Could It Be Kawasaki Disease? Understanding Symptoms in Young Children
Could it be Kawasaki disease? Hello doctor, my daughter is currently one and a half years old. She started having a fever on May 29 and visited the clinic twice. On June 1, I noticed she was a bit wheezy, so we went to the emergency room where she had blood tests and an X-ray; th...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Kawasaki disease has diagnostic criteria: (1) fever lasting more than five days; (2) bilateral conjunctival injection without discharge; (3) oral mucosal changes, including bright red, cracked lips and a strawberry tongue; (4) redness and swelling of the palms and soles; (5) non-...[Read More] Could It Be Kawasaki Disease? Understanding Symptoms in Young Children
Understanding Meningitis in Infants: E. Coli Infection and Recovery Concerns
Escherichia coli causing meningitis? The baby, 9 days old, had a high fever and was admitted to a large hospital's intensive care unit. Urine and blood tests showed the presence of bacteria, and a lumbar puncture confirmed inflammation, but the culture report later indicated...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The absence of bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid culture does not completely rule out the possibility of meningitis; it is important to discuss this with your physician. The long-term effects of infant meningitis are not absolute; outcomes can range from no sequelae to severe compl...[Read More] Understanding Meningitis in Infants: E. Coli Infection and Recovery Concerns
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia in Infants: Key Insights and Testing
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) My son is currently 10 months and 10 days old (he has been exclusively breastfed for four months and has a normal appetite and food intake for complementary foods). Two weeks ago, he went to the emergency room due to a cold and fev...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The blood test report indicates microcytic anemia. In Taiwan, the most common causes of microcytic anemia are iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Based on the blood test results, it is certain that there is iron deficiency anemia, so oral iron supplementation is appropriate. ...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia in Infants: Key Insights and Testing
Managing Persistent Blisters on a Toddler's Urethra: A Parent's Guide
A 2-year-old child has blisters on the glans and urethral opening that are not improving! How should this be managed? About two months ago, my son was taking a bath and was playing with a soap pouch, creating bubbles and rubbing them vigorously on his genital area. After rinsing ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: This article explains clearly; please refer to the following: 1. What is balanitis? Balanitis, also known as glans inflammation, often occurs simultaneously with posthitis (inflammation of the foreskin) and is commonly associated with conditions such as phimosis (tight fo...[Read More] Managing Persistent Blisters on a Toddler's Urethra: A Parent's Guide
Understanding Sudden Red Rashes in Toddlers: Causes and Concerns
Rash on the baby's skin? My friend's grandson is about two years old and usually in good health. Last night, he suddenly developed a rash on his back and buttocks, which seems a bit itchy and he has been scratching it. Initially, we thought it might be caused by a skin ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
There are many reasons for infants and young children to develop rashes, such as viral rashes, allergic urticaria (which is not necessarily caused by medications), eczema, and more. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Red Rashes in Toddlers: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Vaccine Reactions in Infants: When to Seek Medical Advice
Preventive vaccination My friend's child is a little over two months old. Yesterday morning, they received both the pneumococcal vaccine and the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) combination vaccine at the health clinic. In the evening, the child developed a high fev...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
These two vaccines can be administered simultaneously at different sites without any issues. The occurrence of fever is consistent with potential side effects after vaccination; however, fever caused by vaccination typically resolves within 24 hours. Therefore, if the child’s act...[Read More] Understanding Vaccine Reactions in Infants: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is It Safe to Reuse a Bottle After It Falls in the Toilet?
Bottle feeding issues Hello, doctor. I have a question. My two-year-old son is very mischievous and threw his bottle into the toilet. I immediately picked it up, washed it with a cleaning agent, and then disinfected it using a steam sterilizer. Later, I still allowed him to use i...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Basically, I believe that in such situations, after thorough cleaning and high-temperature disinfection, most harmful pathogens should be eliminated. Additionally, even infants cannot be completely without immune resistance, so if the child does not exhibit any obvious symptoms o...[Read More] Is It Safe to Reuse a Bottle After It Falls in the Toilet?
Understanding Fever After Varicella and MMR Vaccination in Infants
Fever after receiving the varicella (chickenpox) and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccines at 1 year of age? Hello Doctor, my baby received the varicella and MMR vaccines on February 18. Starting from February 22, the temperature has been fluctuating between 36.5 and 38 degr...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello, the possible side effects of the varicella (chickenpox) and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) combination vaccine may occur approximately 4 to 12 days after vaccination. Symptoms may include fever or a rash. If a fever occurs, it typically lasts for 1 to 2 days and is not ...[Read More] Understanding Fever After Varicella and MMR Vaccination in Infants
Can My Baby Get Vaccinated After a Cold? Pediatric Vaccine Timing Explained
Vaccination schedule? Hello Doctor, I was originally scheduled to administer the varicella and rubella vaccines at the beginning of this month. However, my baby developed roseola and had a fever, and after a week, he caught a cold. Now, after another week, my baby is one year and...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
As long as there is no fever, severe acute illness, or the individual is not taking high doses of corticosteroids, vaccination can be administered. Mild nasal congestion is acceptable for vaccination. I believe the diseases that the vaccine prevents are still quite dangerous, so ...[Read More] Can My Baby Get Vaccinated After a Cold? Pediatric Vaccine Timing Explained
Understanding Your Baby's Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Help
The baby has abnormal breathing sounds? Last week, my child had a runny nose for two consecutive days, sneezing more than ten times each day. On the afternoon of the second day, I noticed a significant amount of mucus and crust in her nasal cavity. After suctioning it out, I foun...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The wheezing sound during breathing may simply be due to the soft tissues of the infant's respiratory tract and nose still being pliable (some immune glands may become enlarged and softer after a cold). The sound is produced by vibrations during breathing and is generally no...[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Help
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
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?
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 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?
Understanding Mucus in Baby's Stool After Diarrhea: When to Seek Help
Mucus in the stool after diarrhea has resolved? Hello Doctor, my baby is currently 9 months old and weighs 8 kilograms. At the end of October, he had a high fever and diarrhea with mucus. The clinic doctor diagnosed it as viral gastroenteritis. After medication, the diarrhea stop...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: A bowel movement frequency of three times a day to once every three days is considered normal; however, crying and mucus in the stool should still be monitored closely. You may consider visiting a pediatric gastroenterology clinic for stool testing, or you could try giving...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Baby's Stool After Diarrhea: When to Seek Help
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
Addressing Milk Refusal and Vaccination Concerns in Infants
Milk consumption issues + vaccinations Hello Doctor: My baby was born on July 4, 2016 (currently 3 months and 21 days old). Around September 23 (about two and a half months old), he started refusing to drink milk (at that time maintaining 3 hours/110cc), with a total intake of ab...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If an infant refuses to eat not due to illness (such as gastroenteritis or hand, foot, and mouth disease), and is growing and developing normally (for example, your 3-month-old child has already doubled their birth weight, which is normal), and has normal activity levels, this is...[Read More] Addressing Milk Refusal and Vaccination Concerns in Infants
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