Can I Vaccinate My Child a Week Early? Pediatric Vaccine Guidelines
Is it possible to receive the injection a week earlier? My child will be turning four months old on September 25, but I might go to the hospital to administer the second dose of the new pentavalent vaccine and the second dose of the pneumococcal vaccine seven days early (since I ...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Guozhen respectfully replies as follows: There should not be any significant impact. Wishing you peace and safety.[Read More] Can I Vaccinate My Child a Week Early? Pediatric Vaccine Guidelines
Can Pediatric Vaccines Be Mixed? Understanding Combination Shots for Kids
Can pediatric vaccines be administered in combination? Dear Doctor: My daughter received her first dose of the pentavalent vaccine at two months old, and the second dose of the hexavalent vaccine at four months. Is this acceptable? Will there be any side effects? For the third do...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Wishing you peace and safety with the six-in-one or more.[Read More] Can Pediatric Vaccines Be Mixed? Understanding Combination Shots for Kids
Understanding Thin Heart Muscle and Holes in Pediatric Patients
Heart Hello Doctor: My son was born on the 17th of this month. Today (the 30th), he underwent an echocardiogram related to his heart. The results showed that the muscle between his left and right ventricles is a bit thin, resulting in a small hole. The doctor mentioned that it is...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen, Director of the Pediatrics Department at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, respectfully responds as follows: Based on your letter, it sounds like there may be a ventricular septal defect (VSD). However, there are various types of VSDs, among which the membranous type ...[Read More] Understanding Thin Heart Muscle and Holes in Pediatric Patients
Safe Medication for Infants: What Parents Need to Know
Medications for Newborns Dr. Chang: Hello! My child is 40 days old and visited the clinic due to a cold. I would like to ask if the following medications are safe for him. Is it safe to use any that contain codeine? I'm really worried since he is so young. 1. Secorine (Antic...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen, the Director of Pediatrics at Hsinchu County Hospital, respectfully responds that the three medications mentioned in your letter are all safe. There is no need for concern, and they do not contain codeine. Wishing you peace and safety.[Read More] Safe Medication for Infants: What Parents Need to Know
Should I Stop My 3-Month-Old Baby from Thumb Sucking?
Infants sucking their thumbs? Hello Dr. Chang, my child has just turned three months old and is exclusively breastfed. Recently, she has been sucking on her hands. Should I stop her? Will this affect her physical and mental development? Or should I use a pacifier as a substitute?...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Hospital in Zhudong respectfully states that babies suck on their mother's nipples for comfort. Gradually replacing this with a pacifier is preferable, as sucking on fingers is not a good method and can easily lead to paronychia and...[Read More] Should I Stop My 3-Month-Old Baby from Thumb Sucking?
Is My 5-Month-Old's Green, Thick Stool Normal? Pediatric Insights
baby stool My child is five months old, and my mother-in-law says she should be "checking her stool." However, her bowel movements are still green and thick, not formed. Is this normal?
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Hospital Pediatric Department responds as follows: A five-month-old baby has presented with green, thick stools. This does not seem to be abnormal and may be related to the type of formula being consumed. There is no need for excessive c...[Read More] Is My 5-Month-Old's Green, Thick Stool Normal? Pediatric Insights
Feeding Challenges: Balancing Breastfeeding and Formula for Your Baby
Feeding volume and breastfeeding issues? Hello Doctor, I have a few parenting questions I would like to ask: 1. My baby turned 2 months old on August 26 and currently weighs 6300 grams. I am feeding him a mixture of breast milk and formula, with an intake of about 130-140 cc ...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Zhudong Branch of the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital respectfully responds as follows: 1. A 2-month-old baby weighing 6300 grams is growing quite well, despite your uncertainty about whether the baby is getting enough to eat. Generally, we cannot confirm t...[Read More] Feeding Challenges: Balancing Breastfeeding and Formula for Your Baby
Understanding Persistent Dry Cough in Children: Causes and Solutions
Dry cough in children? My child is nine years old and is a boy. He has a condition characterized by a frequent dry cough, without any phlegm—just cough, cough, cough! Both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine have indicated that it is caused by allergies. He has been...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Zhudong Hospital Pediatrics Department respectfully responds as follows: Asthma and allergies are possible diagnoses, but it is essential to rule out sinusitis or other conditions such as Tourette syndrome. It is recommended to seek diag...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dry Cough in Children: Causes and Solutions
How to Improve Immunity in Toddlers with Frequent Fevers and Colds
Children frequently experience fever and colds? A 16-month-old child frequently experiencing fever and colds may benefit from strategies to improve their immune function. Here are some recommendations: 1. **Nutrition**: Ensure the child has a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegeta...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Zhudong Hospital Pediatrics Department respectfully states that good habits should be cultivated, such as washing hands before meals and after using the restroom. It is also important to rinse the mouth and wash hands upon returning home...[Read More] How to Improve Immunity in Toddlers with Frequent Fevers and Colds
Understanding Frequent Colds and Ear Infections in Infants
An 8-month-old baby has been experiencing frequent colds? Hello Dr. Zhang, my baby is currently 8 months old, and his height, weight, and head circumference growth curves are all good. However, since he was 3 months old, he has caught a cold once a month, totaling 5 times. The pe...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Hospital writes as follows: Infants and young children generally have weaker immune systems compared to adults, especially after six months of age, making them more susceptible to illnesses. However, as they grow older, their immune stre...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Colds and Ear Infections in Infants
Understanding Maple Syrup Urine Disease: Complications, Survival Rates, and Nutritional Needs
