Understanding Loose Stools in Toddlers: When to Worry?
The baby's stool has always been loose and mushy (one and a half years old)? The baby was breastfed at birth and later switched to formula milk - Children's Growth Formula 3 (which contains lactic acid and probiotics). Now, at one and a half years old, the baby also eat...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
I want to note that as long as the frequency of bowel movements is not increasing daily, and the stools are not becoming more watery (which would define diarrhea) or containing blood, and growth and development are normal (with height and weight percentiles increasing appropriate...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools in Toddlers: When to Worry?
Understanding Umbilical Redness and Discharge in Infants: Causes and Care
Redness, swelling, and discharge from the umbilical area in infants? My daughter is one month old, and her umbilical cord fell off a week after birth. I have continued to disinfect it until now. A couple of days ago, she started crying and refusing to drink milk halfway through h...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If a newborn has a red, swollen umbilical cord with purulent discharge, it is important to be cautious of neonatal omphalitis, which is a bacterial infection unrelated to a cold. Newborns have weaker immune systems and are at risk of developing more severe infections. It is advis...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Redness and Discharge in Infants: Causes and Care
Understanding Your Child's Development: Nutrition and Health Concerns
Baby's developmental status Hello, doctor. My eldest son is over 6 years old and has an allergic constitution, but I feel that his immunity is poor as he often catches colds and has fevers. He also has chronic anemia. What should I supplement to improve his condition? Would ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Da Bao has chronic anemia, with the most common causes being iron deficiency or thalassemia. Mild thalassemia does not require treatment; if it is iron deficiency, increasing the intake of iron-rich foods or supplementing with iron prescribed by a physician can be benefici...[Read More] Understanding Your Child's Development: Nutrition and Health Concerns
Digestive Issues in Infants: Understanding Food Breakdown After Illness
Infant complementary foods My friend's child is now over 8 months old and has been eating solid foods. However, after recently having a cold, there are times when the stool shows undigested food, such as vegetables and fruits. Is this a sign of gastrointestinal issues? Is it...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The digestive system of infants is not fully mature, and some solid foods may not be completely absorbed and are excreted in the stool. This situation is normal and is not indicative of indigestion or gastrointestinal issues, nor is it caused by a cold.[Read More] Digestive Issues in Infants: Understanding Food Breakdown After Illness
Managing Persistent Cough and Infections in Young Children
Children with colds and coughs? I would like to ask the doctor, my child is about 4 years old and was hospitalized for pneumonia in mid-February this year. However, since last year, he has been experiencing intermittent coughing. Every time he catches a cold, he either has yellow...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! 1. Children who just started kindergarten are particularly susceptible to respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, and this situation may not improve until they reach the upper grades of elementary school. 2. Ways to boost immunity include vaccinations, exercise, and a ...[Read More] Managing Persistent Cough and Infections in Young Children
Feeding Frequency and Volume Discrepancies in Infants: What Parents Should Know
The frequency of milk consumption and the discrepancy in milk volume? Hello, doctor. My baby is currently three months old and weighs over six kilograms. I would like to ask if a baby of this size should consistently have five feedings a day. If we schedule feedings every four ho...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
At three months old, an infant's stomach capacity is still small, so feeding should primarily be based on the baby's needs. It is not recommended to adhere to fixed times or amounts for feeding. The size of the feedings will not negatively affect the infant's gastr...[Read More] Feeding Frequency and Volume Discrepancies in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Managing Vomiting and Gastrointestinal Issues in Toddlers
Vomiting behavior/Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, my son is currently 2 years and 1 month old, measuring 88 cm and weighing 14.2 kg. He drinks formula milk (210-240 cc) before bed and upon waking up in the morning, but occasionally he vomits after drinking in the morning, a...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
1. It seems that his weight is fine. If he is experiencing milk overflow in the morning, it may be best to avoid milk in the morning or reduce the amount to see if it helps. This could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux, and it might be worth considering an examination or tryin...[Read More] Managing Vomiting and Gastrointestinal Issues in Toddlers
Understanding Enlarged Kidneys and Pancreas in Pediatric Patients
The kidneys are larger than the pancreas? Hello doctor, my son is currently over four years old. He had cold symptoms before January 20. On the night of January 27, he kept vomiting, so we took him to see a doctor. The doctor gave him an antiemetic, and afterward, he did not drin...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
There are many causes of abdominal pain in children, and it is not always due to a gastroenteritis. Even in cases of gastroenteritis, the severity of symptoms can vary greatly from mild or asymptomatic to severe dehydration. An enlarged kidney or pancreas is merely a finding from...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Kidneys and Pancreas in Pediatric Patients
Is Black Stool Normal After Eating Purple Sweet Potato Puree?
Is it normal for purple sweet potato puree to cause black stools? Hello, doctor. I am a caregiver taking care of a relative's child at home. Recently, the child's mother mentioned that the child has black stools. However, the child has no pain after drinking milk! The o...
Dr. Lin Yishou Reply:
Dear parents, consuming darker-colored foods can indeed cause the stool to appear darker. However, if there is black stool, it is important to consider the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding. If black stool persists, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a stool test for ...[Read More] Is Black Stool Normal After Eating Purple Sweet Potato Puree?
