Treating running nose is no big deal... but treating its complications and PNDrip is a headache for the practitioner. In fact, I had seen pediatricians admitting and sedating for 3 days to get rid off.
tricks:
Running nose:
A very common problem; watery or thick.. continuous or intermittent..
with fever or without fever
watery or thick.. :
Clean nostrils with ear buds, periodically, if its thicker.. use saline drops : no of drops + no of months of age till 8 months.. then 10 drops for all, wait 2 secondsa fter each drop.. then clean with ear buds once the drops are over. why more drops? - Bcos you want to douche the whole nasopharynx and clean the nose; the sticly secretions along nasopharynx will be dragged to oropharynx and then swallowed.
If its running continuously, one may prefer putting decongestant nasal drop like flucold drops.. or nasovion mini drops, use only 2 to 4 drops at any age.. nose will dry within 20 minutes provided drops are put after drying the nose with ear buds.. small dose bcos we want local action. Dont keep it TDS, can be used SOS. TDS use makes nose dry.. and the worst nose block will happena nd child will be very irritable crying refusla to feeds etc.
Treatment of noseblock:
commonest cause; inadvertant or TDS use of decongestant or sleeping in front of / facing fan..
Treatment:
saline drops: I use nasoclear drops procedure as above. But keep it TDS, keep nose wet, avoid drying by air/drugs. Stop decongestant drops. If child is cranky, do a mechanical nasal suction tiding over the crisis.. the thick secretions may be difficult to suck by syringe. Give A soothing nebulisation following suction, Clinical indicator: Irritability settles, child sleeps.
Treatment of Any of above with fever ; with or without PND:
Add a simple antipyretic, paracetamol: regular dose, round the clock for 2 days. If running nose, give combination with decongestant TDS orally, I find syp Sinarest more effective.
For PND: a good saline nebulisation with prior nasal suction and saline drop wash of nose. continue oral PCM and decongestant drosp combination for 3 days.
At times a short course chemotherapy with azithromycin may help if it lasts more than 72 hrs.
personal website
http://drkondekar.s5.com
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Emergency Serious Danger symptoms / Signs in Children, that make a doctor visit must
SERIOUS SYMPTOMS
hereby i try to enlist the serious signs, for which an advice on phone or website or through nonpersonel correspondence is not recommended, as its legal responsibility for a doc to not to administer any medicines when the patient is not personally attended.
Please read these symptoms carefully before you write to me regarding child health.
Surely you can discuss with me the details about your child, helath, disease and doctor,
but if any of these symptoms or signs are there; please consult a doc personally immediately then write to me.
These signs are those where there is even a remote chance to cause serious concern for life and health in terms of morbidity and mortality.
not breathing, or a nonresponsive child.
pulse or heart beats not felt and /or hand and feet are extremely cold and chilling
blueish / dusky colouration in child , with laboured breathing
rapid chest movements
laboured or difficulty in breathing
trauma and bleeding- fresh
convulsions
vomitting with breathlessness
unconsciousness
not slept for 36 hours
not awake for 24 hours
not fed since 18 hours
refused feed since 18 hours
not passed urine since 18 hours
very lethargic
irrelevant talk or behavious of acute onset
poisoning
sudden onset swelling/ breathlessness, rash
In all such cases, its recommended to meet a specialist earliest on emergency basis
and then rule out that nothing is serious or life threatening.
And when U r sure that its not emergency, lets discuss the case.
when you write to me please go through following page, regarding what a parent should know from a doctor.
hereby i try to enlist the serious signs, for which an advice on phone or website or through nonpersonel correspondence is not recommended, as its legal responsibility for a doc to not to administer any medicines when the patient is not personally attended.
Please read these symptoms carefully before you write to me regarding child health.
Surely you can discuss with me the details about your child, helath, disease and doctor,
but if any of these symptoms or signs are there; please consult a doc personally immediately then write to me.
These signs are those where there is even a remote chance to cause serious concern for life and health in terms of morbidity and mortality.
not breathing, or a nonresponsive child.
pulse or heart beats not felt and /or hand and feet are extremely cold and chilling
blueish / dusky colouration in child , with laboured breathing
rapid chest movements
laboured or difficulty in breathing
trauma and bleeding- fresh
convulsions
vomitting with breathlessness
unconsciousness
not slept for 36 hours
not awake for 24 hours
not fed since 18 hours
refused feed since 18 hours
not passed urine since 18 hours
very lethargic
irrelevant talk or behavious of acute onset
poisoning
sudden onset swelling/ breathlessness, rash
In all such cases, its recommended to meet a specialist earliest on emergency basis
and then rule out that nothing is serious or life threatening.
