Understanding Patent Foramen Ovale in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) Hello Doctor, my child is currently 2 years and 2 months old. At birth, the foramen ovale was not closed and measured 0.2 cm. During a follow-up at around 6 months, an ultrasound showed that it had closed. However, recently, after my child had a cold an...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang, 1. The foramen ovale is a passage between the left and right atria. It typically closes automatically within six months after birth. If it remains open beyond six months, it is classified as an atrial septal defect (ASD), which accounts for 10% of congenital hear...[Read More] Understanding Patent Foramen Ovale in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Common Concerns for Your 3-Month-Old Baby: A Pediatric Guide
The issue with the baby? Hello Doctor: My baby is currently 3 months old and will turn 4 months in 2 weeks, weighing 8 kg. I have some questions regarding her health. 1. My baby shakes a little before urinating, which has been happening since birth but has become more frequent ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Dear tsae, Hello! 1. The phenomenon known as "cold shivering" (shaking while urinating) occurs because the body expels a significant amount of heat energy during urination. The body compensates for this loss of heat by shivering to generate warmth, which helps mainta...[Read More] Common Concerns for Your 3-Month-Old Baby: A Pediatric Guide
Understanding Corrected Age Development in Preterm Infants
Orthodontic age Is there a difference in developmental milestones between preterm infants and full-term infants? How many weeks are considered preterm? For example, if my due date is October 28, but I had a cesarean section on October 9 due to fetal growth restriction, how should...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
After calculating the corrected age of a preterm infant (up to a gestational age of 40 weeks, which is the due date), their growth and developmental milestones should be comparable to those of full-term infants of the same chronological age (this is the purpose of calculating cor...[Read More] Understanding Corrected Age Development in Preterm Infants
Addressing Dietary Concerns for Your 4-Year-Old Child: Tips and Insights
Regarding dietary issues in children? My child is almost 4 years old, but he doesn't like to eat rice. When he's hungry, he only thinks about drinking milk. His current weight is 16 kg and his height is 99 cm. Is this situation normal, doctor? I'm very worried that...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
A 4-year-old child weighing 16 kg and measuring 99 cm falls within the normal growth range. However, he experiences abdominal discomfort after eating meals, while there are no symptoms of abdominal pain after consuming snacks. This abdominal pain may be related to psychological f...[Read More] Addressing Dietary Concerns for Your 4-Year-Old Child: Tips and Insights
Understanding Middle Ear Effusion in Children: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns
Middle ear effusion Hello Dr. Pei, I would like to ask you three questions... (1) My daughter is five years old. She caught a cold in early November last year, with symptoms of only a runny nose and cough. We have visited the doctor several times, but she has not fully recovered....
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: (1) If you have had a cold for two months, I recommend getting a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia or other issues. There is also a possibility of allergies, so a blood test to check for mycoplasma levels and allergy markers would be helpful to guide treatment. (2) Otitis...[Read More] Understanding Middle Ear Effusion in Children: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Kawasaki Disease: Urgent Care and Ultrasound Timing for Your Child
Kawasaki disease Hello Dr. Pei, my younger brother is one year old and has recently been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. It has been about half a month since the diagnosis. We visited the doctor on the 14th, and they recommended that we get an ultrasound, but the appointment is ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Dear Jia-Yi, Hello! During the acute phase of Kawasaki disease, a cardiac ultrasound should have already been performed. If there is no significant coronary artery aneurysm formation, you can wait for a period of time before the next follow-up. According to the pediatric cardiol...[Read More] Understanding Kawasaki Disease: Urgent Care and Ultrasound Timing for Your Child
Common Pediatric Concerns: Baby Feeding, Development, and Health Issues
I have some questions to ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, Question 1: My baby is currently 3 months old and has one feeding of breast milk combined with formula milk, approximately 60-180cc each time. After feeding, when I burp him, I can hear water sounds in his stomach. Is this n...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. It is normal for newborns to have thin abdominal walls, which makes sound conduction more pronounced. 2. There is no specific standard for fontanelle bulging, but a "slight curvature" should not be considered abnormal. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure ma...[Read More] Common Pediatric Concerns: Baby Feeding, Development, and Health Issues
Understanding Dark Circles in Babies: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding dark circles in babies? Hello, doctor. My baby is a little over 1 year and 3 months old, and she has quite noticeable dark circles under her eyes. I've seen some other children with the same issue outside. Should I take her to the hospital for any examinations? Tha...
