1) Does this have a relation with wheezing?
-There is no relation of snoring with wheezing.
2) Does this snoring need medical attention?
-Snoring can be because of various causes. In children, adenoids is one cause and it needs medical attention. Sleep apnoea is another cause in children. Obesity could also be a reason for snoring.
3) Will this breathing problem subside with these medicines?
-Breathing problem in an asthmatic child can be controlled by medications.
4) Does ear wax formation cause the nasal block as well?
-There is no reelation between ear-wax and naal blockage.
Snoring can be cured by:
-Treating the underlying cause.
-sometimes by changing the posture of sleeping
-reducing obesity
-singing. Its has been observed that practicing singing for about 25 min daily tones the soft palete and reduces snoring.
Showing posts with label Baby Illnesses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby Illnesses. Show all posts
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Vomiting vs GER -- Dr. Sanjay Replies
Excessive vomiting in spite of burping.
It seems to be a case of gasto-esophageal reflux (GER) to me, which can even be confirmed by a nuclear GER scan. It is not uncommon in small children, esp. Infants.
When to intervene, even if it’s positive ?
If Child is not gaining weight or symptoms are that much, to cause even respiratory symptoms.
At that stage may be some medication (antireflux/antacids) may help in decreasing that.
Even if you don’t give any medicine, it’s going to improve with time, may be by one year.
Do not worry much. Just follow simple instructions, which you are already doing, like
- Burping longer for 30 mintues after each feed.
- Use a pillow (to elevate his head), whenever he is lying on bed.
But if symptoms persists, and worsening, may be its time to go for GER scan and medication.
It seems to be a case of gasto-esophageal reflux (GER) to me, which can even be confirmed by a nuclear GER scan. It is not uncommon in small children, esp. Infants.
When to intervene, even if it’s positive ?
If Child is not gaining weight or symptoms are that much, to cause even respiratory symptoms.
At that stage may be some medication (antireflux/antacids) may help in decreasing that.
Even if you don’t give any medicine, it’s going to improve with time, may be by one year.
Do not worry much. Just follow simple instructions, which you are already doing, like
- Burping longer for 30 mintues after each feed.
- Use a pillow (to elevate his head), whenever he is lying on bed.
But if symptoms persists, and worsening, may be its time to go for GER scan and medication.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Flat Head
Plagiocephaly in medical terminology and flat head for a layman is a cause of concern in infants... from too much of lying down in the same position to the same side, they may develop a soft spot and the shape of the head may become a little flattened. A little of this is not a concern but obvious mis-shapening should be avoided... There is a lot more attached to it than a cosmetic problem. Nothing about to raise your panic antennae up though.
Tummy time and keeping interesting things on 4 sides of the room to look at, consciously making it a point to divert the kid's attention to turn around and look in all directions, top, left and right... these are the simplest measures from day of birth.. :) Repositioning to ensure equal time spent on both sides is vital.. also while being cautious that the kid does not suffocate self, adequate tummy time is the key.
The babies are not born with a perfect round shape head, it gradually takes one shape as the skull hardens.. so, all we need to make sure is that the growth is uniform in all direction rather than one flat spot at one side which was not there earlier during birth. simple!! Most of this occurs during the early stages of life say first 3 to 5 months where the skull is very soft. So changing the baby sleep position and side every 2 hours or so or after every feed between 3 to 4 hours if the kid tends to sleep just on one side should solve the problem.
A baby pillow serves two purposes in the infant.. one keeping the head a tad bit elevated and also holding the head in a proper position.
A traditional baby pillow made of mustard seeds
Dried yellow mustard seeds, a method traditionally used in India for hundreds of years to help preserve the round shape of the new-baby head. The mustard seeds mould to the natural shape of the new-born baby head and prevent the head from becoming flat at the back. Yellow mustard seeds are preffered to black ones as they have a smoother surface and therefore slide more easily against each other, enabling the pillow to form more snuggly to the shape of the baby's head and therapeutically too mustard seeds are believed to reduce back pains, migraines and joint pains, so no harm making one for the kid.
Do not panic if there are signs of early flattening just focus on keeping baby's head position uniform in all directions and gradually it will go away.