Maple syrup Complications of maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) include neurological damage, developmental delays, and metabolic crises. The survival rate varies, but with early diagnosis and treatment, many individuals can lead relatively normal lives. MSUD is considered rare in T...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dear Dr. Kuo-Chen Chang of the Hsinchu County Hospital, Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare pediatric condition that is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Its true incidence in Taiwan is not well understood. This disorder is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme b...[Read More] Understanding Maple Syrup Urine Disease: Complications, Survival Rates, and Nutritional Needs
Understanding Pediatric Facial Asymmetry and Tremors: Causes and Treatments
The right side of the face is distorted, with a slouched shoulder, and there is a tremor in the right forearm? The child, born in mid-2001, experienced a fever a few days ago and now exhibits noticeable right-sided facial drooping, shoulder droop, and episodes of twitching in the...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Zhudong Hospital's Pediatrics Department responds as follows: Mr. Wei's questions seem to require a more in-depth neurological assessment by a pediatric neurologist. I regret that I cannot provide an accurate answer here. It is...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Facial Asymmetry and Tremors: Causes and Treatments
White Hair in Infants: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Testing
White hair in infants? Hello, Dr. Tsai~~~ I have a nearly twelve-month-old baby boy. About four months ago, I noticed a white hair appearing above his left ear. Over the past four months, I haven't observed this condition elsewhere on his body. Since my baby has lighter skin...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Hospital in Zhudong respectfully responds as follows: It may seem that the parents are overly concerned, but if there are still worries, consulting a pediatric geneticist or endocrinologist can provide more professional answers. Wishing ...[Read More] White Hair in Infants: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Testing
Understanding Urticaria in Infants: Causes and Management Tips
Urticaria (hives) My son is almost eight months old and has recently been developing red rashes that resemble hives. They appear whenever he gets warm, especially in areas like his armpits, buttocks, back of the neck, and slightly on his belly and back. The rashes gradually fade ...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Hospital Pediatrics Department respectfully states that the primary task is to take the child to see a pediatric specialist for a personal examination to differentiate whether it is urticaria or atopic dermatitis. Only then can appropria...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria in Infants: Causes and Management Tips
Understanding Allergies and Hives in Toddlers: A Parent's Guide
Allergy?? Urticaria?? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions. My son is currently 1 year and 3 months old. Four days ago, he started developing some rashes on his legs. Three days ago, I fed him some fish (specifically, kiss fish). Since the rashes appeared, they have...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Hospital Pediatric Department respectfully states the following: Food allergies are abnormal immune responses by the immune system to specific foods. The immune system produces a specific type of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to the...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Hives in Toddlers: A Parent's Guide
Understanding Rashes and Digestive Issues in Infants: A Guide for Parents
Rash My son just turned seven months old, and he has suddenly been experiencing diarrhea for the past few days. After seeing a doctor, we were told that he has a bacterial infection in his gastrointestinal tract and switched to lactose-free formula. However, his stools have becom...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dear Dr. Kuo-Chen Chang of the Hsinchu County Hospital Pediatric Department, Please find the following information regarding roseola. Roseola can occur in all seasons, but it is most commonly seen in late spring and late autumn. It primarily affects infants and young children be...[Read More] Understanding Rashes and Digestive Issues in Infants: A Guide for Parents
Should an 18-Month-Old with UTI History Get Pneumococcal Vaccine?
A child who is currently 18 months old and has a history of urinary reflux should receive the pneumococcal vaccine? Hello, Doctor! My daughter is currently 18 months old and has been hospitalized due to infections a total of four times since birth (aside from jaundice, the other ...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
The response from Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen of the Pediatric Department at Zhudong Hospital, Department of Health, is as follows: There is no correlation between the history of urinary reflux and the administration of the pneumococcal vaccine. Currently, there are two types of pneumococ...[Read More] Should an 18-Month-Old with UTI History Get Pneumococcal Vaccine?
Seeking Help for My Asthmatic Toddler: Request for Care DVD
I have a 2.5-year-old child with asthma. Could your hospital send a DVD on asthma care for children to a helpless mother? I would be very grateful? I have a child with asthma, born on July 19, 1992, who is currently 2 years and 8 months old. Every time she catches a cold, she alm...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
The pediatric department of Zhudong Hospital under the Department of Health, represented by Dr. Chang Guo-Zhen, respectfully provides the following educational materials on asthma care. I will contact you later to send them.[Read More] Seeking Help for My Asthmatic Toddler: Request for Care DVD
Is My Baby's Skin Color Healthy? Understanding Pediatric Concerns
Is the baby's skin color healthy? Hello, doctor... My baby was born at 35 weeks, weighing 2450 grams. His skin color is somewhat reddish and darker. He had a prolonged jaundice period and stayed in the hospital for one week. The doctor said that because he is smaller, the ja...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
The Department of Pediatrics at Zhudong Hospital, Dr. Chang Guo-Zhen, respectfully responds as follows: Neonatal jaundice can be classified into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice typically resolves over time, while pathological jaundice may ...[Read More] Is My Baby's Skin Color Healthy? Understanding Pediatric Concerns
Understanding Pediatric Symptoms: Tonsillitis, Diarrhea, and Ear Infections
Tonsillitis + diarrhea + otitis media Hello, my daughter is over two years old and had a fever seven days ago. She was hardly eating and cried all day. We took her to the clinic where the doctor diagnosed her with tonsillitis. After taking the medication, her fever subsided, but ...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
The following is a response from Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen of the Pediatric Department at the Hsinchu County Hospital: The 2-year-old child mentioned in the text, who was hospitalized due to fever and diarrhea and also has otitis media, is experiencing common acute illnesses seen in you...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Symptoms: Tonsillitis, Diarrhea, and Ear Infections