Dr. He Ciyuan Reply:
Dark circles can sometimes be caused by allergies in children. It is advisable to visit a pediatrician for allergy testing (through blood samples) and to check immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels to identify specific allergens, which should be avoided as much as possible.[Read More] Understanding Dark Circles in Babies: When to Seek Medical Advice
Choosing the Right Formula for Your Baby's Vomiting and Constipation Issues
If a baby is experiencing vomiting, how should the formula be changed? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. My baby is over two months old and used to drink S26 but would often vomit in a projectile manner. Sometimes, he only has a bowel movement every three to four days, and he cries each time. A ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If you are unsure whether your baby’s weight gain is adequate, and if there is poor weight gain accompanied by projectile vomiting, it is advisable to first visit a pediatric gastroenterologist at a major hospital for an evaluation. This will help determine if there are any gastr...[Read More] Choosing the Right Formula for Your Baby's Vomiting and Constipation Issues
Understanding Baby's Bowel Movements: When to Worry About Diarrhea
Baby's stool Hello Doctor, I have a 10.5-month-old baby boy who has been having three bowel movements a day, with one of them being watery for the past two weeks. His diet consists of formula milk, complementary foods such as barley powder, chicken porridge, and fruits. Ty...
Dr. Xie Degui Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the baby seems to be eating well and does not appear to have gastroenteritis. If the situation persists, it is recommended to bring the baby's stool to the doctor for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Baby's Bowel Movements: When to Worry About Diarrhea
Understanding Baby's Peeling Skin: Causes and Care Tips
Regarding baby foot peeling? Hello, doctor. My baby is 1 year and 3 months old. Recently, I've noticed that the skin on her feet is peeling white, similar to dry skin. It seems more pronounced after her bath, while in the morning it appears less noticeable. The temperature h...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is difficult to provide an answer without seeing the actual condition. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist (it is advised to have a physician evaluate the situation before using any medication, and to avoid self-medication).[Read More] Understanding Baby's Peeling Skin: Causes and Care Tips
When Should Your Baby Get the Third Dose of the Six-in-One Vaccine?
Regarding the administration of the hexavalent vaccine? My baby received the second dose of the hexavalent vaccine on November 13, but the doctor did not inform us or schedule the next injection time. When should the third dose be administered? If it coincides with the Lunar New ...
Dr. Xie Degui Reply:
Hello: You can receive the second dose two months later (after January 13, 2010). If you are only available during the Lunar New Year, it is recommended to get vaccinated after the holiday, as it will be easier to manage any potential side effects such as fever or swelling.[Read More] When Should Your Baby Get the Third Dose of the Six-in-One Vaccine?
Child's Nasal Congestion and Unpleasant Odor: Possible Causes and Solutions
Nasal congestion during sleep with an unusual odor in the left nostril? Doctor, my child is currently 2 years and 10 months old. For the past two weeks, he has been experiencing nasal congestion during sleep. Today, before his nap, I helped him clear his nostrils and noticed an u...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If there is long-term unilateral nasal congestion, runny nose, or even nasal odor, the presence of a foreign body in the nasal cavity is a possibility. X-rays can only detect metallic objects; non-metallic objects are not visible on X-rays. Therefore, an examination for nasal for...[Read More] Child's Nasal Congestion and Unpleasant Odor: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Growth Concerns in Middle School Children: When to Seek Help
Regarding my youngest son in the first year of junior high school? Hello! I have three children. The oldest is in the second year of junior high school, and the second is in the first year. The oldest started developing in the first year of junior high, but the second has not sta...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
A 138 cm tall boy in the first year of junior high school is approximately at the 5th percentile on the growth curve, meaning he ranks among the lowest 5 out of 100 boys of the same age. This meets the criteria for further evaluation. Short stature may not solely be due to growth...[Read More] Understanding Growth Concerns in Middle School Children: When to Seek Help
Understanding Infant Crying: Is It Related to Hernia Issues?
