Which Specialist Should I Consult for My Son's ADHD and Brain Development?
Which specialty should I see? My son has impulsive attention deficit disorder, and I would like to understand the difference in his brain development compared to other children his age, or which specific areas may be underdeveloped that are affecting his comprehension, expression...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
To understand the neurological development of children, one typically consults the pediatric neurology department at a major hospital.[Read More] Which Specialist Should I Consult for My Son's ADHD and Brain Development?
Concerns About Pediatric Use of Betamethasone Ointment: A Parent's Inquiry
Medication consultation Hello Dr. Hsiao: I am the mother who inquired about my child using Betamethasone ointment last time. I would like to ask, since my daughter used it for a few days and only applied it again when there was an issue, and it seemed fine after the last applicat...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Potent corticosteroid ointments should not be applied near the genital area because the skin in that region is thinner and more susceptible to localized side effects. Therefore, it does not affect fertility. The systemic concentration of the medication absorbed through the skin i...[Read More] Concerns About Pediatric Use of Betamethasone Ointment: A Parent's Inquiry
Understanding Shoulder Shrugging in 7-Month-Old Babies: When to Worry
A 7-month-old baby may shrug their shoulders? Recently, I noticed that my 7-month-old baby occasionally shrugs her shoulders, sometimes on one side and other times on both sides, but mostly it's one-sided. This happens when she wakes up, during meals, or while playing, but i...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello, 1. Your baby seems to exhibit habitual movements. 2. Tourette syndrome typically occurs from preschool age to pre-adolescence, with very few cases presenting before the age of one. 3. Infantile spasms often accompany global developmental delay and usually appear betwee...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Shrugging in 7-Month-Old Babies: When to Worry
Concerns About Zinc Oxide Cream Ingestion in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know
Child accidental ingestion A one-year and three-month-old child accidentally ingested zinc oxide diaper cream, and although it was almost finished and not a large amount, it was also applied inside the mouth. Will there be any harm? Thank you!
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Zinc toxicity is rare because the safe dosage is quite high. Symptoms typically do not occur unless the intake exceeds 10 times the usual supplementation amount (1-2 mg/kg/day of elemental zinc). Initial symptoms may include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomit...[Read More] Concerns About Zinc Oxide Cream Ingestion in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know
Are Shepherd's Skin Products Safe for Children with G6PD Deficiency?
Is there any concern regarding the use of silk protein in this butt cream and skin lotion? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 14 months old and has G6PD deficiency. Previously, I purchased Penaten diaper cream and the same brand's moisturizing lotion. I checked the ingredient...
Dr. Zhong Ruixian Reply:
Hello Rita: Regarding the ingredients of the two types of diaper rash cream and moisturizing lotion mentioned above, I did not find them listed among high-risk substances. Generally speaking, substances that clearly induce hemolysis and should be avoided include: naphthalene, gen...[Read More] Are Shepherd's Skin Products Safe for Children with G6PD Deficiency?
Are X-Rays Safe for Kids? Understanding Radiation Risks in Pediatrics
Is it harmful for children to have X-rays? A 1.5-year-old child bumped their temple against a chair, resulting in a swelling. They were taken to the emergency room, where the doctor arranged for two head X-rays, but the neck was not protected with a lead apron. Later, a 3-year-ol...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends using the Sievert (Sv) to quantify the potential harm of radiation to the human body. The average background radiation dose in Taiwan is approximately 1 to 2 millisieverts (mSv) per year. The dose fr...[Read More] Are X-Rays Safe for Kids? Understanding Radiation Risks in Pediatrics
Understanding Infantile Seizures: Signs and Concerns in Newborns
Neonatal epilepsy The baby is currently 111 days old and suddenly exhibited involuntary twitching of the left hand while sitting in a small chair today, approximately four times. Additionally, a few days ago, while lying on a pillow, there were abnormal movements in the abdomen. ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is not possible to determine infantile spasms solely based on such descriptions; however, the presence of involuntary hand movements (especially if accompanied by a vacant stare, which is more indicative of seizure activity) and the severe startle reflex at 111 days old (which...[Read More] Understanding Infantile Seizures: Signs and Concerns in Newborns
Understanding Infant Feeding Aversion: Causes and Solutions
Lactose intolerance? Hello, doctor! My baby is currently 2 and a half months old. When it's time for feeding (every 3-4 hours), she wakes up and asks for milk, but when I offer her the bottle, she pushes it away with her hands. I thought she might prefer breastfeeding, so I ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! The weaning phase often occurs between 2 to 6 months of age, possibly due to external environmental stimuli or the introduction of complementary foods, which may reduce interest in formula milk. The characteristics include decreased intake, but activity levels remain good,...[Read More] Understanding Infant Feeding Aversion: Causes and Solutions
Is My Baby Experiencing Milk Aversion? Understanding Feeding Challenges
Lactose intolerance? Hello, doctor! My baby is currently 2 and a half months old. When it's time to feed (every 3-4 hours), she wakes up and asks for milk, but when I offer her the bottle, she pushes it away with her hands. I thought she might prefer breastfeeding, so I trie...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: The period of milk aversion often occurs between 2 to 6 months of age. This may be due to external environmental distractions or the introduction of complementary foods, leading to decreased interest in formula milk. The characteristics include reduced intake, but activity...[Read More] Is My Baby Experiencing Milk Aversion? Understanding Feeding Challenges
How to Help Your Two-Year-Old Stop Thumb Sucking
A two-year-old child sucking their thumb? My child is two years old and still loves to suck his thumb. How can I help him stop? I’ve noticed that his mouth area gets wet from the thumb sucking, and occasionally there are a few spots that look like rashes. Could that be saliva ras...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
When babies enter the oral stage, they often exhibit thumb-sucking behavior, which is not entirely negative. Thumb-sucking can provide a sense of satisfaction and security for the baby, and it may contribute to emotional and personality development in the future. It is also a for...[Read More] How to Help Your Two-Year-Old Stop Thumb Sucking
Understanding Low Platelet Counts in Children: Causes and Concerns
Low platelet count? Hello, doctor. My child has been hospitalized a few times in the past. In 2018, the platelet counts were normal, with the first hospitalization showing a count of 191 and the second hospitalization showing a count of 163 (both occurred one month apart and were...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Generally, common illnesses do not cause thrombocytopenia unless they are specific, rare, and severe diseases. A platelet count above 100,000 is considered normal, while thrombocytopenia (purpura) is defined as a platelet count below 20,000. It is important to monitor for any unu...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts in Children: Causes and Concerns
Is Nasal Spray Safe for Infants Under Two Years Old?