And when U r sure that its not emergency, lets discuss the case.
when you write to me please go through following page, regarding what a parent should know from a doctor.
what a parent would like to know about his kid froma doctor
Always ask: Layman questions:
what is my child suffering from?
Is it common? how common?
Is it serious? How serious?
nothing to worry... some thing to worry.. or critical?
any danger to life or ability?
Does it require medicines- /hospitalisation? how long? will it require a change of medicines? whats its chance?
Effect within how many hours... if no relief then what?
what i am supposed to do to keep it in check?
what parameters to monitor?
when should i consult back? or when to worry?
Anything to prevent the same?
Can it be this and that?
can he have day to day food and activities in this period?
Most of your questions are answered by your doc in first visit unless he has a very busy schedule.. and if you cant get answer even after asking these quieries then better change your doc.
*****
Avoid medical terminologies unless the child is suffering from a permanant or known disease.
*****
The more you fall in medical terminologies; more you get confused and the more you can complicate management by correlating many things together unless you or a family member is a doctor.
The reports will confuse you more...
and many times they dont need to lead to any conclusion and you worry - what your child is having can be dangerous..
Believe in your pediatrician, clear all misunderstandings !!
ask him clinical queries-
be more concerned about child (health and disease), diet and medicines rather than biochemistry and pathophysiology.
Leave the interpretation of tests to your pediatrician
and
make a list of queries and get answered from your doc in single sitting.. or another for another list.
We respect your doubt to get the management confirmed by another pediatrician; you are welcome.
also learn danger symptoms before you write to me.
emergency-serious-danger-symptoms-signs
Your time with the doctor is valuable. Here are some tips to help improve your experience.
1. Know what medications you are taking. Have an updated list or bring in your medication. What you are actually taking may not match what the doctor has in his records. Herbal supplements and vitamins should also be on your list.
2. Have a written list of the 3 most important things you want addressed by your doctor. Also have a list of questions you would like answered for each of the items on your concerns. If it helps, you may write down your symptoms.
3. For important discussions, bring a family member with you. An extra set of ears can help reinforce what the doctor is trying to tell you.
4. Avoid talking about the health of other people. The doctor's primary concern during a visit is to you.
http://drkondekar.s5.com
what is my child suffering from?
Is it common? how common?
Is it serious? How serious?
nothing to worry... some thing to worry.. or critical?
any danger to life or ability?
Does it require medicines- /hospitalisation? how long? will it require a change of medicines? whats its chance?
Effect within how many hours... if no relief then what?
what i am supposed to do to keep it in check?
what parameters to monitor?
when should i consult back? or when to worry?
Anything to prevent the same?
Can it be this and that?
can he have day to day food and activities in this period?
Most of your questions are answered by your doc in first visit unless he has a very busy schedule.. and if you cant get answer even after asking these quieries then better change your doc.
*****
Avoid medical terminologies unless the child is suffering from a permanant or known disease.
*****
The more you fall in medical terminologies; more you get confused and the more you can complicate management by correlating many things together unless you or a family member is a doctor.
The reports will confuse you more...
and many times they dont need to lead to any conclusion and you worry - what your child is having can be dangerous..
Believe in your pediatrician, clear all misunderstandings !!
ask him clinical queries-
be more concerned about child (health and disease), diet and medicines rather than biochemistry and pathophysiology.
Leave the interpretation of tests to your pediatrician
and
make a list of queries and get answered from your doc in single sitting.. or another for another list.
We respect your doubt to get the management confirmed by another pediatrician; you are welcome.
also learn danger symptoms before you write to me.
emergency-serious-danger-symptoms-signs
Your time with the doctor is valuable. Here are some tips to help improve your experience.
1. Know what medications you are taking. Have an updated list or bring in your medication. What you are actually taking may not match what the doctor has in his records. Herbal supplements and vitamins should also be on your list.
2. Have a written list of the 3 most important things you want addressed by your doctor. Also have a list of questions you would like answered for each of the items on your concerns. If it helps, you may write down your symptoms.
3. For important discussions, bring a family member with you. An extra set of ears can help reinforce what the doctor is trying to tell you.
4. Avoid talking about the health of other people. The doctor's primary concern during a visit is to you.
http://drkondekar.s5.com
Managing Fever In Children
Any rise in temperature is a discomfort.. and above 101F it becomes intolerable... and hence requires treatment.
