Understanding Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Timing and Risks
Japanese encephalitis Hello Dr. Zhao: I would like to ask about Japanese encephalitis vaccination, which is typically administered from March to May. If the vaccination next year is scheduled for June, should it be postponed until the following year? If the vaccination is not adm...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, Miss: It is recommended that you can still receive the vaccination in about 5 months.[Read More] Understanding Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Timing and Risks
Impact of Chromosome 17 Rearrangement on Child Development at 9 Months
21 pairs of chromosomes Hello Dr. Zhao, I would like to ask about a 9-month-old child with an inversion of the 17th chromosome. Will this have any impact on the child? What conditions can arise from abnormalities in the 17th chromosome, such as deletions, duplications, inversio...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, Miss: A partial deletion of chromosome 17 can lead to issues such as cerebellar ataxia, a narrow forehead, clefts, short stature, growth retardation, and intellectual disabilities. However, in some cases of chromosome 17 translocation, certain children may be carriers with...[Read More] Impact of Chromosome 17 Rearrangement on Child Development at 9 Months
Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Children: Is It Asthma?
Difficulty breathing? Hello, I'm 13 years old. I often feel short of breath and have to slightly arch my back and take a few breaths to breathe normally. However, it feels like I can't take a deep breath. I've seen a doctor 3-4 times, and they've all said ther...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, Miss Hsiu: Based on your description, if the symptoms occur particularly at night, in the early morning, or after exercise, it may indicate asthma; specifically, there could be bronchial hyperreactivity. Of course, other cardiac and pulmonary conditions should also be rule...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Children: Is It Asthma?
Understanding Poor Appetite in Infants: Causes and Concerns
Poor appetite? Hello Dr. Zhao: My sister is now over two months old and only drinks 90cc of milk. She often doesn't want milk for four to five hours, and if I force her to drink, she gets upset. Could this be related to the milk she is drinking? (Aside from not liking milk, ...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Miss Ali: If the children show no abnormalities and their weight gain is normal, some children may go through a phase of milk aversion, which can be monitored further.[Read More] Understanding Poor Appetite in Infants: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Baby's Sleep Issues: Is It Gas or Formula Related?
Baby has trouble sleeping? My baby is currently not yet one month old and often strains his/her whole body while sleeping, seemingly unable to sleep soundly. I suspect this may be due to gas and difficulty passing it. Whenever he/she strains, there is also spitting up, which caus...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Miss Xiao Zhen: Some children may experience gastroesophageal reflux due to the immature development of the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus. Therefore, after feeding, please hold the child upright for a longer period, and when sleeping, elevate the head by about...[Read More] Understanding Baby's Sleep Issues: Is It Gas or Formula Related?
Essential Guide to Pediatric Vaccines: Should Your Child Get Them All?
How to administer privately paid vaccinations? Please tell me whether my child, who is currently over five months old and developing normally, needs to receive all the recommended pediatric vaccines, such as the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) ...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, Ms. Mooncake: Vaccination is intended to enhance children's immunity. If a child does not have any specific allergic conditions, they can certainly receive vaccinations, but it should be done according to the recommended schedule. The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine an...[Read More] Essential Guide to Pediatric Vaccines: Should Your Child Get Them All?
How to Determine if Your Infant Has Asthma: A Guide for Parents
Pediatric Asthma Hello Dr. Zhao: How can we determine if a toddler has asthma? My daughter is currently seven months old, and we noticed shortly after birth that her breathing sounds particularly loud, almost wheezy. When I touch the area of her back where the lungs are, it seems...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Mrs. Chen: Some children may experience poor abdominal digestive function, leading to symptoms such as abdominal bloating. Of course, there are other potential causes that require a thorough examination by a physician.[Read More] How to Determine if Your Infant Has Asthma: A Guide for Parents
Why Is My Baby Crying at Night? Common Sleep Issues Explained
Why do babies have trouble sleeping at night? My 14-month-old daughter has trouble sleeping at night, often crying out loudly with her eyes closed. She also loves to drink water, consuming about 250-400cc (only water, nothing else). We have ruled out hunger as a cause. What could...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Mrs. Chen: Some children may experience poor digestive function in the abdomen, leading to symptoms such as abdominal bloating. Of course, there are other potential causes, so it is important to have a thorough examination by a physician.[Read More] Why Is My Baby Crying at Night? Common Sleep Issues Explained
Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children: Causes of Diarrhea
Enterovirus Dr. Zhao: Hello, a four-year-old child has developed symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease due to enterovirus. On the fourth day, the child suddenly experienced diarrhea. Due to a lack of appetite, the child is only drinking milk daily and I am unsure if the diarr...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Mr. Wang: Children with general enterovirus infections may still experience gastroenteritis, so it is possible that this virus is the cause. It is recommended to reduce milk intake and instead feed with rice water. If there is no improvement, a physician should be consulted...[Read More] Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children: Causes of Diarrhea
Understanding Your Child's Heart Rate: What is Normal for Kids?
Children's heart rate Hello Doctor, my son is 9 years old, with a height of 127 cm and a weight of 26 kg. When he is sitting and not exercising, his heart rate sometimes reaches 105 beats per minute. Only when he is asleep at night does it drop to about 80 beats per minute. ...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Mr. A-Cheng: A 9-year-old child's resting heart rate averages around 90 beats per minute, which falls within the normal range of 70 to 110 beats per minute. Therefore, based on your description, your child's heart rate is still within the normal range.[Read More] Understanding Your Child's Heart Rate: What is Normal for Kids?
