are water, sugars, and electrolytes, with sodium ions being one of the more important electrolytes. Our daily sodium requirement is 2-3 meq/kg. Each 100 milliliters of Shupao contains 45 mg (approximately 2 meq) of sodium, which meets t...[Read More] Is It Safe for Toddlers to Drink Diluted Sports Drinks?
Understanding Facial Twitches in Children During Crying
When crying, the mouth and feet may twitch? Dr. Pei: Hello, I hope you don't mind my inquiry. My son is currently 6 years old, and in recent months, he has been experiencing symptoms such as twitching at the corners of his mouth when he cries. However, he returns to normal o...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Mrs. Li, Hello! It is common to observe that during the growth period, children may occasionally exhibit twitching at the corners of their mouths while crying, which resolves once they stop crying. This phenomenon can be seen in many children and is generally considered nor...[Read More] Understanding Facial Twitches in Children During Crying
Safe Medication Practices for Infants: Key Considerations for Parents
Medications for infants Hello, doctor: My daughter is currently 10 months old and has been coughing frequently since she was 6 months old, averaging a visit to the hospital every 1 to 1.5 months. The doctor prescribes cold syrup, allergy medication, and bronchodilator syrup, each...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Annma, Hello! 1. The safe dosage range for cold medications is relatively wide, often allowing for doses that are 1.5 to 2 times higher to still be considered safe. 2. However, taking an overdose may lead to some side effects; for example, antihistamines can cause drowsi...[Read More] Safe Medication Practices for Infants: Key Considerations for Parents
Understanding Polio Vaccine: Oral vs. Injectable Options for Children
Polio vaccine Doctor: Hello! Is it necessary to administer two doses of the oral polio vaccine? My child received the first dose orally at two months, but I opted for injections for the second and third doses, considering that the oral Sabin vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine w...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Cynthia, Currently, the Department of Health is considering administering only injectable vaccines (including the inactivated polio vaccine or the pentavalent or hexavalent vaccines), as the antibody response generated is relatively low. Additionally, since injectable vacci...[Read More] Understanding Polio Vaccine: Oral vs. Injectable Options for Children
Can Blood Tests Diagnose Favism in Children?
Favism Is it possible to test for G6PD deficiency through a blood test? (Is it done by drawing blood from the arm?)
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The test for G6PD deficiency can be done with a simple blood draw, either from the arm or the leg vein. For more information about G6PD deficiency, please refer to the attached materials. Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Dr. Pei Ren-Sheng, Director of Pediatric...[Read More] Can Blood Tests Diagnose Favism in Children?
Addressing Pediatric Digestive Issues: Tips for Improving Baby's Appetite
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: My baby just turned 8 months old, weighing 7 kg and measuring 69 cm. At six months, we switched to Jin Ke Bei Ke formula, giving 150 cc four times a day along with complementary foods, and bowel movements were normal. However, after turning seven months...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: It is reasonable for bowel movements to occur three times a day to once every three days, so there is no need to worry too much. At 8 months old and weighing 7 kg, it is indeed a bit slow in growth, especially since there has been no weight gain in the past month. Lactose-...[Read More] Addressing Pediatric Digestive Issues: Tips for Improving Baby's Appetite
Addressing Infant Feeding Concerns: Milk Intake and Digestive Issues
Baby's milk intake issue? Hello, Doctor. 1. I previously inquired about rotavirus, and in the attachment you provided, it mentioned that it should be administered two weeks apart from OPV. What is OPV? 2. My baby was born on April 19, 2007. After one month, he drank 150c...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: 1. OPV stands for Oral Polio Vaccine. 2. At nearly four months old, weighing over 7.1 kg, the feeding amount is still 150 cc per meal (every 3-4 hours, with 8 hours of sleep at night without feeding), totaling about 750-900 cc per day. The feeding standard is 100-150 cc pe...[Read More] Addressing Infant Feeding Concerns: Milk Intake and Digestive Issues
Understanding Weight Concerns in Toddlers: Tips for Healthy Growth
Baby growth issues Hello doctor, my daughter is currently 2.5 years old, but she only weighs 13 kg. However, her diet and development are normal. Is this a concern? How can I help her gain weight? Thank you.
