Understanding Rapid Weight Gain During Adolescence: A Pediatric Concern
Rapid weight gain during puberty? Hello Doctor: My daughter is 15 years old and in the ninth grade, with a height of 155 cm. Until June of this year, her weight had been stable at around 42 kg. She has a normal diet, eating three meals a day and consuming fruits and vegetables da...
Dr. Lin Yishou Reply:
Dear Parent, During puberty, it is true that some children may experience an increase in appetite, which can lead to weight gain. However, if the weight gain is rapid, it is important to rule out any endocrine issues. We recommend scheduling an appointment to exclude any endocr...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Weight Gain During Adolescence: A Pediatric Concern
Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: Dosage and Concerns
Iron deficiency anemia Hello doctor, when my son was one year old, he was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia due to wheezing and had a ferritin level of 15.1. The doctor recommended iron supplements. At that time, he weighed about 10 kilograms and was prescribed a liquid iron ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The safety range of iron supplements is relatively broad, and such dosages are not excessive, so they will not have an adverse effect on the body. Generally, monitoring for iron deficiency anemia includes hemoglobin, total red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, total iron...[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: Dosage and Concerns
Understanding Infant Growth, Digestive Issues, and Formula Choices
Height and weight / Milk consumption issues / Bowel movement issues / Complementary food issues My baby is currently four months old, weighing 7 kg and measuring 62 cm. Is this height and weight considered short or light? Regarding bowel movements: My baby previously experience...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
At 4 months old, weighing 7 kg and measuring 62 cm is considered normal on the infant growth chart. The gastrocolic reflex in infants is still quite strong, so it is normal for them to eat and then have bowel movements. As long as the stool is not hard, pellet-like, or watery dia...[Read More] Understanding Infant Growth, Digestive Issues, and Formula Choices
Fever and Red Mouth in Children: Is It Kawasaki Disease?
Fever and red mouth? Doctor, may I ask if a child can have a red mouth when they have a fever? My son, who is about one year old, had a fever once and his mouth was very red, but I don't remember if his eyes were also red. After the fever, he developed a rash on his body. Co...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease requires the exclusion of other conditions and must meet several diagnostic criteria: 1. Fever lasting more than 5 days, 2. Bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, 3. Red, cracked lips or strawberry tongue, 4. Cervical lymphadenopathy, 5. Concurre...[Read More] Fever and Red Mouth in Children: Is It Kawasaki Disease?
Understanding Your Baby's Frequent Loose Stools: Causes and Concerns
A child has five bowel movements a day? Hello, my baby just turned three months old. Last week, due to constipation for five days and a slight cold, I took him to see a doctor. The doctor prescribed an enema for the baby, and after using it at home, he was finally able to have a ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The frequency of bowel movements is higher than usual, and the stool has a higher water content, which, by definition, indicates a gastrointestinal inflammation. An enema should not cause such a condition. It is difficult to determine if this is caused by a cold. The key point is...[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Frequent Loose Stools: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Nail Cracks in Toddlers: Causes and Solutions
The child's newly grown nails have cracks? When the child was about one year old, it was noticed that every new nail growing on each finger had cracks. A visit to the doctor led to a suspicion of zinc deficiency, but blood tests and other electrolyte values came back within ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Nail issues often lead to considerations of zinc deficiency. Generally, in Taiwan, nutritional deficiencies are not a common problem, as food is readily available. I believe that in addition to consulting a pediatrician, one could also seek a second opinion from a dermatologist a...[Read More] Understanding Nail Cracks in Toddlers: Causes and Solutions
Is It Lymphadenitis? Pediatric Ear Swelling Concerns Explained
Is this lymphadenitis? Hello, last night I noticed that my 3-year-old child had mild redness and swelling behind one ear, and I initially thought it was a mosquito bite. Today, I found that the area has developed into a lump larger than 1 centimeter, which is firm, non-mobile, an...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: It is likely lymphadenitis, which commonly occurs in the neck area (including near the ears). You can observe it first and avoid massaging the area; if it is larger than 1.5 cm or if fever develops, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Wishing you safety and health. ...[Read More] Is It Lymphadenitis? Pediatric Ear Swelling Concerns Explained
Probiotics for Infants: Managing Diarrhea and Digestive Health
Infant Diarrhea / Probiotics The baby is currently on a diet of 2/3 breast milk and 1/3 formula (if there is gastroenteritis, breast milk will be the main source). The primary caregiver has been a nanny since the baby was two months old. The baby has had issues with colic since t...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
At 4 months old, the baby has gained nearly 4 kilograms compared to their birth weight, which is more than double the birth weight, indicating that the birth weight is normal. At this age, the baby can only consume infant rice cereal and diluted fresh fruit juice, making it diffi...[Read More] Probiotics for Infants: Managing Diarrhea and Digestive Health
Understanding Sleep Disturbances in Infants: Causes and Solutions
Sleep issues Hello, doctor. My baby is eight months old, and recently for the past week, he has been suddenly crying loudly with his eyes closed during the night (with tears, several times a night). Sometimes giving him a pacifier calms him down, and he goes back to sleep, but ot...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: It could be night terrors or nightmares! Has your child ever suddenly cried out loudly while sleeping, sometimes screaming and kicking, appearing very frightened? When you rush over to comfort them, they might be crying out for mom or dad but completely ignore you. The mor...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disturbances in Infants: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Severe Pneumonia in Children: When to Seek Advanced Care
Severe pneumonia My friend's child, who is over two years old, has been hospitalized for pneumonia for five days and still has a persistent high fever. Today, a follow-up chest X-ray was done, and the doctor mentioned that the pneumonia has worsened and there is a possibilit...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
For children with severe complex pneumonia, it is best to seek care at a hospital that has pediatric infectious disease specialists and possibly pediatric thoracic surgery support. However, whether to transfer to a larger hospital should be discussed with your attending physician...[Read More] Understanding Severe Pneumonia in Children: When to Seek Advanced Care
Understanding Baby's Bowel Changes: Is It Diarrhea or Normal?