PS: The rai seeds/aavalu/mustard seeds should be packed loosely so they have moving space in the pillow rather than packing it tightly.. something akin to a micro bead pillow. The size of the pillow actually is very small, a big notebook size, not very stiff, not very high... in short maybe about one and a half or double the size of the baby's head (length/breadth everything put together), not very big or fluffy just the correct size.
I used something like the one in the picture above, which we get in all the baby stores in India. A very tiny pillow. Preferably, stitch a cover for it so that you can wash it regularly and keep it clean for the kid.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
obesity In Children
Obesity in children is an upcoming hormonal problem, parents are facing now a days and most of the time it is due to inappropriate lifestyle of parents and hence children.
Parents usually encourage the child to eat as much as he/she can and that the junk food most of the time.
So we can say continous junk food and sedentary lifestyle (like instead of doing physical activities children are watching TV or playing video games) are the main causes of the obesity or weight gain which in turn leads to other multiple problems like young onset of Type 2 Diabetes, High Cholesterols, Heart problems, puberty problems, growth disorders, Gall bladder stones and many other innumerable medical problems.
Parents usually encourage the child to eat as much as he/she can and that the junk food most of the time.
So we can say continous junk food and sedentary lifestyle (like instead of doing physical activities children are watching TV or playing video games) are the main causes of the obesity or weight gain which in turn leads to other multiple problems like young onset of Type 2 Diabetes, High Cholesterols, Heart problems, puberty problems, growth disorders, Gall bladder stones and many other innumerable medical problems.
Diabetes In Children
Symptoms to watch out for diabetes in children.
1.Polyurea (throughout day and night ) - Child is going for urination again and again.
2. Increase thirst of child.
3. Weight loss (This is the most important symptom. Sometimes only complaint of parent is that child is not gaining weight inspite of ruling out all other common conditions.
4. Frequent infections.
5.Pain Abdomen This is more specific as there are two types of dibetes Type 1 and Type II .Type II belongs to adult diabetes and Type 1 Belongs to children onset diabetes Ketone are usually formed as there is deficiency of insulin in Type 1.Ketone formation leads to acidosis (ph of blood become more acidic) Child usually complaint of pain abdomen due to ketones.Sometimes pain in abdomen is so severe that child has to be admitted for the same. So history of recurrent pain abdomen with one or two admission in hospital is the indicator childhood diabetes.
5. Growth pattern of diabetes affected.
1.Polyurea (throughout day and night ) - Child is going for urination again and again.
2. Increase thirst of child.
3. Weight loss (This is the most important symptom. Sometimes only complaint of parent is that child is not gaining weight inspite of ruling out all other common conditions.
4. Frequent infections.
5.Pain Abdomen This is more specific as there are two types of dibetes Type 1 and Type II .Type II belongs to adult diabetes and Type 1 Belongs to children onset diabetes Ketone are usually formed as there is deficiency of insulin in Type 1.Ketone formation leads to acidosis (ph of blood become more acidic) Child usually complaint of pain abdomen due to ketones.Sometimes pain in abdomen is so severe that child has to be admitted for the same. So history of recurrent pain abdomen with one or two admission in hospital is the indicator childhood diabetes.
5. Growth pattern of diabetes affected.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Bronchitis and Kids
1) Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (the airways that carry air to lungs). Bronchitis is of two types: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis presents with cough, with or without the production of sputum, mucus. It usually occurs during the course of an acute viral illness such as common cold. Viruses cause about 90% of cases.
Chronic bronchitis is something in which cough persists for years, this is not seen in children, and it’s more common in chronic smokers. So what we see in children is just extension of cold to airways, it’s usually a mild infection, doesn’t need any specific treatment in most of the cases. Just need treatment as of cold only. Need antibiotics, if it’s because of bacteria only in 10% cases. So, you need to worry for that, just see if your child doesn’t get better in normal course of time, take him to doctor, to see any need for antibiotics or not.
2. Asthma is something where there are inherited allergic tendencies in lungs to get spasm. It may be lifelong sometimes. So, bronchitis is different from asthma.
3. If cough cold and fever doesn’t settle in 3-5 days, and cough increases, its time for you to talk to your doctor for any need of antibiotics.