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Your daughter is currently 2.5 years old, weighs 13 kg, and her diet and development are both normal. This places her at the 50th percentile, which is an average weight, so there is no need for excessive concern. To gain weight, she should eat more, and you can increase th...[Read More] Understanding Weight Concerns in Toddlers: Tips for Healthy Growth
Benefits of Drinking Fresh Goat Milk During Pregnancy for Child Health
The benefits of goat milk powder? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question—since I don't know which specialty to consult, what are the benefits of drinking fresh goat milk during pregnancy for the child after birth? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: 1. Fresh goat milk has deficiencies in folic acid and vitamin B, and a lack of these two nutrients can easily lead to growth retardation in infants, as well as neurological disorders and hematological diseases. Therefore, formula goat milk powder made from fresh goat mil...[Read More] Benefits of Drinking Fresh Goat Milk During Pregnancy for Child Health
Is It Safe to Get a Flu Vaccine for Kids in Summer?
Can the flu vaccine be administered in the summer? Hello Doctor, thank you for your previous response. You mentioned that boosting immunity is important and that vaccination is crucial. It is currently summer, and children can still catch colds from sweating and being exposed to ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello, (1) The influenza vaccine administered starting in September each year is designed to target the strains of influenza that are expected to circulate during the upcoming winter. If there is still influenza vaccine available in the summer, it is likely leftover from the pr...[Read More] Is It Safe to Get a Flu Vaccine for Kids in Summer?
Boosting Your Child's Immunity: Tips for Parents of Toddlers
How to strengthen a child's immunity? Hello, doctor. My son is currently 1 year and 2 months old. During the summer, he tends to sweat a lot and sometimes catches a cold from the wind. I am considering giving him a multivitamin powder. Do you think this could help boost his ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Anita, Hello! Taking multivitamin powder does not enhance immunity; getting vaccinated is a more certain way to boost the immune system. Additionally, being aware of the epidemiology of infectious diseases, such as avoiding travel to Japan during an outbreak of measles, is ...[Read More] Boosting Your Child's Immunity: Tips for Parents of Toddlers
Essential Vaccines for Your 1-Year-Old: What Parents Should Know
Vaccine administration Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your previous response. I would like to ask you about vaccination. My son is currently 1 year and 3 months old and has received all the required vaccinations, including 3 doses of the pneumococcal vaccine. Are there any other re...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Anita: Please refer to the attached response from Dr. Pei Ren-sheng, Director of the Pediatrics Department at Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Essential Vaccines for Your 1-Year-Old: What Parents Should Know
Boosting Protein Intake for Your Toddler: Safe Tips and Guidelines
How to increase protein intake? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your previous response. I would like to help my son build a more solid physique. You mentioned that protein intake is very important. May I ask if it's okay for him to eat eggs every day? He is currently 1 year and...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: A deficiency in protein in children may lead to slow growth, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, shock, decreased immunity, and delayed healing of wounds and fractures. It can also cause the body to retain excess fluid, resulting in edema. Since the waste products from protein m...[Read More] Boosting Protein Intake for Your Toddler: Safe Tips and Guidelines
Understanding Lip Inflammation in Toddlers: Causes and Treatments
Lip inflammation Hello, doctor. My son is currently 1 year and 2 months old. Last week, one night he had a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius, which subsided after administering a suppository. For the next few days, he had a slight fever around 37.8 degrees Celsius. Suddenly, he start...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: (1) Fever + drooling + very red lips with small white spots inside (only on the lips) suggests a herpes virus infection, which is less likely to be hand, foot, and mouth disease. (2) The appearance of red rashes on the body that disappear when pressed indicates a viral ras...[Read More] Understanding Lip Inflammation in Toddlers: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Ear Cracks and Food Allergies in Infants: A Pediatric Perspective
The relationship between ear fissures and food allergies? I would like to ask the doctor about my eight-month-old baby who has had cracks behind the ears since infancy, which improve with the application of lotion. I understand this is a symptom of atopic dermatitis, but it has o...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Among the population of infants aged zero to six years, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis is approximately 10%. Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary condition. Common skin diseases in infancy include seborrheic dermatitis, infantile eczema, and contact dermatitis. These ski...[Read More] Understanding Ear Cracks and Food Allergies in Infants: A Pediatric Perspective
Understanding Asymmetrical Ventricles in Newborn Brain Ultrasound
Abnormal findings in neonatal cranial ultrasound examination? Hello, my baby was born on April 19, 2007. We had a self-paid neonatal brain ultrasound examination, and when we reviewed the report on May 19, the doctor informed us of an abnormality—there is asymmetry in the size of...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello, (1) Asymmetry in the size of the lateral ventricles may indicate a non-technical issue (not being cut in the same plane). If the size difference is not significant, it could be due to unknown reasons, which is often benign. However, if the difference is pronounced or inc...[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Ventricles in Newborn Brain Ultrasound