Mucus in Stool of a Two-Year-Old: What Parents Should Know
A two-year-old child has mucus in their stool? The two-year-old girl had a bowel movement a week ago that contained a significant amount of mucus, which was yellow in color, accompanied by a liquid resembling red tomato juice, approximately two tablespoons in volume. Since there ...
Dr. Ma Yiqun Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of rectal bleeding in children, such as acute gastroenteritis, constipation, intussusception, Meckel's diverticulum, colorectal polyps, vascular malformations, and ulcerative colitis, among others. Consuming excessive amounts of bright red fruits...[Read More] Mucus in Stool of a Two-Year-Old: What Parents Should Know
Can a 12-Year-Old Boy Get Colon Cancer? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Can a 12-year-old child have colon cancer? I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's important to talk to a healthcare professional who can provide you with the support you need.
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The likelihood of colorectal cancer at the age of 12 is extremely low, and your symptoms are not necessarily indicative of colorectal cancer; constipation is more likely. It would be advisable to have someone your parents trust (such as a teacher or grandparent) communicate with ...[Read More] Can a 12-Year-Old Boy Get Colon Cancer? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Is Erythromycin Safe for Children Under 8? Expert Insights on Pediatric Use
Medication consultation It is said that erythromycin oral medication should not be used in children under 8 years old. I hope to get an answer quickly as my 2-year-old child is currently being treated with this medication for cough and runny nose. Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Tetracycline and doxycycline should not be used in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of tooth discoloration, while erythromycin is considered safe for use.[Read More] Is Erythromycin Safe for Children Under 8? Expert Insights on Pediatric Use
Understanding Skin Issues and Formula Choices for Infants
Skin and formula issues? Hello, doctor. My son is currently ten months old. He had severe seborrheic dermatitis before he turned six months old and was seen by a doctor. It improved afterward, but during the winter, the area around his mouth and cheeks would become red and peel, ...
Dr. Ma Yiqun Reply:
Hello, Xuan Mommy: The main manifestations of atopic dermatitis in infants and young children include skin itching, with dermatitis commonly distributed on the face and the extensor surfaces of the body. It tends to recur frequently and is often accompanied by a personal or famil...[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues and Formula Choices for Infants
Should Your Child Undergo Allergy Testing After Multiple Reactions?
Do I need to undergo allergy testing? Dear Doctor: My child is 4 years old and has experienced two allergic reactions within 15 days: one on August 1 and another on August 14. Both times, he developed a rash all over his body that itched. Should we conduct allergy testing? We vis...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Allergen testing for skin allergies is often ineffective because there are hundreds of potential allergens that can cause skin reactions. Standard allergen tests cannot possibly cover all of them, leading to random and inconclusive results. Moreover, not all allergens are overt; ...[Read More] Should Your Child Undergo Allergy Testing After Multiple Reactions?
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Children: When to Seek Help
Chronic low-grade fever Hello, I would like to ask about a 4-year-old child whose ear temperature has been consistently between 37.5°C and 37.7°C for the past three months, while sleeping it ranges from 37°C to 36.8°C. The child's appetite and activity levels are good, but t...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Dear Xin Xin, Hello, an ear temperature below 37.8 degrees Celsius is not considered a fever. If your appetite and activity levels are good, there is no need for any tests. Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Dr. Pei Ren-Sheng Director, Pediatrics Department, Taoyu...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Children: When to Seek Help
Child Develops Rash After Pneumococcal Vaccine: Is It an Allergy?
Three days after the child received the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine, a localized rash appeared on the arm? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My child received the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine at the health center on July 24 (he is 2.5 years old). Three days later, small bumps appeared at the...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It seems that this reaction is not commonly associated with vaccines. Personally, I believe it is not vaccine-related and does not constitute an adverse reaction to vaccination. There should be no connection. After receiving the vaccine, individuals can be observed at the healthc...[Read More] Child Develops Rash After Pneumococcal Vaccine: Is It an Allergy?
Understanding Congenital Hypothyroidism in Children: Treatment and Growth Impact
Congenital Hypothyroidism (TSH) Dear Dr. Hsiao, Pediatrician: How is congenital hypothyroidism (TSH) treated? What is the impact on a child's growth in the future? Is it possible for them to fully recover their health? As a father, I am very worried. Please help me address m...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Current newborn screening includes this item. If the initial screening shows abnormalities, the patient will be notified for a retest or may undergo direct blood sampling for confirmation. If diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism, long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Hypothyroidism in Children: Treatment and Growth Impact
Understanding Breast Pain in Young Girls: When to Seek Medical Advice
The chest of my younger daughter? Hello Dr. Pei, My 8-year-old daughter has been complaining of pain in her left breast for the past week, and it hurts when pressed. Upon examination, I found a hard lump smaller than a one-dollar coin on the left side, while the right side appea...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Breast development generally begins during puberty (typically between ages 10 to 14), classified by Tanner stages: I: Development has not yet started, the areola is less than 2 cm, and breast tissue cannot be palpated. II: The breasts begin to protrude, the areola graduall...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain in Young Girls: When to Seek Medical Advice
Does Favism Improve with Age? Understanding Childhood Symptoms
Does G6PD deficiency persist into adulthood? My son was born with favism, and he is now 11 years old. For a while, I forgot that he has favism and let him eat fava beans. However, it seems like it didn't affect him. Does favism resolve on its own as he grows older?
