Will My Height Be Affected by Bipolar Disorder and Medication?
Height issues I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was about twenty-one years old due to stress, which affected my sleep. However, it took me three years to start medication. Will my final height be affected? I'm really worried.
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
At 28 years old, you have already passed puberty, and the growth plates in your bones should have fused, meaning you will not grow taller. Therefore, your current height is likely your final height.[Read More] Will My Height Be Affected by Bipolar Disorder and Medication?
Switching from Hydrolyzed to Regular Formula: Pediatric Concerns
What is the process of transitioning from hydrolyzed formula to regular formula? Dear Doctor: I was originally giving my child the Gold Nan En Hydrolyzed Formula No. 3 (occasionally experiencing constipation, so I have been giving probiotics to improve it). Since my child is almo...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
1. For a 1.3-year-old child, the diet is now closer to that of adults rather than being primarily milk-based. Therefore, milk is likely not the main cause of constipation. It is advisable to check if the intake of dietary fiber and fluids is sufficient for your child. 2. After ...[Read More] Switching from Hydrolyzed to Regular Formula: Pediatric Concerns
Where to Find Bedwetting Alarms in Taiwan for Pediatric Care?
Can bedwetting alarms be purchased in Taiwan? Hello! My child is nearly nine years old and still has issues with bedwetting, occasionally experiencing daytime leakage as well. After an examination by a pediatric nephrologist, her nerve conduction function was found to be normal, ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
1. Taobao has products for sale. 2. This is the website of the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Social and Family Affairs Administration, which has relevant reports: http://repat.sfaa.gov.tw/01news/news_a_main.asp?id=26734. It should also be available for sale domestically. ...[Read More] Where to Find Bedwetting Alarms in Taiwan for Pediatric Care?
Understanding Delayed Breast Development in Teenagers
Breast development issues Hello doctor, I am currently 18 years old and 152 cm tall, but my breast size is still 2 to 3 cm away from an A cup, and they are very flat. Since puberty, I have not experienced significant breast development. I would like to know if there is any issue ...
Dr. Zhong Ruixian Reply:
Hello Nini: I apologize for the late reply! May I ask when you started developing secondary sexual characteristics? Have you already had your first menstruation? Generally, puberty occurs between the ages of 10 and 15. I recommend that you get an examination to check the size of ...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Breast Development in Teenagers
Addressing Concerns About Baby Tummy Sleeping: A Guide for Caregivers
Infant tummy sleeping My mother-in-law insists on letting my daughter sleep on her stomach, even though the doctor advised against it when she received her vaccinations. She continues to do so at home and even leaves the baby alone in the room while she goes to the living room to...
Dr. Zhong Ruixian Reply:
Dear Parent, I apologize for the late response. I wonder if your mother-in-law truly understands the significant correlation between prone sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as shown in many studies. If she can fully grasp this research fact, it should change her ...[Read More] Addressing Concerns About Baby Tummy Sleeping: A Guide for Caregivers
Is Your Baby's Increased Bowel Movement a Sign of Diarrhea?
If a baby has an increased frequency of bowel movements, does it indicate diarrhea? Hello Dr. Hsiao, thank you for taking the time to read my question. My baby is over five months old and has been drinking Nestlé Nan Hydrolyzed formula since birth. Currently, he consumes 210cc at...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The increase in the frequency and water content of stools compared to previous patterns is, by definition, indicative of gastroenteritis-related diarrhea. If this persists for more than two weeks, it may be classified as chronic gastroenteritis, and it is advisable to consult a p...[Read More] Is Your Baby's Increased Bowel Movement a Sign of Diarrhea?