'Highest level of tolerable temp' has no clinical significance as some children show symptoms of hyperpyrexia even at 103 F. and it varies from person to person.
The question is whether do we need to treat the fever?
fever upto 101F should be watched.. as it may get cured spontaneusly and it can cure the disease at times.
High fever in children, can at times turn lethal; so observing without treatment is no wise.
How do we manage:
1.Switch on Fan /AC, not directed towards pt, air in room should be free flow.
2.take clothes off.. no blankets... a common question always asked is what to do if child is shivering...? The answer is child may shiver.. we may give blanket for 1o min only.. as shivering doesnt last longer and fever starts rising after shiver if a blanket is given. Also shivering is protective while fever may be harmful. SO do take the vlanket off by 10 min... can repeat same.
3. Give an oral antipyretic. In viral infections and malarial fever , the myalgia plays a significant role... so its better to use a combination with ibuprofen or only ibuprofen.. more symptomatic relief. wait for 10 min.
4. Fever coming down : observe. Fever not coming down: start sponging.
5. Sponging tricks : Keep fan on. dont get scared of shivering. Dont use ice or cold water (why? : its not required ! and it has a risk of ppting hypothermia in children.. children are scared of cold when febrile) use a wet hanky /turkish towel, make it wet.. remove excess water.. spread it over the trunk and tummy... cover maximum surface area, faster relief; till it dries off or becomes hot.. then change the towel, repeat same till temp comes down. Forehead sponging: Most of the times not reqd.. as it carries undue emphasis from movies.. and covers small area. Parents may restrict sponging only to forehead. TricK: make scalp wet, let the forehead towel cover eyes.. that avoids pricking sensation in eyes.
6. wait another 10 minutes.. temp same or falling... observer and continue. If temperature rising.. try injectable paracetamol... by this we are just increasing the dose of PCM, changing route is only bcos child wont be in a position to take oral; one may try rectal.. equally effective.
7. Treat the cause of fever !!
Why prompt relief of fever reqd?
Annoying symptom, discomfort, feb seizure... hyperpyrexic brain damage.
'Highest level of tolerable temp' has no clinical significance as some children show symptoms of hyperpyrexia even at 103 F. and it varies from person to person.
The question is whether do we need to treat the fever?
fever upto 101F should be watched.. as it may get cured spontaneusly and it can cure the disease at times.
High fever in children, can at times turn lethal; so observing without treatment is no wise.
How do we manage:
1.Switch on Fan /AC, not directed towards pt, air in room should be free flow.
2.take clothes off.. no blankets... a common question always asked is what to do if child is shivering...? The answer is child may shiver.. we may give blanket for 1o min only.. as shivering doesnt last longer and fever starts rising after shiver if a blanket is given. Also shivering is protective while fever may be harmful. SO do take the vlanket off by 10 min... can repeat same.
3. Give an oral antipyretic. In viral infections and malarial fever , the myalgia plays a significant role... so its better to use a combination with ibuprofen or only ibuprofen.. more symptomatic relief. wait for 10 min.
4. Fever coming down : observe. Fever not coming down: start sponging.
5. Sponging tricks : Keep fan on. dont get scared of shivering. Dont use ice or cold water (why? : its not required ! and it has a risk of ppting hypothermia in children.. children are scared of cold when febrile) use a wet hanky /turkish towel, make it wet.. remove excess water.. spread it over the trunk and tummy... cover maximum surface area, faster relief; till it dries off or becomes hot.. then change the towel, repeat same till temp comes down. Forehead sponging: Most of the times not reqd.. as it carries undue emphasis from movies.. and covers small area. Parents may restrict sponging only to forehead. TricK: make scalp wet, let the forehead towel cover eyes.. that avoids pricking sensation in eyes.
6. wait another 10 minutes.. temp same or falling... observer and continue. If temperature rising.. try injectable paracetamol... by this we are just increasing the dose of PCM, changing route is only bcos child wont be in a position to take oral; one may try rectal.. equally effective.
7. Treat the cause of fever !!
Why prompt relief of fever reqd?
Annoying symptom, discomfort, feb seizure... hyperpyrexic brain damage.
METHOD OF ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO INFANTS
THIS TIP IS BEST USED TO TEACH PARENTS THE METHOD OF ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO INFANTS
its a frequent complaint from parents that their 6 month old doesnt take any new diet/ medicines...
