Gastrointestinal, Pediatrics FAQ

Managing Diarrhea in Infants: Tips for Parents of 6-Month-Olds

Diarrhea Hello, my daughter is six months old and has been experiencing diarrhea, having six bowel movements a day for the past 12 days. She is on both formula and breast milk, and her mental state is normal. Her weight has not increased from four to six months. How can we improv...

Dr. Lin Wenxian Reply:
Dear Mom of Zhen Zhen, Hello! I would like to address your questions in order: 1. Regarding diarrhea, I would like to clarify whether you mean that Zhen Zhen's bowel movements have simply increased in frequency, or if there has been a significant change in the consistency ...

Understanding Vomiting in Infants with Allergies: When to Seek Help

Pediatric vomiting Dear Doctor: My child is currently over 9 months old and has atopic dermatitis. He is drinking Abbott's hydrolyzed protein formula and I have been adding one spoonful of rice cereal to his milk. Later, I heard that I should also feed him rice porridge and ...

Dr. Zhang Peixin Reply:
Hello: 1. Food intolerance is different from food allergy; the former refers to any discomfort caused by food factors, while the latter specifically refers to an immune response triggered by allergic components in food (especially proteins), leading to bodily discomfort. Statisti...

Understanding Colic in Infants: Symptoms, Management, and Relief Tips

What is intestinal colic? How should it be managed? The baby seems to start crying intensely every night when it gets quiet, and no matter how we try to soothe her, she continues to cry uncontrollably. When we consulted a doctor, they mentioned that her symptoms were consistent w...

Dr. Zhang Peixin Reply:
Hello: 1. Infant colic: It typically begins between 2 to 4 weeks of age, with the baby crying for one or several episodes a day, each lasting for a few hours. This crying is often difficult to soothe and is related to the immature state of the infant's gastrointestinal nervo...

Understanding Pediatric Concerns: Mouth Breathing, Black Specks, and Red Dots

Mouth breathing -- black specks resembling half a grain of rice -- red spots? (1) A one-month-old infant often sleeps with their mouth open and breathes through their mouth. Could this indicate a respiratory issue? Is medication necessary for treatment? (2) The infant is breastf...

Dr. Lin Huizhen Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Huizhen of the Pediatric Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: 1. If a child frequently breathes through the mouth, there are very few cases of nasal obstruction, but the most common cause is nasal congestion due to mucus. Therefore, t...

Managing Baby's Bowel Movements: Tips for Nutrition and Growth

Baby's bowel movements The baby is 10 months old, and tests show no lactose intolerance or allergic tendencies, but the stools are consistently loose and mushy, with four bowel movements a day (about half an hour after drinking milk). If lactose-free formula is introduced, t...

Dr. Lin Wenxian Reply:
Dear Wei-Chi, It sounds like your mother is quite concerned about the shape and frequency of your baby's stools, as well as the weight gain, which is why she is considering changing formulas, adding probiotics, and purchasing nutritional supplements. Before taking these act...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Injection Marks in Preterm Infants

Pinhole 1. Your baby was born at 32 weeks and 3 days, weighing 1990 grams. At birth, the nurse mentioned that the baby had expelled green fluid from the gastrointestinal tract, which is often referred to as meconium. This is a normal occurrence in premature infants and can indica...

Dr. Lin Wenxian Reply:
Dear Xiaoyi, Dr. Lin Wen-Hsien, the Director of Pediatrics at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, respectfully responds: The meconium expelled by newborns in the first few days after birth is typically dark green in color. I believe what you might be referri...

How to Properly Transition Your Toddler to New Formula and Cereal

The correct way to transition infants from formula to cereal powder? Hello Dr. Chang, my baby is currently 18 months old and doesn't like to drink water very much. Since she was 2 months old, she has been drinking a specific brand of French formula. I am now considering swit...

Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
At 18 months old, a baby's gastrointestinal development is more complete, and it is acceptable to gradually introduce more than one type of wheat flour or wheat extract. However, a small number of patients may be allergic to wheat flour, so it is safer to introduce one type ...

Managing Digestive Issues in Extremely Premature Infants

Issues of Digestive Disorders in Premature Infants Hello Doctor: My baby is a severely premature infant, born at 24 weeks with a birth weight of 476 grams. Currently, he is 2 weeks corrected age and weighs 2170 grams. He has been experiencing significant digestive issues (taking ...

Dr. Lin Huizhen Reply:
Dear Mommy, This is Dr. Lin Huizhen from the Pediatrics Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. As your child is classified as an extremely preterm infant (born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing 476 grams), such infants have highly immature organs. Even th...

Understanding Abdominal Pain in Toddlers: Causes and Concerns

Frequent complaints of pain? My daughter is one month shy of two years old. Since she was one year and ten months, she has frequently complained of stomach pain, about 2-3 times a week. She currently weighs 10 kg and has only grown 1 cm in height over the past six months. She eat...

Dr. Lin Wenxian Reply:
Dear Ms. Xiao Ci, Hello! Below are the answers to your questions: 1. Drinking Yakult or yogurt on an empty stomach is generally not a problem. However, it is important to avoid letting children develop a habit of consuming overly sweet beverages or foods. Occasional consumption...

Can Children with Allergies Eat Wheat Products Safely?

Can wheat flour products be consumed? Doctors generally advise that babies with allergic tendencies should avoid wheat flour. However, whether they can consume other flour-based products depends on the specific allergies and sensitivities of the individual child. It is essential ...