Understanding Growth Plate Closure and Its Impact on Height in Teens
Growth plate fusion Hello, doctor. My son is a 15-year-and-9-month-old high school freshman. He is 162.5 cm tall and weighs 71 kg. We took him to a doctor for an examination, and an X-ray of his hand revealed that his growth plates are nearly fused. The doctor indicated that he w...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If the growth plates have completely fused, it is indeed unlikely that further height increase will occur. Typically, boys' growth plates fuse between the ages of 16 and 18. The doctor may believe that your son's growth plates have fused earlier than expected and is con...[Read More] Understanding Growth Plate Closure and Its Impact on Height in Teens
Understanding Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels in Children: What Parents Should Know
Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My son is 11.6 years old. Last week, we visited a pediatric endocrinologist for a growth assessment, where they conducted a bone age study and blood tests. The results showed that his alkaline phosphatase level is 400 U/L, wh...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Children under the age of 14 may have elevated levels due to bone growth, sometimes reaching three to four times the normal values. Certain diseases can also result in elevated levels, such as hepatobiliary diseases, acute and chronic hepatitis, and malignant tumors, but these mu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels in Children: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Congenital Hypothyroidism in Infants: Key Insights for Parents
Hypothyroidism Hello Doctor: Our younger brother had a very high bilirubin level at birth and underwent phototherapy for several days. After that, his thyroid function tests showed increasing levels over three blood draws: the first was in the teens, the second spiked to the sixt...
Dr. He Shenglong Reply:
Hello: If hypothyroidism is detected early and treated promptly, the appearance and intellectual development will progress more smoothly. Parents may naturally be concerned, but I recommend discussing this thoroughly with your brother's attending physician (a pediatric endoc...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Hypothyroidism in Infants: Key Insights for Parents
Understanding Mucus in Baby's Stool: When to Worry?
Mucus in stool? My baby is over four months old and has started trying solid foods. Recently, I have been giving him pumpkin puree mixed with vegetable puree. Since he is drinking hypoallergenic formula, his stool is dark green. Today, I noticed a bit of mucus in the stool, which...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Typically, when babies try new complementary foods, any adverse reactions should occur within three days after consumption. Common symptoms include diarrhea or the appearance of rashes on the skin, so it is advisable to monitor the baby further.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Baby's Stool: When to Worry?
How Much Lactoferrin Should a 1-Year-Old Take to Prevent Enterovirus?
Lactoferrin and enteroviruses? Dear Doctor, my baby is over one year old and weighs 12 kilograms. How much lactoferrin should be supplemented daily to prevent enterovirus? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Lactoferrin cannot prevent enterovirus infections. The prevention methods for enterovirus are as follows: 1. Wash hands frequently and develop good hygiene habits. 2. During outbreaks, avoid crowded and poorly ventilated public places. 3. Minimize contact with suspected patients....[Read More] How Much Lactoferrin Should a 1-Year-Old Take to Prevent Enterovirus?
Understanding Bile Secretion Issues in Infants: A Pediatric Guide
Abolished bile secretion? Hello, doctor! A friend's child is nearly two months old. Previously, due to high bilirubin levels, the child had grayish-white or off-white, sticky stools and was referred from Taichung Veterans General Hospital to Taipei Veterans General Hospital....