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, my baby is currently 8 months old. Over the past two days, the bowel movements have changed from once a day to 2-3 times a day, all yellow and soft. However, I've noticed that there is one instance of watery stool each day (only the color is visibl...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The frequency of bowel movements has increased compared to before, and the stool has a higher water content, which is defined as diarrhea. An 8-month-old infant has a weaker immune system and may be susceptible to gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis does not always present with a fe...[Read More] Understanding Baby's Bowel Changes: Is It Diarrhea or Normal?
Why Does My Toddler's Urine Smell Strong? Causes and Solutions
Strong-smelling urine in children? Hello, doctor. My child is currently two and a half years old. Recently, the smell of her urine has been particularly strong, which is unusual for her. She has not had any urinary tract infections, and the color of her urine is normal. There are...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If you consume a lot of garlic, the odor in your urine may become stronger. You might consider stopping its intake and then observe if the smell of your urine improves. However, I also recommend doing a simple urinalysis to check for any abnormalities, such as infection, hematuri...[Read More] Why Does My Toddler's Urine Smell Strong? Causes and Solutions
Impact of Delayed Infant Vaccination on Effectiveness: What Parents Should Know
If the vaccination schedule for infants and young children is delayed, does it affect the efficacy of the vaccines? Hello! Thank you, Dr. Hsiao, for taking the time to answer questions on this platform. I would like to inquire about the impact of delayed vaccination on vaccine ef...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Vaccination administered earlier than recommended generally affects the efficacy of the vaccine, so early vaccination is not advised. Conversely, the current guidelines for vaccination state that if there is a delay, the vaccine should be administered as soon as possible, which w...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Infant Vaccination on Effectiveness: What Parents Should Know
Do Kids Need a Second Flu Vaccine Dose After First Injection?
Influenza vaccine injection issues? My child is over seven years old and has never received a flu vaccine before. This year, he just started first grade and received the flu vaccine at school on the 18th of last month. I heard that for those who have never received the flu vaccin...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Yes, for children under 8 years old who have never received the influenza vaccine, the first vaccination requires two doses administered one month apart.[Read More] Do Kids Need a Second Flu Vaccine Dose After First Injection?
Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Young Children
The doctor diagnosed the child with a possible enterovirus infection? Hello Doctor: My daughter will turn two years old on January 9th next year. A few days ago, she had a fever and we took her to see a doctor. The doctor said she had white spots in her mouth, which might indicat...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Young children have a relatively small stomach capacity, so they can easily cough severely enough to vomit. If the diarrhea has a sour smell, it may indicate a gastrointestinal infection (some colds can present with gastrointestinal symptoms). Since your child's condition ha...[Read More] Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Young Children
Concerns About Essential Oil Smell and Ear Bumps in Infants
Smelling essential oils behind the ears? Hello Dr. Lin, I apologize for bothering you, but I have a couple of questions. Recently, while bathing my child (around 10 months old), I sometimes notice a scent similar to essential oils coming from the exhaust vent when someone upsta...
Dr. Lin Yishou Reply:
Dear Parent, Regarding essential oils, due to the specialized nature of the topic, it may be necessary to consult a toxicologist. As for the ear issue, it is difficult to provide a clear description in writing. We kindly ask that you take your child to a pediatrician or an otol...[Read More] Concerns About Essential Oil Smell and Ear Bumps in Infants
Understanding Eye Discharge in Newborns: When to Seek Medical Help
Newborns have eye discharge? My friend's child is only 17 days old, but there is often a lot of discharge from the right eye. Could this indicate an eye problem? Should I take the child to a pediatrician for an examination, or should I take them to an ophthalmologist?
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If a newborn has persistent eye discharge that does not clear up quickly, or if there is redness in the sclera (which may indicate conjunctivitis), it is most likely due to the infant's nasolacrimal duct not functioning properly. Sometimes, the duct may be obstructed, but it...[Read More] Understanding Eye Discharge in Newborns: When to Seek Medical Help
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
Understanding Urticaria and Elevated Liver Enzymes in Infants
Urticaria and elevated liver enzymes? Hello, doctor! I have a three-month-old baby boy at home who, on October 1, 2016, presented with a runny nose and slight lethargy. The clinic prescribed cyproheptadine, reason tablets, biofermin, and mirate liquid, which were stopped on Octob...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Urticaria generally does not cause liver dysfunction. There are many potential causes for liver dysfunction (including infectious, drug-induced, chemical, autoimmune, metabolic, etc.), some of which may resolve on their own, while others can be relatively severe. Please discus...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Elevated Liver Enzymes in Infants
Understanding Lymph Node Issues in Infants: A Parent's Guide
Lymphatic issues Hello Doctor: My child is over 9 months old. A few days ago, he had a high fever and we went to the emergency room, where the doctor prescribed antibiotics and suppositories. After three days, the fever subsided, but a rash appeared. Today, I suddenly noticed thr...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: It is very likely a lymph node. Observation is sufficient. If there is redness in the epidermis and purulent changes in the center, it may indicate a skin infection, such as a boil or carbuncle; treatment may be necessary. Wishing you health and happiness! Dr. Pei Ren-Shen...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues in Infants: A Parent's Guide