Dr. Liang Hongjian Reply:
Hello: For babies with a general allergic constitution, it is best to completely avoid allergenic foods before 6 months of age, such as milk, egg whites, and wheat flour. This is the rationale behind the theory of "delayed introduction of complementary foods." After 6 m...

Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia in Children

Iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia? Dear Sir/Madam, Recently, I noticed that my child (2-3 years old) has a slightly pale complexion and cold hands and feet at night. After a blood test, the doctor diagnosed iron deficiency anemia. Upon further investigation, it was found th...

Dr. Lin Wenxian Reply:
Dear CAT, Hello. The issues of iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia can be discussed for hours. However, I would like to start with a brief explanation based on your questions. Hb is an abbreviation for hemoglobin, which is the main component in red blood cells responsible fo...

Understanding My 2-Month-Old Daughter's Health Issues: Gas and Heart Condition

What is wrong with my 2-month-old daughter? How can I help her? My daughter is currently 2 months old and has a congenital heart defect (a small atrial septal defect). Recently, after a mild cold, she has been crying frequently due to gastrointestinal discomfort from gas. She is ...

Dr. Gu Qingxian Reply:
Hello! The child has chronic abdominal distension, and drinking hydrolyzed protein formula seems to improve the condition. This suggests the possibility of lactose intolerance, digestive dysfunction, or milk protein allergy. Therefore, it is recommended to continue with the hydro...

Managing Baby's Gas and Formula Feeding Concerns: A Guide for Parents

Baby's gas and formula issues? Hello, my baby is now over 4 months old. He started having gas problems since he was over 1 month old, and we have to massage his belly to help him pass gas before he can sleep soundly; otherwise, he cries continuously. The doctor prescribed so...

Dr. Lin Wenxian Reply:
Dear Janty, The issue of your baby's abdominal bloating is a common concern raised by mothers in pediatric clinics. In fact, the abdominal wall muscles of infants are not as strong as those of adults, so it is normal for their bellies to appear larger. As long as there are ...

Understanding Blood in Children's Stool: Common Causes and Concerns

Blood in a child's stool? Hello doctor, I have three children who usually have normal meals, mostly eating at home. Recently, all three of my children have shown signs of blood (bright red) on the toilet paper after wiping their stools. We live in the United States, and medi...

Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
There are many causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, including bacterial gastroenteritis, anal fissures, polyps, peptic ulcers, intussusception, milk protein allergy, and sepsis, among others. The incidence of these conditions varies with age. The inquiry mentions that after a chi...

Feeding Guidelines for Babies: Addressing Solid Food Concerns

Baby complementary food issues 2 Dr. Chen, regarding the question I asked you last time, I apologize for asking again. When feeding my baby vegetable puree, fruit puree, and rice porridge as complementary foods, should I only feed them in the amounts you mentioned? My baby is now...

Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
The letter mentions concerns regarding complementary foods. In terms of feeding quantity, if the child's height and weight are developing appropriately, and bowel movements are normal without any signs of digestive issues or gastrointestinal discomfort, there is no need to s...

Common Pediatric Concerns: Addressing Six Key Baby Issues

Six Questions About Babies 1. The baby has had very foul-smelling stools since two months old, even before introducing solid foods. Why is this happening? 2. The baby consumes 150 cc of formula per feeding (one tablespoon is 30 cc). I mix three tablespoons of Mead Johnson EnfaM...

Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
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Feeding Concerns for Your 3-Month-Old: Tips for Nutrition and Comfort

Could you please clarify your question for Dr. Tsai? My baby is over three months old. I am feeding my baby a mixture of Enfamil formula, Karotani goat milk powder, and a small amount of Karotani vegetable and fruit rice cereal. The mixing ratio is correct. Is this combination ha...

Dr. Cai Zhengxian Reply:
Dear Mama Bear, I apologize for the delay in my response. Goat milk formula generally contains added calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, folic acid, probiotics, and fructooligosaccharides, making it a good nutritional supplement for infants and children. However, for infants under ...

Managing Your Baby's Severe Cough and Vomiting After Chlamydia Infection

After a child has a Campylobacter infection and is experiencing persistent vomiting, what should be done? Hello Dr. Chen: My baby (4 months old) started experiencing severe coughing, occasional vomiting, and a runny nose a few days ago. After a doctor's diagnosis, it was det...

Dr. Chen Rongtai Reply:
Pneumonia caused by Chlamydia in newborns typically occurs within the first one to three months after birth. Clinically, it is often characterized by persistent coughing and shortness of breath, but fever is rare. Physical examination may reveal notable lung crackles. In cases of...

Is It Safe to Give Honey to an 8-Month-Old Baby?

Can an 8-month-old baby eat honey? It is not recommended to give honey to a child under one year of age due to the risk of botulism. Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which can be harmful to infants.

Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
Honey should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of gastrointestinal bacterial infections. What is the purpose of giving honey? Are there other foods that can be used as alternatives?

Managing Gas and Eye Discharge in Infants: Expert Advice

Bloating and eye discharge? Hello Dr. Liang, 1. My son is currently 20 days old and has issues with gas. Besides applying medication, are there any other methods to help? 2. My baby has a lot of eye discharge. Is this a concern? How should I handle it? I kindly ask for your ...

Dr. Liang Hongjian Reply:
Hello: Neonatal abdominal distension is sometimes thought to be caused by the intake of air into the stomach during breastfeeding, leading to gastrointestinal bloating. Recent literature indicates that it may be related to allergic gastrointestinal conditions in infants. When add...

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