Its time to complement feeding.. they understand.. but he vomits out whatever given!
he vomits medicine too!
what to do?
Its surprising that even some of hospital staff doesnt know how to feed a baby!
And thats what make them vomit even the medicines.
Its rather, they spit it out!
Yeah! they have already learnt to accumulate unknown things in oral cavity; so once the spoon is out they spit it out!
Try these tricks:
whenever and whatever u r giving in child's mouth, should be given iwith child in semiupright or sitting posture; that will avoid unnecessary stimulation of pharyngeal muscles.
if the child doesnt allow spoon or dropper easily.. restraint has to be applied, especially when u r giving this new product for the first time.
I had seen people administering medicines, by closing the nose; they think child will open mouth then; a practice to be discouraged for its harmful consequences.
The volume of initial introduction should be small.
whenever we are introducing a new diet, let him have a only taste of it for first 2 days, then give by drops or quarter spoon and increase gradually over a period of 3-5 days so that he will be taking adequate amount by that time.
THE PRINCIPLE IS INTRODUCTION WILL BE SMALL AND FREQUENT, AND DONT GIVE THE NEXT DROP/DOSE UNLESS FIRST IS SWALLOWED COMPLETELY!
I can understand that parents are in hurry to finish 100 ml in 5 minutes, but u may get results either spat out or vomitted bcos of gastric distentsion.
but if u wnat to avoid this: give it over 15-20 min atleast. least the chances of vomitting the longer time u space the feed!
==============================
Same while giving medicines; medicines are less easily accepted by most kids, cos they always tend to get forced in!
At times you do need to apply restraint.. but insist sitting posture; if cant avoid lying down posture;
apply pressure on cheeks as we do while giving OPV, donot give next drops unless u see first drop going down the throat!
details:
let a person hold him lying in bed, with his hands by the side of his head, horizontally up! This is a type of restraint!
now pinch the cheeks of the baby with your left hand (if u r administering from right side of child) so that mouth cavity opens up! in elderly children, you will require more force; so that your fingers are apparently between teeth covered by cheek, dont worry, it wont harm your kid!
Yeah! now u can use a dropper or spoon or whatevr!
Yes he will bubble while medicine is passing down the cheeks and mouth, but if u use small quantity the bubbles wont come out of mouth! He has now no other way but to swallow. Smaller the quanity, lesser the bubbles and less effective is the phooooo! U can let it trickle down along tongue too!
take a minute or two to administer whole medicine, and its done!
its a frequent complaint from parents that their 6 month old doesnt take any new diet/ medicines...
Its time to complement feeding.. they understand.. but he vomits out whatever given!
he vomits medicine too!
what to do?
Its surprising that even some of hospital staff doesnt know how to feed a baby!
And thats what make them vomit even the medicines.
Its rather, they spit it out!
Yeah! they have already learnt to accumulate unknown things in oral cavity; so once the spoon is out they spit it out!
Try these tricks:
whenever and whatever u r giving in child's mouth, should be given iwith child in semiupright or sitting posture; that will avoid unnecessary stimulation of pharyngeal muscles.
if the child doesnt allow spoon or dropper easily.. restraint has to be applied, especially when u r giving this new product for the first time.
I had seen people administering medicines, by closing the nose; they think child will open mouth then; a practice to be discouraged for its harmful consequences.
The volume of initial introduction should be small.
whenever we are introducing a new diet, let him have a only taste of it for first 2 days, then give by drops or quarter spoon and increase gradually over a period of 3-5 days so that he will be taking adequate amount by that time.
THE PRINCIPLE IS INTRODUCTION WILL BE SMALL AND FREQUENT, AND DONT GIVE THE NEXT DROP/DOSE UNLESS FIRST IS SWALLOWED COMPLETELY!
I can understand that parents are in hurry to finish 100 ml in 5 minutes, but u may get results either spat out or vomitted bcos of gastric distentsion.
but if u wnat to avoid this: give it over 15-20 min atleast. least the chances of vomitting the longer time u space the feed!
==============================
Same while giving medicines; medicines are less easily accepted by most kids, cos they always tend to get forced in!
At times you do need to apply restraint.. but insist sitting posture; if cant avoid lying down posture;
apply pressure on cheeks as we do while giving OPV, donot give next drops unless u see first drop going down the throat!
details:
let a person hold him lying in bed, with his hands by the side of his head, horizontally up! This is a type of restraint!
now pinch the cheeks of the baby with your left hand (if u r administering from right side of child) so that mouth cavity opens up! in elderly children, you will require more force; so that your fingers are apparently between teeth covered by cheek, dont worry, it wont harm your kid!