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Favism is a lifelong condition characterized by an enzyme deficiency, but the degree of deficiency can vary among patients. The amount of exposure to hemolytic triggers also influences the severity of symptoms. Additionally, weight gain during growth can affect symptom severity (...[Read More] Does Favism Improve with Age? Understanding Childhood Symptoms
Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Long-term distress? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain for over a year. Initially, the pain was only in the lower right abdomen, but it later spread to the lower left abdomen and eventually involved both upper quadrants. I also started to feel a bl...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Purpura can be evaluated by a rheumatologist or immunologist. However, your concerns are more appropriately addressed by an adult medicine specialist rather than our pediatric department.[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Can Babies with Hydrocephalus Safely Consume Solid Foods?
Can babies with hydrocephalus consume solid foods? Hello Dr. Hsiao: Previously, during the four-month vaccination, it was found that the baby had 0.7 cm of hydrocephalus in the brain. I would like to ask, since the baby is now over four months old and has only been drinking dilut...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Hydrocephalus (commonly referred to as "water on the brain") generally does not require fluid restriction, and the dietary principles are similar to those for a normally developing infant. However, if there are additional complications, such as certain heart conditions ...[Read More] Can Babies with Hydrocephalus Safely Consume Solid Foods?
Understanding Diarrhea and Fever in Infants: When to Seek Help
Diarrhea in children? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my child will turn one year old in a few days. For the past five days, his body temperature has been elevated, close to 38 degrees Celsius, and sometimes reaching 38.5 degrees (I have been giving him antipyretics). During this time, his acti...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
When a child has a fever and diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a pediatric gastroenterologist or a pediatric infectious disease specialist. However, fever and diarrhea are common issues in pediatrics, and a general pediatrician can usually handle these cases. If there is notic...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Fever in Infants: When to Seek Help
Introducing Solid Foods for Infants with Hydrocephalus and Heart Conditions
Issues with Complementary Foods My baby has 0.7 cm of hydrocephalus (it is still uncertain whether it is true hydrocephalus), and he also has a patent foramen ovale. However, the width of the patent foramen ovale has already decreased compared to the measurement taken at two mont...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Heart conditions that require fluid restriction are usually more severe. Your pediatric cardiologist should remind you that a patent foramen ovale in infants is typically a mild heart issue that often resolves on its own (it may not even be classified as a heart disease), and the...[Read More] Introducing Solid Foods for Infants with Hydrocephalus and Heart Conditions
Is It Normal for Toddlers to Touch Their Genitals? Understanding Child Behavior
Is it normal to touch one's genitals? It is common for toddlers to explore their bodies, including their genitals, as part of their natural development. At the age of 2 years and 7 months, children are often curious about their anatomy and may touch their genitals out of cur...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is normal for young children to go through a genital stage of development. Adults should positively guide them, using language they can understand, to teach that such behavior is not acceptable in social settings. If the situation is more serious, it may be helpful to redirect...[Read More] Is It Normal for Toddlers to Touch Their Genitals? Understanding Child Behavior
Understanding Persistent Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain in Children
Child experiencing diarrhea and abdominal pain? Hello, my child is nine years old and is about to enter the third grade. She weighs 36 kg and has been experiencing diarrhea since early June. Additionally, she has persistent pain in the area just below her navel, which is tender t...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Diarrhea lasting more than two weeks is referred to as chronic diarrhea. The most common cause is often due to damage to the intestinal mucosa following acute gastroenteritis, which may take time to recover, sometimes lasting 2-3 months or even up to six months. In such cases, me...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain in Children
What to Do If Your Baby Falls from the Bed: A Guide for Parents
Infant falls from bed? Dear Doctor: My son is five months old and just fell from the bed to the floor. What should I do? A helpless mother.
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Observe the limb activity for normalcy while awake. Is there any limb with reduced mobility? When the patient is quiet or asleep, gently press on the limbs (and assist in moving each joint) to check for any significant discomfort in areas such as the clavicle, head, or spine that...[Read More] What to Do If Your Baby Falls from the Bed: A Guide for Parents
Does Long-Term RO Water Consumption Affect Child Development?
Developmental delay in children Does long-term consumption of reverse osmosis (RO) water cause developmental delays in children?
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
There is a common belief that children require minerals for their development, and that using reverse osmosis water to prepare milk for infants under one year old may lead to a deficiency in minerals that could negatively impact their growth. However, to my knowledge, there is cu...[Read More] Does Long-Term RO Water Consumption Affect Child Development?
Understanding Blue Sclera in Infants: Causes and Concerns
The baby's sclera appears bluish? Dear Dr. Chen, My daughter is currently about 82 days old. Around the time she was 2 months old, I suddenly noticed that her sclera appears bluish. She was born weighing 3432g and measuring 51 cm. Her current weight is approximately 5.7 kg,...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: The causes of blue sclera include: 1. Normal newborns. 2. Anemia. 3. Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. 4. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome (also referred to as rubber man syndrome). 5. Waardenburg syndrome: also known as "blue-eyed ...[Read More] Understanding Blue Sclera in Infants: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Soy Milk Consumption in Young Girls and Fertility
Concerns Regarding My Daughter Drinking Soy Milk Hello, the news reports that female infants who grow up drinking soy milk may face infertility issues, primarily due to the isoflavones found in soy, particularly genistein. My daughter consumed tofu frequently and occasionally dra...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Drinking soy milk during growth may lead to infertility, but this is only possible if consumed in very large amounts, such as using soy milk as a primary beverage. For children aged 1-3 years, the appropriate amount of tofu and soy milk is about half a block of tofu every 2-3 day...[Read More] Concerns About Soy Milk Consumption in Young Girls and Fertility