Should You Take Your Child to the Doctor for Persistent Cough?
Should I take my child to see a doctor if they have been coughing for several days? The child had a cold recently, and while other symptoms have improved, the cough persists and has lasted for almost a month. It is particularly noticeable in the morning upon waking. Should I take...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
A cough lasting for a month is unlikely to be just a common cold. There are many causes for a persistent cough, such as bronchial hypersensitivity, post-nasal drip, mycoplasma infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), among others. In Taiwan, the most common cause is...[Read More] Should You Take Your Child to the Doctor for Persistent Cough?
Understanding Fever, Diarrhea, and Cold Symptoms in Young Children
Cold, fever, and diarrhea? Hello, doctor. A couple of days ago, I inquired about my child's fever. My daughter is one and a half years old. She had a high fever from Monday to Thursday last week. There were no cold symptoms, but her stools were looser. She had a fever until ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The cold virus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Pay attention to whether there is mucus or blood in the diarrhea, as well as any foul odor (if present, it may indicate a serious bacterial gastroenteritis). In addition to diluted milk, avoid vegetables, fruits, sweets, and gre...[Read More] Understanding Fever, Diarrhea, and Cold Symptoms in Young Children
Understanding Symptoms and Treatment of Influenza B in Young Children
Symptoms of Influenza B? Hello, doctor. My child is one year and five months old. Last week, he had a fever that fluctuated for four days without any cold symptoms. Since his activity level and appetite were normal, I did not give him any antipyretics. Sometimes his temperature r...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
In cases of influenza, it is possible for fever or respiratory symptoms to appear first. Since the diagnosis of influenza has been confirmed through screening and there is still a presence of fever, along with the fact that young children have relatively weaker immune systems, it...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms and Treatment of Influenza B in Young Children
Understanding Mild Fever in Toddlers: Is It Roseola or Just a Cold?
Mild fever Hello, Doctor. My daughter is currently one year and four months old. She suddenly had a fever of 38 degrees Celsius last night. We took her to see a pediatrician, who noted that her throat was slightly red but not serious, and there were no other cold symptoms. We hav...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If there are no rashes present on the body, it cannot be definitively determined to be roseola; similarly, it cannot be arbitrarily concluded that it is merely a cold. The following symptoms require immediate medical evaluation: persistent high fever lasting more than four days, ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Fever in Toddlers: Is It Roseola or Just a Cold?
Long-Term Antibiotic Use in Children: Risks and Effectiveness Explained
Long-term use of antibiotics? Hello, my 13-year-old daughter has a history of asthma and lung collapse. Recently, she had a severe cold that led to coughing up blood. The doctor diagnosed her with bronchiectasis and noted low blood oxygen levels (92-95). The treating physician ha...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Dear Jack, Hello! 1. The treatment for bronchiectasis in children includes chest physiotherapy and antibiotic therapy. 2. Potential underlying causes need to be ruled out, including immunodeficiency, foreign body aspiration, and other conditions such as congenital structural ...[Read More] Long-Term Antibiotic Use in Children: Risks and Effectiveness Explained
Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Children: Symptoms and Treatment Options
About Mycoplasma pneumoniae! Hello Dr. Hsiao: My younger sister has been coughing for over a month. Last week, she had a blood test, and the results were as follows: - White blood cell count: 13.5 (units: 1000/uL, normal range: 6.7–11.8) - Red blood cell count: 4.89 (units: mil...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
A normal two-year and one-month-old child should have sufficient strength to cough up phlegm (although sometimes they may swallow it). Chest physiotherapy is not necessary. The blood test report you provided is just a basic blood examination, with the only notable abnormality bei...[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Children: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Concerns About Choking in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know
Choking in children Hello, my child is three years old and choked a bit while taking probiotics (powder form). Since then, there haven't been any significant issues. Is it possible that some of it went into the trachea? Should I have them checked or just observe? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If a foreign object is aspirated into the trachea, the most common symptom is coughing. Therefore, if there is a persistent cough that does not improve, or if fever occurs (which may lead to aspiration pneumonia), one should seek examination at a major hospital.[Read More] Concerns About Choking in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know