Concerns About Iron Supplements and Iodine Exposure in Toddlers
Iron supplement issues? Hello Doctor, my daughter is currently 2 years old and has been taking iron supplements for a year, approximately 6 drops of iron drops twice a day. Her previous blood test showed a level of about 22. Does she still need to continue taking the iron supplem...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia should be taken until blood hemoglobin levels normalize, and regular monitoring of hemoglobin and serum iron levels is necessary to assess progress. Typically, supplementation should continue for an additional two to three months after ...[Read More] Concerns About Iron Supplements and Iodine Exposure in Toddlers
Understanding Abdominal Pain During Bowel Movements in Young Children
Bowel issues - abdominal pain during defecation? Hello Doctor: My child is currently 3 years and 3 months old. For the past two to three weeks, he has been experiencing severe abdominal pain during bowel movements, which resolves immediately after he finishes. His bowel habits (f...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! Pain during bowel movements at this age is most commonly associated with constipation combined with anal fissures. Even after softening the stool, pain may still occur following the development of an anal fissure. Other potential causes include polyps, hemorrhoids, periana...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain During Bowel Movements in Young Children
Understanding Your Baby's Stool Color and Eating Habits: A Pediatric Guide
Baby stool color Hello, Dr. Pei: My baby is currently 8 and a half months old. Since starting solid foods, the color of his stool has become quite dark. Is this normal? Additionally, he has just gotten his two bottom teeth, and although I am cooking the porridge very soft without...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hi MANDY: Hello! After introducing complementary foods, the color and texture of the stool may change. As long as the color is yellow-green and there are no signs of diarrhea (which is characterized by a significant increase in stool water content), it is considered normal. At ei...[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Stool Color and Eating Habits: A Pediatric Guide
Why Does My Child Experience Pain After Drinking Soda?
Drinking soda can cause body pain? I have noticed that whenever my 8-year-old son drinks soda, he experiences body pain (possibly near the chest, under the armpit, specifically in the area above the stomach). However, after he sleeps and rests, he feels better. What could be the ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Although the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux in eight-year-old boys is not high, the symptoms you described are somewhat consistent with the manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux. I recommend trying antacids and medications that promote gastrointestinal motility, ...[Read More] Why Does My Child Experience Pain After Drinking Soda?
Do Kids Need to Complete the Full Course of Flu Medication?
Is it necessary to complete the entire course of antiviral medication for influenza? A 12-year-old child has contracted influenza B and has been taking medication for two days, during which he has experienced insomnia. He usually sleeps well, and currently, he is only taking anti...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: The main side effects of K Influenza are headaches and nausea; very rarely, it can cause hepatitis, rashes, gastrointestinal bleeding, and mental suppression. Insomnia is not listed as a common side effect in the literature; I suspect that the nasal decongestant may be cau...[Read More] Do Kids Need to Complete the Full Course of Flu Medication?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Pediatric Gastrointestinal Concerns
Blood in the stool? My son is nine months old, and I'm unsure if the bleeding is caused by constipation or if there is blood in the stool itself. This happens at least once or twice a month, and the blood is bright red, while the stool is dark green. Could this be a gastroin...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: The brighter the red blood, the closer it is to the anus, with the most common cause being constipation combined with anal fissures. You can try to soften the stool by increasing fiber intake or taking stool softeners for a period of time, and then observe. If there is sti...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Pediatric Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Infants with Eczema: A Parent's Guide
Gastrointestinal issues My sister is currently 4 months old, weighs 6 kg, and consumes 150 ml of formula. Recently, she experienced bloating and developed a rash all over her body, prompting a visit to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed her with atopic dermatitis and noted that her...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The gastric capacity of infants is approximately 25 to 30 cc per kilogram, so a meal of 150 cc is not excessive. Atopic dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction of the immune system, and the infant's gastrointestinal tract is a significant immune organ, which may be rela...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Infants with Eczema: A Parent's Guide
Understanding Baby Diarrhea: When to Seek Pediatric Care
Baby diarrhea issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My baby is currently 2 months and 14 days old. Recently, we switched back to breastfeeding after about 3 weeks of formula feeding. Before the switch, my baby had a bowel movement approximately every 1.2 days (dark green). After returning to ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The frequency of an infant's bowel movements can range from two to three times a day to once every two to three days, both of which are considered acceptable. In the case of diarrhea, the frequency of bowel movements will increase, and the stools will become increasingly wat...[Read More] Understanding Baby Diarrhea: When to Seek Pediatric Care
Transitioning from Formula to Breast Milk: Key Considerations for Infants
Issues with Switching from Formula to Breast Milk Hello Dr. Hsiao, My baby is currently 2 months and 11 days old. At birth, the weight was 3165g, and during the vaccination on February 13, the weight was 6.3kg, with a length of 59.1 cm and a head circumference of 39.7 cm. Due to...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If the baby is experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, it may result in diarrhea or the presence of rashes on the skin. If the infant's activity level is normal, weight gain is appropriate, and the decreased appetite is not due to illness (such as gastroenteritis or entero...[Read More] Transitioning from Formula to Breast Milk: Key Considerations for Infants
Understanding Toddler Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Parents
Toddler constipation resistance? My daughter is almost 4 years old and has been experiencing bowel issues for the past year. I'm unsure if it was due to improper guidance during toilet training or if previous constipation caused anal fissures. Now, she holds her bowel moveme...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
For children aged 3 to 4 years, it can be challenging to provide precise descriptions of their symptoms, so close observation by parents and examination by a pediatrician are essential. Parents should guide their children using encouragement rather than reprimands or intimidation...[Read More] Understanding Toddler Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Parents
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