Guidelines for Kiwi, Honey, and Cod Liver Oil for Toddlers
Kiwi, honey, and cod liver oil? Dear Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you some questions regarding my two-year-old daughter: 1. I have heard that kiwi is a high allergen fruit. At what age is it appropriate for children to eat this fruit freely? 2. At what age is it suitable for ...
Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
Dear Xiaofen's mother, I would like to address a few issues mentioned in your letter: 1. A large-scale survey on local food allergens has found that common allergens include shellfish, milk, eggs, as well as mangoes and kiwis. If there is a history of allergies in the hous...[Read More] Guidelines for Kiwi, Honey, and Cod Liver Oil for Toddlers
Essential Nutrients for Maintaining Children's Respiratory Health
Respiratory care for children? What nutritional supplements should I give to my child to maintain their respiratory system and reduce the likelihood of catching a cold? My child experiences asthma attacks every time they catch a cold, which is quite frightening. If there are any ...
Dr. Hong Shuokun Reply:
Hello, For children with asthma and allergic airway maintenance, the most important aspect is the use of maintenance medications. Currently, options include oral montelukast or inhaled corticosteroids, which have shown significant effects with long-term use and minimal side eff...[Read More] Essential Nutrients for Maintaining Children's Respiratory Health
Recommended Brands for Pediatric Supplements: Fish Oil, Probiotics, and More
Mild asthma symptoms only occur during a cold? Hello, doctor: You mentioned that dietary supplements include deep-sea fish oil, probiotics, Brazilian mushrooms, powdered royal jelly (also a type of mushroom), honey (if not allergic), cordyceps, and evening primrose oil. Could you...
Dr. Hong Shuokun Reply:
Hello, based on my experience wandering around the pharmacy, I feel that most products are quite similar, although there are differences in dosage and formulation. When taking supplements, it's advisable to refer to the instructions on the product label. I don't have a ...[Read More] Recommended Brands for Pediatric Supplements: Fish Oil, Probiotics, and More
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:
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 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:
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 Loose Stools in Exclusively Breastfed Infants
Loose stools (exclusively breastfed) Hello, I am a breastfeeding mother, and my baby is four months old. His stools have been loose (golden yellow) for the past month. What should I do? Do I need to pay attention to my diet? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Zhang Wenwang Reply:
Generally, breastfed babies have yellowish stools that are softer or even watery. However, if the frequency of bowel movements is excessive and the infant's weight is not increasing, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate and examine the situation.[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools in Exclusively Breastfed Infants
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:
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
Understanding Pectus Carinatum and Constipation in Toddlers
What is pectus carinatum and baby constipation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what pectus carinatum (commonly known as pigeon chest) is. My daughter is currently one year and four months old, and her chest appears somewhat muscular, but it is not very protruding. Is this wha...
Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
Pectus carinatum, also known as pigeon chest, is a congenital chest wall deformity characterized by the protrusion of the costal cartilages and sternum in the lower half of the thorax, making the central part of the chest appear more prominent than the sides. It is a relatively r...[Read More] Understanding Pectus Carinatum and Constipation in Toddlers
Understanding Oily Gas in Children: Causes and When to Seek Help
Farting with an oily consistency? My son has been passing gas that has an oily discharge for the past couple of days. It gets on his underwear, but he hasn't had diarrhea or any other discomfort. His diet has been the same as ours, except for one meal where he had canned mea...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the likelihood of canned meat sauce mixed with noodles causing oily stools is extremely low. Oily stools typically occur only when there is a pancreatic dysfunction that prevents fat digestion and absorption. The swelling on your lips may be rela...[Read More] Understanding Oily Gas in Children: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Frequent Nosebleeds in Children: Causes and Solutions
Frequent nosebleeds? My daughter is 7 years old, and for the past two days, she has been experiencing nosebleeds after sneezing, which seem to be continuous and can last for about five minutes, accompanied by blood clots. An ENT specialist and two pediatricians have stated that h...
Dr. Zhang Wenwang Reply:
1. In addition to considering structural issues of the nose, it is important to check whether platelet levels in the blood are normal. 2. A balanced diet is the most important factor.[Read More] Managing Frequent Nosebleeds in Children: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Baby's Constipation: Emotional and Environmental Factors
Baby's stool Hello Dr. Chang! My baby is currently 10 months old and has been eating solid foods for about 3 months, primarily with formula milk. Recently, during the weekends when I bring him home (he is with the nanny for 24 hours), the nanny often reports that he has cons...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
In addition to diet, emotions, lifestyle habits, and changes in the environment can indeed affect a child's bowel movements, whether at a caregiver's home or at their own. If possible, personally taking care of the baby is the ideal parenting approach. Bowel movements a...[Read More] Understanding Baby's Constipation: Emotional and Environmental Factors
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:
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 Decreased Urine Output in Infants: Causes and Concerns
Decreased urine output in infants? My daughter just turned one year old, and I'm not sure if it's because the weather suddenly got hotter and she's sweating more, but her urine output has become extremely low. There have been times when she hasn't urinated for...
Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
Recently, the weather has been getting hotter, and I received a letter mentioning the issue of decreased urine output in children. This can generally be considered from two aspects: insufficient intake or difficulty in output. I wonder if your baby has symptoms such as dry mouth,...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Urine Output in Infants: Causes and Concerns
Is It Safe to Give Nutritional Supplements to My One-Year-Old?
Is it good for a one-year-old baby to take nutritional supplements? My baby just turned one year old. I'm unsure whether to add nutritional supplements for infants and toddlers, such as calcium powder, multivitamins, lactoferrin, and probiotics. Will these increase the burde...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: The baby has just turned one year old. The main diet for infants and toddlers should consist of the same meals as adults, while formula milk (stage three, growth milk powder for children aged 1-3 years) should be considered a supplementary food. Unless there are specific h...[Read More] Is It Safe to Give Nutritional Supplements to My One-Year-Old?
Do Children Need Vitamin Supplements for Healthy Growth?
Healthy Diet and Children's Growth Do children need vitamin supplementation?
Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
The letter mentions the issue of vitamin supplementation and whether it is truly necessary. In today's well-fed society, as long as children at home have a balanced diet, they generally receive sufficient nutrients and do not necessarily need additional supplementation! If a...[Read More] Do Children Need Vitamin Supplements for Healthy Growth?
Managing Underweight and Frequent Illness in Young Children
The child is underweight and frequently catches colds? Dear Dr. Chang, My daughter is almost five years old, but her weight has never exceeded 20 kg; it has been between 16 to 18 kg for over two years. Her height is 113 cm. She is not very picky with food but cannot eat much; in...
Dr. Zhang Wenwang Reply:
1. Relying on medication is not the best option. Your baby's growth curve is still acceptable and falls into the tall and thin category. Paying more attention to a balanced diet is the best approach. 2. If the symptoms are not too severe and do not significantly affect dai...[Read More] Managing Underweight and Frequent Illness in Young Children
Understanding Galactosemia in Children: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Management
Galactosemia is a genetic metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to process galactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Individuals with galactosemia lack the Hello, doctor. My child was recently screened and suspected to have galactosemia, and also has ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: The most common cause is the lack of the enzyme (galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase) required for lactose metabolism in affected children, which prevents them from converting ingested lactose into glucose. The incidence provided by the Department of Health is approxi...[Read More] Understanding Galactosemia in Children: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Management
Understanding Constipation in Toddlers: A Guide for Parents
Bowel habits in three-year-old children? Hello Dr. Chang: My daughter is currently three and a half years old. Previously, her bowel movements were regular, but about half a month ago, after switching her formula (from S-26 Nutri-Start to S-26 Gold), she started experiencing pell...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
1. The presence of pellet-like stools followed by ribbon-like stools may indicate possible dehydration and prolonged retention of feces, leading to the absorption of moisture from the stool and resulting in hard stools. Therefore, even though there is daily bowel movement, it sti...[Read More] Understanding Constipation in Toddlers: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Involuntary Tremors in Infants: When to Seek Help
Involuntary tremors or shaking? The child is now ten months old, and overall development and diet should be normal. However, there is one peculiar situation: since he was three to four months old, he has experienced involuntary shaking or tremors one to three times a day. Initial...
Dr. Lin Huizhen Reply:
Dear Mom An, This is Dr. Lin Huizhen from the Pediatrics Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. If your child experiences episodes resembling shivering or head shaking, and if their gaze is normal or shows signs of absence, and these episodes are brief, i...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Tremors in Infants: When to Seek Help
Essential Care Tips for Infants with Hepatitis B: A Guide for Parents
Infants with hepatitis B? Your sister was hospitalized last week for dehydration due to gastroenteritis, and during blood tests, she was found to have hepatitis B. She is currently only 11 months old. What should I pay attention to? For example, regarding her diet, daily activiti...
Dr. Zhang Guozhen Reply:
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Hospital's Pediatrics Department responded that approximately 60-90% of pregnant women who are HBsAg positive will transmit the hepatitis B virus to their newborns. These infants often show no symptoms at birth, but may exhibit live...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Infants with Hepatitis B: A Guide for Parents