Managing Cough and Medication Issues in Infants: Tips for Parents
Coughing in infants and medication administration issues? My little one is now over 11 months old and has been suffering from a cold and cough for almost a month. The phlegm sounds quite heavy. We have visited the doctor several times, but it hasn't improved. What methods ca...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
There are many causes for persistent coughing in infants, commonly including allergies, sinusitis with post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, infections from specific pathogens (such as Chlamydia), and aspiration of foreign objects, among others. Some of these conditions requi...[Read More] Managing Cough and Medication Issues in Infants: Tips for Parents
Concerns After Baby Choked on Food: What Parents Should Know
Baby choking on a foreign object? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, my one-year-old sister accidentally choked on a wax apple. I immediately patted her back while she was face down, and she cried loudly when the object came out. Although she expelled it, I can't help but worry becau...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Solid objects should not cause aspiration pneumonia. If there is an accidental entry of a foreign body into the trachea (even leading to aspiration pneumonia), coughing will be observed. The Heimlich maneuver should not result in fractures, pneumothorax, or even cardiac injury. I...[Read More] Concerns After Baby Choked on Food: What Parents Should Know
Persistent High Fever in Children: What to Do When It Reaches 39°C?
The child has a persistent fever above 39 degrees Celsius? If a child has a fever over 39 degrees Celsius and a consistently sore throat, and despite seeing a pediatrician and using rectal antipyretics, the condition remains unchanged, what should be done?
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The effects of various antipyretics can only last for a few hours, and their purpose is to provide temporary comfort for children. If the illness is not resolved (common viral infections typically cause fever for three to four days, and some may last up to a week), it is quite co...[Read More] Persistent High Fever in Children: What to Do When It Reaches 39°C?
How Long Does It Take for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease to Heal?
How many days does it take for enterovirus to resolve? My younger brother discovered red spots in his mouth while taking a shower on Tuesday night (5/28). That same night, we took him to an ENT specialist who diagnosed him with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). On 5/31, he st...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Oral ulcers typically take about 7-10 days to heal. 2. The average duration of fever due to enterovirus infection is about 3 days (some may last longer, while others may be shorter). If the fever persists beyond 3 days with high temperatures and frequent spikes, a pediatrici...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease to Heal?
Understanding Ear Infections in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Otitis media, hearing, and headache? Hello, doctor. My child has a history of allergies (mainly nasal). Around March 20th of this year, he had a fever and we took him to see an ENT specialist. The doctor diagnosed him with otitis media and prescribed antibiotics for two weeks (wh...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. A reliable pneumatic otoscope examination assesses the color, translucency, fluid presence, and mobility of the tympanic membrane. The patient's tympanic membrane may appear red, swollen, opaque, with diminished light reflex, and may appear full, bulging, or even deformed...[Read More] Understanding Ear Infections in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Acute Bronchitis in Children: Key Questions and Concerns
Questions about acute bronchitis! Hello Dr. Hsiao, My younger brother was previously hospitalized for pharyngitis and pulmonary phlegm accumulation (bronchiolitis) for observation. The attending physician mentioned that "the pharyngitis likely progressed downward, causing b...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Yes, performing physical therapy for the trachea is beneficial, and it is even better to perform postural drainage after suctioning. 2. Is there wheezing? What is the severity of the wheezing? It is advisable to take the patient to an experienced pediatrician for a physical ...[Read More] Understanding Acute Bronchitis in Children: Key Questions and Concerns
Managing Cough and Phlegm in Children: A Guide for Parents