Yeah! now u can use a dropper or spoon or whatevr!
Yes he will bubble while medicine is passing down the cheeks and mouth, but if u use small quantity the bubbles wont come out of mouth! He has now no other way but to swallow. Smaller the quanity, lesser the bubbles and less effective is the phooooo! U can let it trickle down along tongue too!
take a minute or two to administer whole medicine, and its done!
How to console a crying infant?
Yep! seems to be an easy issue but it isnt as most parents realise.
There are simple tricks:
check out baby has no pain anywhere:
e.g. tight clothes shoes cap scarf etc.
Look out for any ant bites / mosquito bites
cool....
rest job isnt difficult if baby is given a good stomach feeling feed.
hold the baby in your arms , preferably on your shoulders; and tap on back.
If the baby is in bed, lift his head and shoulders with the support of your one hand and give swings..
1...2...3.....4....5
and baby stops crying!
if all this doesnt do... do contact your doctor.
The common causes why baby cries in night are:
hunger
pain
fever
cold / noseblock / cough
colic / indigestion / excess feed
constipation
lack of social recognition... wants to seek attention
My baby is four months old; should i stop his breast feeding?
HELLO! ALL@!
there had been lots of controversies and misconceptions flouted by quack doctors;
regarding the breastfeeding duration and time of starting complementary feeding.
Now read this carefully!
Mothers milk is THE only best for baby; till only six months;
after six months; babies growth needs warrant introduction of variety of calorie and enriched diet
in baby's food.
So, as your baby is just four months, give EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEED TILL SIX MONTHS OF AGE.
why cant i switch to top feeds?
you shouldn't switch to top feed because almost always they are not required for your baby.
Even though they claim of having a balanced diet, baby is in need of some natural
immunity which will protect the baby from various infections and also will selectively help in
growth and development of specific organs; especially brain. Only mothers milk can provide that.
But why cant i give cow's milk now?
You can give anything; but you shouldn't unless advised by your doctor.
Remember, Cow's milk is meant for cow's baby; so its usefulness in definitely there for the calves
not human babies.
In fact, in someway it can harm your baby; like the sugar, fat, phosphorus content and the calcium content in cow's milk
isnt suitable for human baby.
In addition, it needs to be taken boiled, which will hamper some nutrients mainly whey proteins.
Also, the available milk may be skimmed, processed, contaminated or adulterated., hence not always safe;
so better go for natural clean and aseptic milk.
But i find it difficult to feed him; as i also have to go for job......
yeah! you can go for your work, i will explain in details how baby can be managed at home with your milk;
when you are at work; in next blog /post.c
there had been lots of controversies and misconceptions flouted by quack doctors;
regarding the breastfeeding duration and time of starting complementary feeding.
Now read this carefully!
Mothers milk is THE only best for baby; till only six months;
after six months; babies growth needs warrant introduction of variety of calorie and enriched diet
in baby's food.
So, as your baby is just four months, give EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEED TILL SIX MONTHS OF AGE.
why cant i switch to top feeds?
you shouldn't switch to top feed because almost always they are not required for your baby.
Even though they claim of having a balanced diet, baby is in need of some natural
immunity which will protect the baby from various infections and also will selectively help in
growth and development of specific organs; especially brain. Only mothers milk can provide that.
But why cant i give cow's milk now?
You can give anything; but you shouldn't unless advised by your doctor.
Remember, Cow's milk is meant for cow's baby; so its usefulness in definitely there for the calves
not human babies.
In fact, in someway it can harm your baby; like the sugar, fat, phosphorus content and the calcium content in cow's milk
isnt suitable for human baby.
In addition, it needs to be taken boiled, which will hamper some nutrients mainly whey proteins.
Also, the available milk may be skimmed, processed, contaminated or adulterated., hence not always safe;
so better go for natural clean and aseptic milk.
But i find it difficult to feed him; as i also have to go for job......
yeah! you can go for your work, i will explain in details how baby can be managed at home with your milk;
when you are at work; in next blog /post.c
WANT TO FEED BREAST MILK WHEN YOU ARE AT WORK?
I say; why not!
we all know that mother's milk is the most important thing in the world for your baby; at least for first six months.
but there are some social situations like place of work and society when breastfeeding isnt possible for some reasons.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS:
Mother's milk can be stored at room temperature for upto 12 hours and in refrigerator for upto 24 hours without getting spoiled.
