Understanding Recurrent Ear Canal Infections in Infants: Causes and Prevention
Ear problems, recurrent inflammation of the external auditory canal? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my baby has just turned 9 months old. Since birth, he has experienced six episodes of external ear canal inflammation in the same ear. Each time, it starts with unexplained crying for a few days...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Mild and simple otitis externa may not always require oral antibiotics; topical antibiotic ear drops can be sufficient for treatment. However, in more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary. The reasons for recurrent occurrences are difficult to determine; it could be du...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Ear Canal Infections in Infants: Causes and Prevention
Understanding Recurrent Ear Canal Infections in Infants: Causes and Prevention
Ear problems, recurrent inflammation of the external auditory canal? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my baby has just turned 9 months old. Since birth, he has experienced six episodes of external ear canal inflammation in the same ear. Each time, it starts with unexplained crying for a few days...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Mild and uncomplicated otitis externa may not always require oral antibiotics; topical antibiotic ear drops can be sufficient for treatment. However, in more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary. The reasons for recurrent episodes are difficult to determine; it could b...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Ear Canal Infections in Infants: Causes and Prevention
Understanding Fever and Low White Blood Cell Count in Children
Fever of unknown origin and leukopenia? Dear Dr. Hsiao, My daughter started having a fever five days ago, with a recorded temperature of 39.7 degrees Celsius. There were no other obvious symptoms at that time. We visited a local hospital, where the doctor found signs of tonsilli...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. The absence of an elevated body temperature is unlikely to be due to a lack of white blood cells for defense: this is not the case, as an increase in body temperature is a function of the thermoregulatory center in the brain. 2. Muscle soreness in both calves: this is mostly...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Low White Blood Cell Count in Children
Understanding Pediatric Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Tonsillar suppuration, lymphadenopathy, upper abdominal swelling, fever? A six-year-old girl developed fever symptoms on March 2, which resolved on its own. However, she experienced another fever on March 4 and was taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with tonsillitis. ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: You have a fever, tonsillitis, swollen cervical lymph nodes, and hepatitis; these symptoms are most likely indicative of an EB virus infection. Antibiotics should be targeted towards the possible pneumonia and tonsillitis. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Pei ...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Do Children with Acute Sinusitis Need Follow-Up After Antibiotics?
Treatment for acute sinusitis and medication duration? Dr. Pei, if a 3-year-old child has been diagnosed with acute sinusitis and prescribed a 7-day course of antibiotics, should they return for a follow-up appointment after completing the antibiotic treatment?
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: In principle, the total duration of antibiotic treatment should be 10 days. However, if symptoms do not improve after 2-3 days of antibiotic use, it is recommended to switch to a different antibiotic and restart the 10-day count. Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely...[Read More] Do Children with Acute Sinusitis Need Follow-Up After Antibiotics?
Persistent Cough in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent cough? The child has been coughing for four months since catching a cold last September. X-rays have been taken, and antibiotics for mycoplasma and sinusitis have been administered, along with bronchodilators, but the cough persists. The child only does not cough while...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
A cough lasting more than four weeks is defined as a chronic cough. The three most common causes of chronic cough in children are: first, allergic respiratory conditions; second, post-nasal drip; and third, gastroesophageal reflux. Other less common causes include chronic pharyng...[Read More] Persistent Cough in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Pediatric Lymph Nodes: What Parents Should Know
Cervical lymphadenopathy issues? Hello Doctor, I noticed a protruding lymph node in the area above my son's left clavicle, near the sternocleidomastoid muscle, when he was around one month old. It's about 0.3-0.5 cm, movable, and soft. Now my son is over three years old...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding neck lumps, I previously published an article in the media, and the content is as follows for your reference! When bathing a baby, parents may notice one or several hard lumps on the neck or back of the head. What should parents do? Most of these hard lumps are l...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Lymph Nodes: What Parents Should Know
Can Vaccines Be Administered While Taking Antibiotics?
Can vaccines be administered while taking antibiotics? Hello, the dog previously had a urinary tract infection and was treated with the antibiotic Amoxicillin. It has been discharged and is still on the medication. I would like to know if it is safe to administer vaccines (includ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
One situation in which vaccination is not recommended is when an individual is currently suffering from an acute illness. I believe that since I am still taking antibiotics for a urinary tract infection, indicating that my treatment course has not yet concluded, it would be more ...[Read More] Can Vaccines Be Administered While Taking Antibiotics?
