Understanding Umbilical Cord Issues in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Umbilical cord issues Hello, doctor. My child is currently under two months old. The umbilical cord fell off when he was about three weeks old and it was dry, indicating a good condition, so we stopped using the umbilical cord powder for care. However, shortly after he turned one...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Dear Miss Xiao Bei, The situation you described is likely an umbilical polyp, which is often caused by factors related to the child's hygiene and constitution. It is generally recommended to have a pediatrician perform a local treatment, and you should maintain cleanliness ...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Cord Issues in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Delayed Milestones in Preterm Infants: When to Seek Help
Currently, the baby is four months old and is unable to roll over? Hello Doctor: My child is currently unable to roll over and does not show interest in grasping objects. He was a preterm infant born at 30 weeks on June 17, 1990, with a due date of August 27. What could be the re...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Dear Miss Foot, 1. Generally speaking, it is considered normal development if a four-month-old child can independently maintain head rotation. 2. The ability to roll over can be observed until the age of six months. 3. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician during well-chil...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Milestones in Preterm Infants: When to Seek Help
Can a 15-Day-Old Baby Catch a Cold? Pediatric Insights Explained
Can a 15-day-old baby catch a cold? Dr. Zhao: My daughter is only 15 days old. Three days ago, a child with a cold (who was coughing) sneezed in her face, and now my daughter has been sneezing continuously and has some nasal discharge! However, she does not have a fever and is qu...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, sir: 1. Children can still catch a cold. 2. However, if they only have mild symptoms, without fever, and their energy and appetite are normal, there is no need for medication; just observe them first! Thank you for your message. Sincerely, Dr. Zhao Yongkang, Pediatrician.[Read More] Can a 15-Day-Old Baby Catch a Cold? Pediatric Insights Explained
Understanding Ear Itching in Infants: When to Seek Medical Advice
Itchy ears? My child just turned four months old, and four days ago, I let him take a bath in the big tub for the first time. As a result, water got into his ears. After the bath, I immediately used a cotton swab to dry them, but I was careful not to go too deep. Now, my child ke...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. Generally speaking, there should be no major issues after drying the ears if water gets in. 2. You can consult an otolaryngologist for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Ear Itching in Infants: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Rheumatic Fever: Pediatric Cardiology and Referral Options
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop after an infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria, which typically causes strep throat or scarlet fever. It primarily affects children and can lead Hello Dr. Zhao, I had rheumatic fever during my middle school yea...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. Every month, Dr. Huang Bi-Tao, the director of the Pediatric Department at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, holds a special pediatric cardiology clinic at our hospital. Additionally, Dr. Lin Cheng-Hung is also available! (You can check our hospital's website for more inf...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatic Fever: Pediatric Cardiology and Referral Options
Managing Gurgling Sounds While Feeding Your Baby: Tips for Parents
The baby makes gurgling sounds while drinking milk? Hello Doctor: Occasionally, my baby makes a gurgling sound while drinking milk. Is this due to my incorrect holding position, the flow rate of the milk from the bottle, or the baby's swallowing technique? Whenever the gurgl...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Dear Ms. Shumei, Children's swallowing coordination is not as smooth as that of adults and tends to improve with age. If a child chokes or coughs while drinking milk, it may be necessary to adjust the size of the nipple on the bottle to a smaller opening, allowing the milk ...[Read More] Managing Gurgling Sounds While Feeding Your Baby: Tips for Parents
Understanding Head Shaking in Young Children: Causes and Concerns
Shaking the head? Your niece was born on March 10, 1990, and has recently been observed shaking her head from side to side (similar to an adult shaking their head to indicate "no"). What could this issue be?
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. Emily: If your nephew is experiencing these episodes frequently, it is advisable to have him evaluated by a pediatric neurologist. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Understanding Head Shaking in Young Children: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Black Stool in Infants: Causes and When to Seek Help
Black stool My little sister just turned four months old, and about a month ago (when she was three months old), she started having blackish-gray stools that appear approximately every two to three days. About two-thirds of the stool is dark gray and hard, while the remaining one...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. Which type of formula should I choose? 2. If the child has formed stools and shows no discomfort, the blackish-green color of the stools is likely due to excess iron being excreted, which is not a cause for concern.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool in Infants: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections and Related Complications
Pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI) My son was born on May 3rd of this year and was recently hospitalized due to a fever. The doctor diagnosed him with a urinary tract infection caused by Escherichia coli. After receiving antibiotic injections, he no longer has a fever or bac...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. Escherichia coli is a type of bacteria and is the most common pathogen causing urinary tract infections in children. The urinary tract refers to the entire system from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder and out through the urethra. Therefore, if a child has a urina...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections and Related Complications
Understanding Blood in Baby's Stool: Causes and Solutions for Parents
There is blood in the baby's stool? Hello Dr. Zhao! 1. My baby is now over seven months old. We switched her formula from Nestlé HA1 to Meiji, and she has 210cc three times a day, rice porridge twice a day, and fruit puree once a day. For the past two days, her stools have...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. It may be necessary to consult a pediatrician to determine whether the blood is present in the stool or appears after bowel movements, so please bring a stool sample for the doctor to examine. 2. It's actually normal for stool to contain undigested food; there is no need ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Baby's Stool: Causes and Solutions for Parents
When Can Allergic Infants Start Solid Foods? A Guide for Parents
When should children with allergies start eating complementary foods? Hello Doctor: If a child has allergic symptoms, when can they start eating solid foods, and what types of solid foods should be the focus? My child is currently 4 months old. Thank you!
