Is This Diarrhea? Understanding Pediatric Bowel Changes After Illness
Is this considered diarrhea? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My younger brother had a cold last week and was taking medication for it. During that time, I noticed that before he had a bowel movement, there would be some mucus-like discharge with a stool color, which was in clumps. I thought thi...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
This condition is commonly referred to as "overflow diarrhea," which usually occurs when hard stools become impacted at the anal opening, allowing only small amounts of liquid stool to seep out. Therefore, this is not diarrhea; rather, it may indicate hard stools or eve...[Read More] Is This Diarrhea? Understanding Pediatric Bowel Changes After Illness
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
Understanding Hard Lumps on Your Baby's Legs: When to Seek Help
The baby has hard lumps below the knees on both calves? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. My baby is currently 11 months old and I have noticed hard lumps on both sides of his feet. Sometimes, after mosquito bites, there is an additional swollen lump, and there are also dark pigmented spots wher...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If there are hard lumps below the knees on both sides of the calves and they are symmetrically located, it is usually considered normal. Consultation with a pediatric orthopedic specialist or pediatric rehabilitation specialist is advisable. Infants have relatively more sensitive...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on Your Baby's Legs: When to Seek Help
Understanding Constipation in 5-Month-Old Infants: Causes and Solutions
Five-month-old infant bowel movement issues? My baby is five and a half months old and is exclusively breastfed. She often strains very hard to have a bowel movement but is unable to do so, sometimes even vomiting up her milk from the effort. I've noticed that her anus is so...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: To address constipation issues, you can first try massaging the child's abdomen in a clockwise direction (around the navel as the center). For infants and young children, you may use a rectal thermometer or a finger to stimulate the anus. Ensure adequate hydration and...[Read More] Understanding Constipation in 5-Month-Old Infants: Causes and Solutions
Addressing Underweight Issues in Toddlers: Tips for Healthy Growth
Underweight in children Hello, I have a little boy who is 2 years and 10 months old, but he weighs just over 11 kilograms and is also on the shorter side. His activity level and cognitive responses are normal. He eats about 0.7 bowls of rice per meal and drinks 180cc of milk abou...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
There are several principles to understand regarding weight gain in children: 1. A growth curve between the 3rd and 97th percentiles is considered normal. 2. As long as a child's growth curve remains consistent and does not deviate significantly from their own growth pattern...[Read More] Addressing Underweight Issues in Toddlers: Tips for Healthy Growth
Understanding Developmental Delays in Infants: Key Concerns and Insights
Pediatric developmental delay The child was born weighing 2300g and is currently 8.5 months old. He appears to have some hypotonia, with a weight of 6 kg and a height of 62 cm, both below the 3rd percentile, while his head circumference is at the 85th percentile. We have consulte...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
When can a child catch up to their same-age peers, and can hypotonia improve or recover? This depends on the underlying cause of their developmental delay. Conditions such as brain injury (e.g., birth asphyxia, meningitis, encephalitis, intracranial hemorrhage), chromosomal abnor...[Read More] Understanding Developmental Delays in Infants: Key Concerns and Insights
Assessing Food Poisoning Risks in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Risk Assessment of Foodborne Illness Hello Doctor: Today, I accidentally let my baby eat vegetable puree that had been frozen for two weeks (it was taken out at room temperature for 10 minutes before being refrozen—I intended to eat it myself). I heard that some food poisoning ca...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
I can understand your current concerns. Freezing food can inhibit bacterial growth, but it does not mean that there is absolutely no bacterial growth. Therefore, it is indeed recommended to monitor for at least three days. Additionally, you may consider supplementing with probiot...[Read More] Assessing Food Poisoning Risks in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Is Mosquito Repellent Safe for My 9-Month-Old Baby?
Mosquito repellent lotion Hello Dr. Hsiao: My baby is over nine months old. I have not applied any mosquito repellent products on him, but he often gets bitten by mosquitoes or fleas. I would like to ask whether it is more harmful to apply mosquito repellent lotion or to use oint...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
To prevent mosquito bites in infants, mosquito repellent should not be the first line of defense. Instead, focus on environmental control (maintaining cleanliness, using screens, mosquito nets, and when outdoors, wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants). Use mosquito re...[Read More] Is Mosquito Repellent Safe for My 9-Month-Old Baby?
Understanding Vomiting in 10-Month-Old Babies: Causes and Concerns
10-month-old baby vomiting? Hello doctor, my baby is currently 10 months old and sometimes cries so hard that she vomits. Occasionally, after eating, while playing, she suddenly vomits. Is this because she is a low birth weight infant born at 37 weeks and has not fully developed?...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Infants have a relatively small stomach capacity, so it is possible for them to spit up milk after vigorous activities (such as crying or playing) shortly after feeding. This is not necessarily related to being a low birth weight infant born at 37 weeks gestation. However, if the...[Read More] Understanding Vomiting in 10-Month-Old Babies: Causes and Concerns
Safety of Antiperspirants for Breastfeeding Moms: What You Need to Know
Antiperspirants for breastfeeding? Hello Doctor, I am a breastfeeding mother and have been breastfeeding for 10 months. I have been using an antiperspirant under my arms, but I recently came across an article stating that it could be passed to my baby through breast milk. I am ve...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
I believe that the amount of legally topical medications absorbed through the skin into the lymphatic and circulatory systems, and subsequently secreted into breast milk for the baby, is negligible and unlikely to affect the baby. If there are still concerns, it is advisable to c...[Read More] Safety of Antiperspirants for Breastfeeding Moms: What You Need to Know
Safe Use of PONSTAN in Infants Under 6 Months and Children Under 3
Medication Administration Methods PONSTAN (mefenamic acid) is generally not recommended for use in infants under 6 months of age. For children aged 6 months to 3 years, the dosage should be carefully determined by a healthcare professional based on the child's weight and spe...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Dear Nicole, Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, anti-inflammatory purposes, and fever reduction. The therapeutic dosage is 4 to 10 mg/kg/dose, administered every 6 to 8 hours. Literature suggests limited use in infants under 6 ...[Read More] Safe Use of PONSTAN in Infants Under 6 Months and Children Under 3
Seeking Speech Therapy for My 3-Year-Old: Where to Go in Hsinchu?