Is It Okay If My Two-Year-Old Refuses Milk? Pediatric Insights
A two-year-old boy does not drink milk? Dear Doctor, my two-year-old son has a normal appetite for three meals a day, but he refuses to drink any milk. Is this a concern? Should I consider adding vitamins to his diet? Thank you!
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Mr. Yj: As children grow, their diet gradually shifts towards adult foods, and milk becomes just one of several sources of nutrition. Therefore, if they are consuming a balanced diet with other foods, there is no need to worry too much. Adding vitamins is generally not a pr...[Read More] Is It Okay If My Two-Year-Old Refuses Milk? Pediatric Insights
Can Chickenpox Vaccine Be Given with Other Vaccines? Myths and Facts
Varicella vaccine Can the varicella vaccine be administered simultaneously with other vaccines? Are there any long-term side effects of the varicella vaccine? Does it provide lifelong immunity?
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
For children aged 12 to 18 months, vaccines can be administered simultaneously with the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, but they must be given at different injection sites. Hello Mr. Rickl: 1. After vaccination, antibodies typically last for at least 7 to 10 years, and immunity...[Read More] Can Chickenpox Vaccine Be Given with Other Vaccines? Myths and Facts
Understanding Hydrocele in Newborns: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Newborn scrotal edema? Dr. Zhao: We discovered a scrotal hydrocele in the newborn. Now the baby is over four months old. Is surgical treatment necessary? Thank you.
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, Miss Bobo: In cases of simple scrotal swelling, it is generally advisable to observe until the child is two years old. If there is no improvement by then, surgical intervention is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Hydrocele in Newborns: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Understanding Allergic Conditions in Infants: Key Concerns for Parents
Allergic constitution My son is currently 4 months old, and I would like to consult with the doctor regarding the following: (1) When he was 3 months old, due to his allergic constitution, we switched from Mead Johnson Enfamil to Nestlé HA1. Initially, he had two small patches ...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. K: 1. As you mentioned, the child may have atopic dermatitis. Generally, children with allergic tendencies are more prone to this condition. It is important to manage it through proper skincare. You can use baby soap for cleansing and then apply a moisturizer. If there...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Conditions in Infants: Key Concerns for Parents
Understanding Hypoallergenic Formula: Partial vs. Fully Hydrolyzed Options
Allergenic formula Hello Dr. Zhao, could you please clarify whether Nestlé NAN HA is classified as a partially hydrolyzed formula or a fully hydrolyzed formula? What products are considered fully hydrolyzed formulas? Does consuming a partially hydrolyzed formula mean that it does...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello, Miss: Nestlé NAN HA is a partially hydrolyzed protein formula. It primarily involves breaking down proteins into smaller molecules, as infants' gastrointestinal tracts are more susceptible to allergic reactions caused by larger protein molecules. Generally speaking, u...[Read More] Understanding Hypoallergenic Formula: Partial vs. Fully Hydrolyzed Options
Understanding Sudden Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: Causes and Concerns
Gastrointestinal bleeding Our second child, who is in the fourth grade this year (height 126 cm, weight 26 kg), usually does not complain of stomach pain, has a good appetite, and eats plenty of fruits and vegetables. However, he still occasionally experiences constipation. Last ...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. Hsiao: 1. It is important to first confirm whether there is a significant fecal occult blood reaction. 2. If there is indeed a positive result, and as you described, if you have melena (black, tarry stools), it could indicate a severe infection or ulcer causing gastr...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: Causes and Concerns
Managing Persistent Phlegm in Infants After Ear Infection
Pediatric Cold Dear Dr. Zhao: My son is currently seven months old. About ten days ago, he was diagnosed with otitis media by a doctor. His ear has healed by today, but he still has phlegm in his throat. The medication prescribed by the doctor makes him sweat profusely, and he co...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. Huang Po-Chen: If a child feels like they have persistent phlegm, it is advisable to have a physician examine them for possible inflammation or allergies in the airways. If they experience sweating after taking medication, it may be due to their constitution. This can b...[Read More] Managing Persistent Phlegm in Infants After Ear Infection
Understanding Immunoglobulin Deficiency in Children: Genetic Factors and Growth Patterns
Immunoglobulin deficiency 1. My sister's child has been diagnosed with an IgG4 deficiency following a blood test due to recurrent infections. Is immunoglobulin deficiency a hereditary condition? Should my 8-month-old child undergo the same test, and when would be the appropr...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Dear Miss, 1. The deficiency of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) may be related to immune system disorders, delayed maturation, or a deficiency in the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. The mode of inheritance is currently unclear. Therefore, your child should only undergo further testin...[Read More] Understanding Immunoglobulin Deficiency in Children: Genetic Factors and Growth Patterns
Is It Safe for Toddlers to Drink Milk While Lying Down?
Breastfeeding positions? Dr. Zhao, is it okay for a one-year and three-month-old toddler to lie down while drinking milk? Are there any adverse effects? (My mother-in-law is accustomed to letting the little girl drink while lying down.) Thank you!
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Ms. Chu: When children lie down to drink milk, there is a risk that they might accidentally choke.[Read More] Is It Safe for Toddlers to Drink Milk While Lying Down?
Understanding Testicular Development in 3-4 Year Old Boys
Health concerns for children aged 3 to 4 years? Doctor Zhao, my 3-year-old child has one testicle positioned higher and the other lower. I'm not sure if this will affect his health.
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello Mr. Liu Zhangren: It is normal for the testicles to have a height difference if both are present within the scrotum. However, if one is absent from the scrotum, a medical examination is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Testicular Development in 3-4 Year Old Boys