Now you know the trick.
Feed your baby early in morning before going to work.
Express milk in a clean sterile/boiled container; express both breasts; each for upto 15-20 minutes so that FULL milk is emptied.
If you feel like milk not moving take a break of an hour; try again. SO if you start at 6 am, by 8 am you may have average of a glass of milk which may suffice for your baby for next 2 feeds.
This milk, as can be stored at room temperature for 12 hrs; can be carried in a bottle wherever baby goes; and baby can be fed at convenient times even if baby is in crèche or with attendant.
You can again feed your baby when you are back from work.
You can remove extra milk in night; and store in refrigerator; if you think your baby may require more milk.
You may use breast pumps initially if you find it difficult to express milk. You will learn in 2 days.
No all this is easy and not tedious nor tiring!
The more often you stimulate / express / feed with breast; the more milk will be let out and hence; healthier will be your baby.
================================
HIV infected mother's should consult their doctor regarding benefits and risks of breast milk to their baby.
===============================
Some time later; we will discuss the method of expressing milk from breast; using your own hands.
HOW TO EXPRESS BREAST MILK; MANUALLY ?
we have learnt: Expressing breast milk is required in some situations when baby needs to be separated from mother.
Now here is simple method to express breast milk by using own hands; don't worry; thats too easy.
what you need is a wide mouth container / bowl / big cup; clean; dry and washed with soap and water.
wash your hands clean and thoroughly with soap n water.
you can express milk sitting or standing.
- STEPS:
-
- Hold /place container in front of breast.
- gently massage or stroke the breast from chest towards nipple; to soften the breast. 8-10 times.
- put your thumb over areola (the black circle around nipple); and other fingers below nipple parallel to it.
- now push back the breast to chest wall keeping finger at areola; 2-4 times.
- alternate above movement with gentle pressing of areola to express milk; keeping fingers at same position.
- now rotate fingers around nipple; parallel to each other to get more milk.
- spend 3-5 minutes per breast; lo u did it.
- now cover it and keep in refrigerator for next feeds when you aren't around.
One may use pumps; but this is the best method.
Expressing breast milk can also be required when:
- breasts get engorged or infected.
- mother separated from baby due to illness or employment
- maintain milk production and keep breasts and baby comfortable.
Caring for Kids, Their Health and illness: what a parent SHOULD know about his kid froma doctor
Always ask: Layman questions:
what is my child suffering from?
Is it common? how common?
Is it serious? How serious?
nothing to worry... some thing to worry.. or critical?
any danger to life or ability?
Does it require medicines- /hospitalisation? how long? will it require a change of medicines? whats its chance?
Effect within how many hours... if no relief then what?
what i am supposed to do to keep it in check?
what parameters to monitor?
when should i consult back? or when to worry?
Anything to prevent the same?
Can it be this and that?
can he have day to day food and activities in this period?
Most of your questions are answered by your doc in first visit unless he has a very busy schedule.. and if you cant get answer even after asking these quieries then better change your doc.
*****
Avoid medical terminologies unless the child is suffering from a permanant or known disease.
*****
The more you fall in medical terminologies; more you get confused and the more you can complicate management by correlating many things together unless you or a family member is a doctor.
The reports will confuse you more...
and many times they dont need to lead to any conclusion and you worry - what your child is having can be dangerous..
Believe in your pediatrician, clear all misunderstandings !!
ask him clinical queries-
be more concerned about child (health and disease), diet and medicines rather than biochemistry and pathophysiology.
Leave the interpretation of tests to your pediatrician
and
make a list of queries and get answered from your doc in single sitting.. or another for another list.
We respect your doubt to get the management confirmed by another pediatrician; you are welcome.
also learn danger symptoms before you write to me.
emergency-serious-danger-symptoms-signs
Your time with the doctor is valuable. Here are some tips to help improve your experience.
1. Know what medications you are taking. Have an updated list or bring in your medication. What you are actually taking may not match what the doctor has in his records. Herbal supplements and vitamins should also be on your list.
2. Have a written list of the 3 most important things you want addressed by your doctor. Also have a list of questions you would like answered for each of the items on your concerns. If it helps, you may write down your symptoms.
3. For important discussions, bring a family member with you. An extra set of ears can help reinforce what the doctor is trying to tell you.
4. Avoid talking about the health of other people. The doctor's primary concern during a visit is to you.
http://drkondekar.s5.com
what is my child suffering from?