Inquiry about speech therapy? Hello, my child is currently 3 years and 3 months old, and he is a boy. He communicates very fluently with adults and expresses himself clearly, but he has a slight lisp. Which specialty should I consult? Are there any hospitals in the Hsinchu area t...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
To consult a speech therapist for teaching children proper pronunciation, you should reach out to a rehabilitation department. Generally, smaller rehabilitation clinics may have fewer speech therapists, while larger hospitals are more likely to have them. In the Hsinchu area, you...[Read More] Seeking Speech Therapy for My 3-Year-Old: Where to Go in Hsinchu?
Understanding Abdominal Pain in Preschoolers: Causes and Dietary Tips
Childhood colic? Dr. Chang: May I ask, since my younger sister is in kindergarten and she is around three to four years old, will she still experience colicky abdominal pain? Sometimes she still has a bit of colicky pain at night. Is this related to her diet? I occasionally give ...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
Children of this age are less likely to experience nighttime abdominal colic. Whether the nighttime crying is related to gastrointestinal issues remains to be confirmed. Abdominal pain in this age group is often associated with bowel irregularities; therefore, if there are issues...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain in Preschoolers: Causes and Dietary Tips
Impact of Smartphone Use on Babies: What New Moms Should Know
The impact of a mother's smartphone use on her baby? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, as a new mom, I sleep next to my baby at night and have been using my phone to browse the internet since he was five months old. I want to know if this could have any impact on my baby. ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
There is currently no scientific evidence proving that electromagnetic waves have adverse effects on the growth and development, neurological development, or cognition of infants and young children. Therefore, you need not worry about this. Instead, it is important to avoid known...[Read More] Impact of Smartphone Use on Babies: What New Moms Should Know
Concerns About a Toddler Swallowing Cherimoya Seeds: What to Do?
Child accidentally ingests seeds? Hello, doctor. I have a little boy who is about 2 years and 8 months old. He accidentally swallowed a seed from a cherimoya (which is not large) during a meal. The next day, his bowel movement was normal, and I did not check for the presence of t...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Statistically, children who accidentally ingest objects smaller than a coin, unless they are toxic or sharp, will typically pass them in their stool. The size of a cherimoya seed should pass naturally within two to three days, so there is no need for excessive concern.[Read More] Concerns About a Toddler Swallowing Cherimoya Seeds: What to Do?
Common Causes of Mouth Sores in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Common causes of mouth ulcers in children? A 9-year-old child experiences mouth sores in different areas of the oral cavity almost every month, with each sore healing in about 7 days. What could be the cause? Should they see a doctor?
Dr. Ma Yiqun Reply:
Hello, Nini: Common causes of oral ulcers in children include viral infections (such as enterovirus and herpes virus), aphthous ulcers, or autoimmune diseases. If the frequency of oral ulcers is too high, it is recommended to take your child to a pediatrician for further evaluati...[Read More] Common Causes of Mouth Sores in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
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?
Concerns About Chewing Skills in a 2-Year-Old: What to Know
A 2-year-old who does not chew? If he refuses to eat any solid foods and only drinks milk, could this indicate a delay in some aspect of his development?
Dr. He Shenglong Reply:
Hello: It's important to try various methods for introducing complementary foods without forcing it; keep the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable. I recommend referring to the Children's Health Handbook (new edition, pages 54-55, on introducing complementary foods) for mor...[Read More] Concerns About Chewing Skills in a 2-Year-Old: What to Know
Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Common Concerns and Questions
Regarding enterovirus rashes! Hello Dr. Hsiao: Recently, both of my children contracted enterovirus one after the other. My younger son started showing symptoms last Thursday, and my daughter developed symptoms two days later. We suspect they may have been infected by the same vi...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. After 7-10 days of enterovirus infection, the rashes on the hands and feet will stop appearing and gradually dry up and heal. 2. Myoclonic jerks are similar to startle reflexes, so they generally have a larger amplitude. 3. In the presence of any infection (whether viral o...[Read More] Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Common Concerns and Questions
Calcium Deficiency in Infants: Signs, Concerns, and Solutions
Calcium deficiency in infants? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask about an article I recently saw online regarding calcium deficiency in babies. It suggests that babies should start eating solid foods at 4 months, but I only started my baby on solids this month at 6 months. My ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Most infant complementary foods are rich in calcium, and starting to introduce these foods at 6 months old should not lead to calcium deficiency symptoms, so there is no need to worry too much. The infant was born weighing 2170 grams and measuring 43 centimeters, and at 6 months ...[Read More] Calcium Deficiency in Infants: Signs, Concerns, and Solutions