Understanding Ear Infections in Children: Symptoms and Treatments
Common cold complicated by otitis media? Hello, doctor. My 10-year-old child, who is in the fifth grade, initially had yellow phlegm and has been coughing for three weeks with yellow sputum. I thought he would recover on his own, but his cough has worsened over the past two days,...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Berotec is a bronchodilator, and the most common side effect is tremors in the hands and feet; however, these symptoms will resolve after discontinuation of the medication. Whether there is a need to continue using it should be discussed with your physician. Augmentin is an antib...[Read More] Understanding Ear Infections in Children: Symptoms and Treatments
Understanding Fever Without Symptoms in Children: Causes and Concerns
Asymptomatic fever? Hello, Doctor. My child will turn eight years old in July. He is 120 cm tall and weighs 196 kg. On the evening of June 17, my child said he had a stomachache. He has experienced discomfort from constipation before, and after an enema, he felt better. However, ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is common for children to have a fever without obvious external symptoms, as there may be some underlying viral infections. The fever typically resolves as the immune system gradually kicks in. However, sometimes a physical examination by a pediatrician is necessary to identif...[Read More] Understanding Fever Without Symptoms in Children: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Allergies and Immune Issues in Children: A Parent's Guide
Childhood allergic immune issues Hello, doctor. My child is currently six years and three months old and has atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Since March of last year, he has been suffering from sinusitis, which has persisted for almost a year. For the past year,...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: 1. Egg allergy refers specifically to an allergy to egg whites and is different from milk allergy! 2. Patients with allergic rhinitis are more prone to developing sinusitis. 3. The most common cause of abdominal pain in 6-year-old children is constipation, followed by cond...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Immune Issues in Children: A Parent's Guide
Understanding Unexplained Pediatric Fever: Insights and Recommendations
Pediatric fever hospitalization with inconclusive test results? A year and a half ago, my child was hospitalized for 14 days due to a fever. During the hospitalization, many tests were conducted, but no clear results were found. The hospital kept suggesting additional tests, maki...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The hospitalization process for infants and young children is quite complex. As your child's attending physician, I cannot fully understand the situation by merely reviewing the medical records, which may lead to potential misinterpretations and could also violate medical et...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pediatric Fever: Insights and Recommendations
Concerns About Sulfonamide Eye Drops for Pediatric Conjunctivitis
Medication issues related to Favism (G6PD deficiency) and eye care? If a child has conjunctivitis and has been prescribed two bottles of eye drops and an ointment by an ophthalmologist, but one of the eye drops contains sulfonamide antibiotics, it is important to note that sulfon...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Patients with favism should avoid using sulfonamide-containing eye drops. There are many causes of conjunctivitis, and some viral conjunctivitis may resolve on its own. However, it is still advisable to discuss this with your child's ophthalmologist.[Read More] Concerns About Sulfonamide Eye Drops for Pediatric Conjunctivitis
Consultation on Eye Medication for Infants: Safety and Concerns
Pediatric Eye Medication Consultation Hello, doctor: My 10-month-old child has bloodshot eyes and frequently rubs them. We visited a general ophthalmologist who diagnosed an invasion of dust particles and the presence of follicles. The following medications were prescribed, and I...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Dust mites mostly reside on the skin and rarely get into the eyes. If they do enter the eyes, an ophthalmologist would typically rinse them out first. The components of these medications are antihistamines and antibiotics; they should be helpful. Please use them with confi...[Read More] Consultation on Eye Medication for Infants: Safety and Concerns
Managing Persistent Blisters on a Toddler's Urethra: A Parent's Guide
A 2-year-old child has blisters on the glans and urethral opening that are not improving! How should this be managed? About two months ago, my son was taking a bath and was playing with a soap pouch, creating bubbles and rubbing them vigorously on his genital area. After rinsing ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: This article explains clearly; please refer to the following: 1. What is balanitis? Balanitis, also known as glans inflammation, often occurs simultaneously with posthitis (inflammation of the foreskin) and is commonly associated with conditions such as phimosis (tight fo...[Read More] Managing Persistent Blisters on a Toddler's Urethra: A Parent's Guide
Managing Congenital Pulmonary Stenosis in Infants: Risks and Precautions
Pulmonary artery stenosis Hello Dr. Pei, my child has been diagnosed with congenital pulmonary artery stenosis and is currently over 9 months old, with regular follow-ups. During the last visit, the pressure difference between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery was over...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: When the degree of pulmonary valve stenosis is mild, there may be no clinical symptoms, but a systolic heart murmur can be heard upon auscultation. Patients with moderate to severe stenosis may experience symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, arrhythmias, myocar...[Read More] Managing Congenital Pulmonary Stenosis in Infants: Risks and Precautions
Understanding Baby Diarrhea: When to Seek Pediatric Care
Baby diarrhea issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My baby is currently 2 months and 14 days old. Recently, we switched back to breastfeeding after about 3 weeks of formula feeding. Before the switch, my baby had a bowel movement approximately every 1.2 days (dark green). After returning to ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The frequency of an infant's bowel movements can range from two to three times a day to once every two to three days, both of which are considered acceptable. In the case of diarrhea, the frequency of bowel movements will increase, and the stools will become increasingly wat...[Read More] Understanding Baby Diarrhea: When to Seek Pediatric Care
Transitioning from Formula to Breast Milk: Key Considerations for Infants
Issues with Switching from Formula to Breast Milk Hello Dr. Hsiao, My baby is currently 2 months and 11 days old. At birth, the weight was 3165g, and during the vaccination on February 13, the weight was 6.3kg, with a length of 59.1 cm and a head circumference of 39.7 cm. Due to...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If the baby is experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, it may result in diarrhea or the presence of rashes on the skin. If the infant's activity level is normal, weight gain is appropriate, and the decreased appetite is not due to illness (such as gastroenteritis or entero...[Read More] Transitioning from Formula to Breast Milk: Key Considerations for Infants
Understanding Hydronephrosis in Infants: Risks and Treatment Options
Infant hydronephrosis My son is currently 8 months old and was diagnosed with hydronephrosis at birth. The doctor advised follow-up every six months. The results from last week's examination showed no changes, and the doctor suggested another follow-up in six months. Could y...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: 1. If the hydronephrosis is < 10 mm and there is no trend of enlargement, just perform ultrasound follow-up every six months. 2. If the hydronephrosis is between 10-15 mm, a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or a functional renal imaging study (diuretic renography) shou...[Read More] Understanding Hydronephrosis in Infants: Risks and Treatment Options
Managing Asthma and Eczema in Young Children: Effective Strategies
Please ask your question? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. My little boy is almost five years old and has atopic dermatitis. Since he was nearly four, he has had severe coughing whenever he catches a cold, which can last all day. Sometimes he needs to take antibiotics to recover. After visiting...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
For children with allergic bronchitis, swimming is indeed the best form of exercise, as it has a moderate breathing rate and the humidity of the inhaled air does not irritate the airways. The management of allergic asthma is a significant challenge and will not be elaborated on h...[Read More] Managing Asthma and Eczema in Young Children: Effective Strategies