Is it common? how common?
Is it serious? How serious?
nothing to worry... some thing to worry.. or critical?
any danger to life or ability?
Does it require medicines- /hospitalisation? how long? will it require a change of medicines? whats its chance?
Effect within how many hours... if no relief then what?
what i am supposed to do to keep it in check?
what parameters to monitor?
when should i consult back? or when to worry?
Anything to prevent the same?
Can it be this and that?
can he have day to day food and activities in this period?
Most of your questions are answered by your doc in first visit unless he has a very busy schedule.. and if you cant get answer even after asking these quieries then better change your doc.
*****
Avoid medical terminologies unless the child is suffering from a permanant or known disease.
*****
The more you fall in medical terminologies; more you get confused and the more you can complicate management by correlating many things together unless you or a family member is a doctor.
The reports will confuse you more...
and many times they dont need to lead to any conclusion and you worry - what your child is having can be dangerous..
Believe in your pediatrician, clear all misunderstandings !!
ask him clinical queries-
be more concerned about child (health and disease), diet and medicines rather than biochemistry and pathophysiology.
Leave the interpretation of tests to your pediatrician
and
make a list of queries and get answered from your doc in single sitting.. or another for another list.
We respect your doubt to get the management confirmed by another pediatrician; you are welcome.
also learn danger symptoms before you write to me.
emergency-serious-danger-symptoms-signs
Your time with the doctor is valuable. Here are some tips to help improve your experience.
1. Know what medications you are taking. Have an updated list or bring in your medication. What you are actually taking may not match what the doctor has in his records. Herbal supplements and vitamins should also be on your list.
2. Have a written list of the 3 most important things you want addressed by your doctor. Also have a list of questions you would like answered for each of the items on your concerns. If it helps, you may write down your symptoms.
3. For important discussions, bring a family member with you. An extra set of ears can help reinforce what the doctor is trying to tell you.
4. Avoid talking about the health of other people. The doctor's primary concern during a visit is to you.
http://drkondekar.s5.com
IS MY MILK ENOUGH FOR MY BABY? i FEEL MY MILK IS NOT ENOUGH FOR MY BABY; WHAT TO DO?
Hello again!
Many proud moms do complain to me,
1. My milk is not enough for my baby
2. He/she is continuously crying and hungry
3. He needs extra milk,may be he doesnt like my milk.
HERE ARE THE EXPLANATIONS:
REMEMBER: TEN points: MOST IMP POINT 7
1. Your milk is best for your baby. THE ONLY BEST!
If your friend is using top feeds for some reason, consult your doctor
before you think of same. There are reasons for both.
2. Even if you have twins, your milk is enough for both the babies.
3. Baby is born and milk is produced from breast in accord to each other.
So milk produced for a premature baby will be different than
that for the full term baby.
4. Every time baby cried doesnt mean that baby was hugry and needs milk.
5. If your baby passes urine more than 3-4 times a day, then by no means
baby is getting less quantity of milk.
6. You will feel your milk is not enough
because you never realised you can produce more milk.
7. Simple way to produce more milk for your baby is; feed the baby to breast
LONGER 920-30 MIN EACH TIME);
FREQUENT (EVERY 2-4 HOURLY); AND
fULL (EACH BREATS FULL = MIN 20 MIN), more u empty, more milk will come.
8. You will feel your baby doesnt like your milk, because:
You may be feeding less than 20 minute per feed, remember the last part of milk during a
30 min feeding session is tastier, healthier and calorie rich.
9. Baby leaves breast doesnt mean, he has taken his meal; NO; he had taken a break to burp.
So keep him to breast another 10 minutes so that he will take feed again.
10. YOU FEEL Your milk not enough, DOESNT MEAN THAT you have to use readymade feeds;
and by some way if u are feeding ready feeds to your baby doesnt mean u should stop
breast milk. ( unless mother is HIV positive; *consult your doc for details)
Yes rarely mothers milk may be not enough, when mother can be started on medicines
for the same.
Many proud moms do complain to me,
1. My milk is not enough for my baby
2. He/she is continuously crying and hungry
3. He needs extra milk,may be he doesnt like my milk.
HERE ARE THE EXPLANATIONS:
REMEMBER: TEN points: MOST IMP POINT 7
1. Your milk is best for your baby. THE ONLY BEST!
If your friend is using top feeds for some reason, consult your doctor
before you think of same. There are reasons for both.