The appropriate age for using Spravato nasal spray? Hello, can the nasal spray "Spray Stop" be used for infants under two years old? The instructions only mention dosage for children five years and older.
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The recommended age for using Spravato nasal spray in children is 5 years and older, indicating that there are no research studies on the use of this medication for children under 5 years old during the drug development process. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in childre...[Read More] Is Nasal Spray Safe for Infants Under Two Years Old?
How to Handle Your Baby's Tummy Sleeping and SIDS Risks
Infant prone sleeping Hello, doctor. My daughter is already five months old. For over a week now, she has been rolling over to her side and then onto her stomach while sleeping. I know that medical research has confirmed a strong correlation between stomach sleeping and sudden in...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has its peak incidence at 2 to 3 months of age, as infants at this stage are not yet able to roll over, which increases the risk of suffocation. Your child is now over 5 months old and should be able to roll over or at least turn to their side....[Read More] How to Handle Your Baby's Tummy Sleeping and SIDS Risks
Understanding Pediatric Allergies: Managing Night Cough and Future Risks
Pediatric Allergies Hello, doctor. My child is currently 2 years and 9 months old. Recently, over the past week, he has been experiencing nighttime coughing. After visiting the clinic, it seems to be due to respiratory allergies. The clinic prescribed a cough syrup and a bronchod...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The diagnosis of respiratory allergies follows certain criteria, such as nighttime cough, wheezing, persistent cough, and a family history of allergies, among others. The onset of respiratory allergies is a gradual process resulting from long-term exposure, rather than an immedia...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Allergies: Managing Night Cough and Future Risks
Understanding Soft Stools in 1-Year-Olds: When to Seek Help
Diarrhea in a 1-year-old child? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the interruption! My son is currently just over 1 year old and started experiencing soft stools/watery diarrhea last Wednesday (August 12) afternoon, which has continued for about 5 days now. * The stool color is norm...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! Based on your daughter's condition, it is likely toddler's diarrhea. The characteristics include eating a lot, growing well, and having mild diarrhea. This is often caused by a high intake of fructose-containing foods, such as fruit juices. If you switch to a hig...[Read More] Understanding Soft Stools in 1-Year-Olds: When to Seek Help
Is It Safe to Combine Cough and Cold Medications for Toddlers?
Medication Consultation A 2-year-old child weighing 14 kg is experiencing cough, nasal congestion, and sneezing. The doctor prescribed a cough syrup (Xikangning) at a dosage of 3-4 cc and an antihistamine (Shipulimin) also at 3-4 cc. I noticed that the cough syrup is a combinatio...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Both Xikening and Shipulimin contain first-generation antihistamines, which have a wide safety margin. Therefore, taking both antihistamines simultaneously should be fine. However, it is still recommended to choose one to take if nasal symptoms improve.[Read More] Is It Safe to Combine Cough and Cold Medications for Toddlers?
Understanding and Managing Postural Hypotension in Adolescents
Orthostatic hypotension This year, at 14 years old, I am 161 cm tall and weigh 47 kg. Sometimes when I stand up, I feel my heart rate increase, but it usually resolves after a few seconds. I am very worried about this issue. How can I improve this problem? It happens sometimes bu...
Dr. Xie Wanghu Reply:
A 14-year-old male weighing 47 kg is in the 15th to 50th percentile for weight and the 0th to 85th percentile for height at 161 cm, which falls within the normal range. A heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute is considered bradycardia, while a heart rate greater than 100 be...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Postural Hypotension in Adolescents
Understanding Vomiting in Children: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Child vomiting Hello doctor, I currently have a 4-year-old boy who has been experiencing nausea for the past three weeks whenever he hears about mealtime or smells food from restaurants. However, he has a good appetite and is very active. He is now vomiting about once a day, whic...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is recommended to consult a pediatric gastroenterologist at a major hospital to check for any physiological issues. If the eating problems are related to psychological factors or stress, a pediatric psychologist can also provide consultation. If there are no physiological prob...[Read More] Understanding Vomiting in Children: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Pediatric Hydronephrosis: Causes and Treatment Options
Pediatric kidneys Good afternoon. My daughter was diagnosed with congenital hydronephrosis at the age of 11. Her left kidney had already become swollen due to fluid accumulation, causing severe pain that made her vomit. She required surgery, and the doctor said it would be a mino...
Dr. Zhong Ruixian Reply:
Dear Mother Tu, If renal hydronephrosis causes symptoms of a certain severity, it requires intervention. The treatment depends on the location and degree of obstruction: 1. If the child has congenital ureteral stenosis, a double-J ureteral stent can temporarily replace the uret...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Hydronephrosis: Causes and Treatment Options
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