Is it a hernia issue in infants? Hello doctor, I am the mother of the child. When my baby brother was born, the doctor said he had a hernia. After about six months, the doctor mentioned it would resolve on its own. However, from birth until now, he has been crying a lot for the p...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Common reasons for a constantly crying baby: 1. Hunger, wet diaper, or needing comfort, 2. Fever, 3. Oral ulcers or severe thrush, 4. Foreign objects in the eyes, ears, or nose, 5. Inguinal hernia (umbilical hernia does not cause this), 6. Severe diaper rash, 7. Vaccine side effe...[Read More] Understanding Infant Crying: Is It Related to Hernia Issues?
Understanding Headaches and Limb Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
Headache, leg pain, numbness in the legs? Hello, my daughter is nine years old and has occasionally complained of headaches, leg pain, or numbness in her legs over the past six months. What could be the possible causes of these symptoms? Should I consult a pediatric neurologist, ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Ms. Hsin-Hsin: Hello, the majority of hand and foot numbness is caused by nerve compression, known as "compressive neuropathy." When a nerve is subjected to external pressure, it can result in a sensation of numbness. For example, when we sit cross-legged for an extende...[Read More] Understanding Headaches and Limb Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
Should I Worry About My Child's Red Bumps on Their Palms?
Please ask your question, and I'll do my best to assist you? Dear Doctor: My child (in sixth grade) developed small red spots on the palms of their hands last night. They are only on the palms and there is no discomfort. Should we see a doctor? Does it matter if there is no ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is difficult to provide an answer without seeing the actual appearance. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist.[Read More] Should I Worry About My Child's Red Bumps on Their Palms?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Infants: A Guide for Parents
Gastrointestinal issues in infants? Hello, Director Xie. I would like to ask about my two babies who are both about two months old and are drinking S26 formula. One baby has yellow stools, sometimes having several bowel movements a day and sometimes just once a day, weighing abou...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The act of defecation is quite habitual and natural for adults (holding breath, straining the abdomen, relaxing the anal sphincter), but infants are still learning this process. It is acceptable for them to sometimes turn red in the face or even cry while having a bowel movement....[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Infants: A Guide for Parents
Can Breastfeeding Moms Take B Vitamins? Effects on Milk Color and Baby
Vitamin B complex Can breastfeeding mothers take vitamin B complex supplements? After taking one in the morning, I noticed that not only my urine was darker during the first two times, but also the milk I expressed appeared more yellow. Could this be harmful to my baby?
Dr. Xie Degui Reply:
Hello: B vitamins and folic acid are beneficial for pregnant women and their fetuses, and supplementation is recommended.[Read More] Can Breastfeeding Moms Take B Vitamins? Effects on Milk Color and Baby
Understanding Developmental Delays in Children: Seeking Solutions
Pediatric developmental delay My child is four years old, but he/she has not developed clear awareness in language comprehension and bowel/bladder control. A CT scan of the brain showed no significant abnormalities, but the posterior ventricle is larger than normal. He/she is wal...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Obvious developmental delays require not only identifying the underlying causes for targeted treatment but also early intervention with rehabilitation therapy to prevent a vicious cycle that could lead to worsening conditions and further delays. It is advisable to consult a pedia...[Read More] Understanding Developmental Delays in Children: Seeking Solutions