2. Even if you have twins, your milk is enough for both the babies.
3. Baby is born and milk is produced from breast in accord to each other.
So milk produced for a premature baby will be different than
that for the full term baby.
4. Every time baby cried doesnt mean that baby was hugry and needs milk.
5. If your baby passes urine more than 3-4 times a day, then by no means
baby is getting less quantity of milk.
6. You will feel your milk is not enough
because you never realised you can produce more milk.
7. Simple way to produce more milk for your baby is; feed the baby to breast
LONGER 920-30 MIN EACH TIME);
FREQUENT (EVERY 2-4 HOURLY); AND
fULL (EACH BREATS FULL = MIN 20 MIN), more u empty, more milk will come.
8. You will feel your baby doesnt like your milk, because:
You may be feeding less than 20 minute per feed, remember the last part of milk during a
30 min feeding session is tastier, healthier and calorie rich.
9. Baby leaves breast doesnt mean, he has taken his meal; NO; he had taken a break to burp.
So keep him to breast another 10 minutes so that he will take feed again.
10. YOU FEEL Your milk not enough, DOESNT MEAN THAT you have to use readymade feeds;
and by some way if u are feeding ready feeds to your baby doesnt mean u should stop
breast milk. ( unless mother is HIV positive; *consult your doc for details)
Yes rarely mothers milk may be not enough, when mother can be started on medicines
for the same.
why does my child cough?
Hey all
Most children cough a lot times a year making us feared about various illnesses.
Well its not so. Normal Children do get cough many times a year, as much as 8 to 10 times a year till age 5 years.
There are many reasons:
Cough can be mainly because of infection or allergy.
And sometimes due to airway narrowing / obstruction for various reasons.
The common causes for children being highly susceptible are:
- There airways are narrow,
- Their immunity is relatively low.
- They cant easily cough out or take voluntary deep / more effective breaths... so get easily complicated.
Both infective and allergic cough produces lots of irritation and inflammation along the airways, in addition body responds by producing secretions, all together result in airway narrowing and may produce noisy breathing or distressed breathing with or without cough. Cough is also produced when secretion irritate pharynx.
Cough can be because of:
- allergy
- infections of airways, nose, throat, ears and lungs.
- pollutants
- irritant fumes
- inhalation of foreign objects
Most coughs last for short duration of 3-7 days; unless
- infection persists or is treated / healed only partially or
- child has allergic or atopic tendencies including asthma.
- a foreign body is lodged in some part of airway or lungs
- its a habitual cough
How do i take care of a coughing baby at home?
Remember your kid needs an urgent attention of a doctor
- if the child is breathless / restless /irritable/ wheezes for more than 10 minutes; or any other abnormal / loud sounds from airways
- vomits with or following cough
- coughs in night more than 3 times.
- cough doesnt respond to medicines in 3 days
- child refuses to eat / vomits or passes less urine than usual.
- turns blue / unconscious during cough or coughs in bouts
- u see a white patch or slough in throat or mouth or doesnt open mouth to swallow solids
What you can do at home?
- comfort and comfortable position
- side or sitting position
- avoid irritants
- dont feed during a cough, but do feed after cough over
- give soothing nebulisation if possible
- avoid medicines unless advised by a pediatrician
- watch out for danger signs mentioned above.
- Take care of runny nose as mentioned elsewhere.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
How much water do we need?
A news study shows the "truths" we know about water may not have any scientific basis. Do you push your kids to drink water? I know I do. I don't think this study says that's a bad thing by any means, but it is interesting. We always hear we need to drink eight glasses of water a day. That may be correct, but there's really no proof. Two doctors from the University of Pennsylvania said they spent a lot of time looking for research that shows how much water we need each day. They found very little.
One researcher thinks, "It's required for life, and I guess that's led people to think, well. it a normal amount is good, then extra might be better."
I remember being told I was getting heavy by my manager at a clothing store in college. She told me to drink more water because it will fill you up and you won't over eat. Doctors say there are no conclusive studies proving this.
What about the idea that water will help your kidneys function by clearing out toxins? Same thing-there is no scientific evidence. There's no proof is will prevent headaches or improve skin tone either.
From ABC News:
"A government panel said unless you're working out or live in the desert, you need 11 glasses full of fluid for women a day and 15 for men. That sounds like a lot, but most people get it already from things like coffee, milk, and soda. In fact, 20% of the water you need comes from the moisture in food. The best advice is to drink water when you're thirsty."
I hope this story doesn't prevent people from drinking enough water. I do think it fills me up. How about you?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
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