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: If there is no issue with biliary atresia and the stool color remains pale, one should consider the possibility of neonatal hepatitis, other infections, or metabolic disorders. These issues are primarily investigated through blood tests. You can continue monitoring at your...[Read More] Understanding Bile Secretion Issues in Infants: A Pediatric Guide
Blood on Toilet Paper: What to Do When Your Child Has a Rectal Issue
Blood when wiping the buttocks? Hello Doctor: My daughter is over three years old, and recently while helping her wipe, I noticed blood on the toilet paper. I found that there is a foreign object near her anus that has broken the skin and is bleeding. Should I take her to a pedia...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is recommended to first consult the pediatric surgery department at a major hospital, and if necessary, a referral can be made to a smaller surgical facility.[Read More] Blood on Toilet Paper: What to Do When Your Child Has a Rectal Issue
Impact of Not Using a Brace for Pectus Excavatum in Children
Chest and shoulder pain? I apologize for the inconvenience, but could you please clarify what the consequences would be if one does not use a brace or undergo surgery? For example, would it lead to shoulder pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest? Additionally, can stretching...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Most cases of pectus carinatum primarily affect appearance or may cause mild respiratory function decline. If the condition is mild, no brace or surgery is necessary. Stretching exercises do not correct pectus carinatum. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Pei Ren...[Read More] Impact of Not Using a Brace for Pectus Excavatum in Children
Managing Infant Spit-Up: Tips for Parents of 5-Month-Olds
Vomiting after each meal? Hello Doctor: My daughter is currently five months old and drinks 90cc per meal. Recently, after feeding, when I try to burp her, sometimes she moves or lies down and ends up spitting up all the milk. Other times, she spits up one or two hours later. Is ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Spitting up is most common around the age of four months. As children grow, by the time they reach one year old, only 5%-10% of them still experience reflux issues. First, some children with cow's milk protein allergy may present with vomiting. Mothers can temporarily...[Read More] Managing Infant Spit-Up: Tips for Parents of 5-Month-Olds
Improving Pectus Carinatum and Shoulder Pain in Children
Chest and shoulder pain? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a family member who has pectus carinatum, which is mild and not very noticeable when wearing clothes. When facing him, the pectus carinatum is on my right side. He usually does not experience any discomfort, shoulde...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Approximately 1 in every 400 individuals has a thoracic deformity. It is more common in males than females. One specific condition, characterized by excessive growth of the costal cartilage, is known as pectus carinatum (or "pigeon chest"). The exact cause is unk...[Read More] Improving Pectus Carinatum and Shoulder Pain in Children
Concerns About Neck Strangulation in Children: Risks and Next Steps
The neck was constricted? Hello, doctor. Does that mean that a neck injury could potentially lead to issues like epilepsy and developmental delays in the future? I'm really worried... Everything seems normal at the moment. Should we get some tests done, or is it okay to not ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
I have already mentioned that if there are no immediate issues with the brain, the likelihood of developing brain problems in the future is relatively low, so there is no need to worry excessively. However, it is not possible to guarantee anything with 100% certainty in medicine....[Read More] Concerns About Neck Strangulation in Children: Risks and Next Steps
Can People with Favism Get Tattoos and Piercings Safely?
Can individuals with G6PD deficiency get tattoos and pierce their ears? Hello doctor, I have a question regarding my condition of G6PD deficiency. Can individuals with G6PD deficiency get tattoos and pierce their ears? I've seen some friends with the same condition who have ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Individuals with G6PD deficiency can undergo tattooing and ear piercing without issues; however, it is important to inform the practitioner about this condition to avoid the use of substances that may trigger hemolysis.[Read More] Can People with Favism Get Tattoos and Piercings Safely?
Concerns About Diarrhea in a Nearly Four-Month-Old Breastfed Baby
Diarrhea in a nearly four-month-old infant? My baby is almost four months old, and it seems like he has diarrhea these past few days! He is exclusively breastfed, so his stools are usually quite loose. However, recently, he has been having a bowel movement every time after feedin...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Recently, as temperatures have risen, there has been an increase in cases of gastroenteritis. If there are blood streaks in the stool, it may indicate an infection, and it would be advisable to go to the hospital for a stool test to check for Salmonella infection. Please c...[Read More] Concerns About Diarrhea in a Nearly Four-Month-Old Breastfed Baby
Understanding Breast Pain in an 8-Year-Old Girl: Is It Precocious Puberty?
8-year-old girl with nipple pain? Doctor: Hello. May I ask you: My daughter is over 8 years old and has recently been occasionally complaining of pain in her left nipple. There doesn't appear to be any redness or swelling. Could this be precocious puberty?
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If a girl shows secondary sexual characteristics (such as the growth of pubic and axillary hair, breast development, or a significant increase in height) before the age of 8, or if she experiences her first menstrual period (menarche) before the age of 9, there may be a concern f...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain in an 8-Year-Old Girl: Is It Precocious Puberty?