My younger brother has phlegm in his lungs! How should we handle this? Hello Dr. Hsiao, My younger brother suddenly developed a fever of 39.8 degrees Celsius around 1 AM last Saturday. He was taken to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's emergency department, where the doctor dia...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Viral infections can cause fever for 2-3 days, but in some cases, it may last up to a week. Generally, if a fever persists for more than 3-4 days, physicians will conduct tests (such as blood tests, X-rays, or urinalysis) to check for possible bacterial infections. If the feve...[Read More] Managing Cough and Phlegm in Children: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Bronchitis in Infants: Symptoms, Care, and Recovery Time
Bronchiolitis in infants Hello Dr. Hsiao, my baby is currently 2 months and 20 days old and has caught a cold for the second time. This time, she has a severe cough along with wheezing. I took her to the doctor, who said it might be bronchitis, possibly triggered by the cold or d...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. For those with mild symptoms, the symptoms typically resolve within two to five days. In more severe cases, the illness may last longer and could progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring hospitalization. Patients with pre-existing conditions such as congenital heart d...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis in Infants: Symptoms, Care, and Recovery Time
Can Vaccines Worsen a Cold in Newborns? Pediatric Insights
Neonatal cold (to ask again) Dr. Hsiao, I apologize for asking another question. When a baby receives vaccinations at the hospital, do the doctors check to ensure there are no issues before administering the shots? If a baby had a mild cold prior to receiving the BCG vaccine and ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Contraindications for vaccination include: fever, having a "severe" acute illness, undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, and known allergies to vaccine components. A common cold is generally not a contraindication for vaccination. 2. Vaccines are made from specific c...[Read More] Can Vaccines Worsen a Cold in Newborns? Pediatric Insights
Understanding Colds in Newborns with Heart Conditions: Key Insights
Common Cold in Newborns Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask again about my child who has a patent foramen ovale. How will a cold affect her? What should we pay attention to? The baby does not have a fever, is active, and has a good appetite, but she does have a cough. I heard from a d...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. The majority of patent foramen ovale cases are benign and will gradually close on their own. If there are no cardiac complications, a common cold does not have any impact. 2. Coughing between 2 to 5 AM does not necessarily indicate pneumonia; there is no such assertion. 3....[Read More] Understanding Colds in Newborns with Heart Conditions: Key Insights
Newborn Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Care for Your Baby
Urgent~~Newborn Cold Hello, doctor. I am a new mother and I would like to ask about my baby. She is just under two months old and has recently started coughing, initially just 1 or 2 times, but in the last couple of days, her cough has worsened, resembling an adult's cough d...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. A weight gain of 1400 grams in a little over a month after birth is an acceptable growth rate; others may perceive the baby as small due to a lower birth weight. 2. It is quite common for infants to have small lymph nodes near the back of the neck, and this is generally cons...[Read More] Newborn Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Care for Your Baby
Understanding Allergies in Children: Milk and Dairy Sensitivities Explained
Regarding allergy issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My child is in first grade this year and has had allergies since a young age. He often sneezes and has a runny nose in the morning, and whenever he catches a cold, he easily develops a runny nose, cough, and post-nasal drip, which can le...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Food allergies do not necessarily only occur in the gastrointestinal tract or on the skin; they can also cause adverse reactions in the respiratory system (such as the trachea or nasal passages). 2. Whether an allergen triggers an allergic reaction or the severity of the react...[Read More] Understanding Allergies in Children: Milk and Dairy Sensitivities Explained
Do Cough Syrups Affect Urine Test Results in Infants?
Will this medication affect urine test results? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! My sister is currently eight months old. Five days ago, she had a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius at midnight and went to the emergency room. A urine test was performed, and she had taken cough syrup two hours prior,...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The medications Xikening and Shuyitong will not affect urine test results. Periactin, Cefx, and Biofermin will not impact the results of a kidney ultrasound. A urine test showing 150,000 white blood cells? I really don't understand what that means.[Read More] Do Cough Syrups Affect Urine Test Results in Infants?