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
For children with allergies, it is recommended to start introducing complementary foods after six months of age. There are no specific restrictions on complementary foods, but in principle, foods that are known to cause allergies within the family should be avoided. It is also ad...[Read More] When Can Allergic Infants Start Solid Foods? A Guide for Parents
Vaccines and Dietary Concerns for Infants: What Parents Should Know
Vaccines and Dietary Issues Dear Dr. Zhao, 1. I have a 2-month-old baby. Is it appropriate to administer the influenza vaccine and the varicella vaccine at this age? 2. Can a baby this age consume solid foods, such as liquid fruit juices? Besides formula milk and water, are ther...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. This vaccine should be administered after the child reaches one year of age. 2. For children under four months, primarily use milk and water or glucose water; avoid other complementary foods. Gradually introduce complementary foods when the child is 4 to 6 months old.[Read More] Vaccines and Dietary Concerns for Infants: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Why Your Toddler's Penis May Swell: A Guide for Parents
How should I explain the reason for penile swelling in young children? Hello! A 4-year-old dog is asking why his little bird sometimes gets puffed up. You can explain that birds puff up their feathers for a few reasons. One common reason is to keep warm, as they can trap air betw...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Penile engorgement can sometimes be controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and certain external stimuli may trigger this response in some children. It is advisable to avoid frequent stimulation and to wear cotton underwear to prevent friction, which can reduce the likelihood...[Read More] Understanding Why Your Toddler's Penis May Swell: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Tongue Coating in Children: Causes and Vaccination Guidance
Tongue coating Hello Dr. Zhao, Could you please explain the causes of tongue coating in children? Aside from mouth pain, I am unsure if it has any other effects on the body. Is it safe to administer vaccinations? My child is one year and three months old. Should we prioritize t...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. The tongue coating is primarily related to oral hygiene. Therefore, children should maintain good oral hygiene, as it does not significantly affect their overall health. 2. It is advisable to receive the Japanese encephalitis vaccine before administering other vaccines.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Coating in Children: Causes and Vaccination Guidance
Preventing Meningitis and Vaccination Guidelines for Young Children
Meningitis Hello Dr. Zhao, I have a couple of questions: 1. Recently, enterovirus and meningitis are on the rise. Are there any preventive vaccines available? 2. My child is currently about one year old. Should he/she receive the pneumonia vaccine and the hepatitis A vaccine...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. There is currently no routine vaccination for these vaccines in the country. 2. If the home environment is clean and the water source is not an issue, generally there is no need to receive these two vaccines.[Read More] Preventing Meningitis and Vaccination Guidelines for Young Children
Concerns About Head Bumping in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
Head issues Hello Dr. Zhao, My daughter is currently one year and two months old. Previously, family members played a head-bumping game with her, which has led to her curiosity about making sounds when she bumps her head. She continues to bump her head against surfaces, such as...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. Kitty: It is recommended that you consult a pediatric neurologist for an examination! Our hospital has pediatric neurology outpatient clinics with Dr. Su Yu-Hsien every Tuesday and Friday afternoon.[Read More] Concerns About Head Bumping in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
Understanding Pediatric Symptoms: Fever, Sore Throat, and More
What disease? Fever, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. Kitty: 1. It could be roseola infantum or it might be a viral infection. 2. Due to the similar nature of the infections, please make sure to have a physician evaluate it.[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Symptoms: Fever, Sore Throat, and More
Do Children Need Antibiotics for Ear Infections After One Week?
Antibiotics Hello Dr. Zhao: The use of antibiotics for otitis media typically requires 2-3 weeks, but the doctor mentioned that the otitis media has resolved after just one week. Is it necessary to continue taking the antibiotics?
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, Miss: Generally, a treatment cycle lasts for two weeks, but it may be adjusted slightly depending on the clinical situation.[Read More] Do Children Need Antibiotics for Ear Infections After One Week?
Should Your Child Get the Haemophilus Influenzae Vaccine?
Should the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine be administered? Dear Dr. Zhao, my child is currently 8 months old. A pediatrician suggested that I could choose to pay out of pocket for the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, but I am unsure whether to proceed wit...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. Lin: 1. Children are more likely to be infected with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) before the age of 5-6, and the infections can be more severe, which is why physicians recommend vaccination. 2. There should be no major issues with administering combined vaccines....[Read More] Should Your Child Get the Haemophilus Influenzae Vaccine?
Essential Guide for New Moms: Introducing Solids and Baby Care Tips
New mom Hello Doctor, my daughter is now 4 months old. When should I start introducing solid foods? She likes to scratch herself with her hands, and sometimes it bleeds, mostly around her ears and neck. It gets red and peels. I took her to the doctor recently, and they said it’s ...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. Introduction of solid foods can begin between 4 to 6 months, typically starting with rice cereal or wheat cereal, along with small amounts of fruit juice. 2. For children with sensitive skin, it is advisable to use baby soap for cleansing, followed by a moisturizer for protect...[Read More] Essential Guide for New Moms: Introducing Solids and Baby Care Tips