4. No specific precautions, just same what to take to prevent common cold, hygiene etc. You can’t restrict always him always form playing in water or taking ice creams. Just be sensitive if needed in taking early medical advice. It’s because of infection, which is there in air.
5. Child can’t spit sputum, its difficult.
Chronic bronchitis is something in which cough persists for years, this is not seen in children, and it’s more common in chronic smokers. So what we see in children is just extension of cold to airways, it’s usually a mild infection, doesn’t need any specific treatment in most of the cases. Just need treatment as of cold only. Need antibiotics, if it’s because of bacteria only in 10% cases. So, you need to worry for that, just see if your child doesn’t get better in normal course of time, take him to doctor, to see any need for antibiotics or not.
2. Asthma is something where there are inherited allergic tendencies in lungs to get spasm. It may be lifelong sometimes. So, bronchitis is different from asthma.
3. If cough cold and fever doesn’t settle in 3-5 days, and cough increases, its time for you to talk to your doctor for any need of antibiotics.
4. No specific precautions, just same what to take to prevent common cold, hygiene etc. You can’t restrict always him always form playing in water or taking ice creams. Just be sensitive if needed in taking early medical advice. It’s because of infection, which is there in air.
5. Child can’t spit sputum, its difficult.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Stool Concerns in Kids
Bile is secreted by liver, which is green in color, when it passes down, gradually from small intestine to large intestine, color changes from green to yellow due to other intestinal secretions. But if transit time (time it takes to cross both intestines) is less, it doesn’t get time to change to yellow, and stool passed as green in color. So green stools just means that intestinal motility is increased.
It may or may not be infection.
If it is associated with high grade fever, vomiting or associated with blood or mucus in stool, then
it’s probably due to infection, which needs stool examination, otherwise you can wait it to settle down by itself.
Usually such stools if it was because of infection may follow to persist for some weeks, esp in top feed children, because of secondary lactose intolerance (acidic stools) afterwards. Such problems are not common if child is exclusively breast feed in first six months. For this, you just need to wait for some time to settle down gradually. But if this extent for long period, you need to discuss with your doctor too, which may need repeated stool tests. In most cases, it settles of its own.
It may or may not be infection.
If it is associated with high grade fever, vomiting or associated with blood or mucus in stool, then
it’s probably due to infection, which needs stool examination, otherwise you can wait it to settle down by itself.
Usually such stools if it was because of infection may follow to persist for some weeks, esp in top feed children, because of secondary lactose intolerance (acidic stools) afterwards. Such problems are not common if child is exclusively breast feed in first six months. For this, you just need to wait for some time to settle down gradually. But if this extent for long period, you need to discuss with your doctor too, which may need repeated stool tests. In most cases, it settles of its own.
Deworming..
Regarding parasitic infestation in children, cos they are not common here.
Common infestations in these small kids are pin worm and round worm infestations. Usually comes when something coated with dust particles goes in. I understand it’s difficult to prevent such infestations, few precaution are like this :
1. It’s advisable to wash hands of children esp between 1-3 years at least 5 times a day. (Children of this age will keep on putting hands and everything in mouth, which you can’t prevent every time).
2. Be persistent in washing kid’s hands before eating food and also after passing stool. (I know you do that every time for yourself, but make it also for the kid, so he develops this habit from early age)
3. Always eat fruits and vegetable after proper washing them (Never Never without washing, as it’s the most common source of these worms).
4. Avoid things available in market which are open esp. in India like golgappe, open fruit chat etc.
These are few small things which you must be following; just need is to sustain these habits.
Common symptoms of worms in children are abdominal pain, itching in perianal region.
Regarding regular deworming, as such there are no guidelines; still it’s advisable to get your children dewormed every 6 monthly in age group 1-5 years.
Deworming before the kid turns a year old is strongly not advised, also talk to your doctor before doing it.
Common infestations in these small kids are pin worm and round worm infestations. Usually comes when something coated with dust particles goes in. I understand it’s difficult to prevent such infestations, few precaution are like this :
1. It’s advisable to wash hands of children esp between 1-3 years at least 5 times a day. (Children of this age will keep on putting hands and everything in mouth, which you can’t prevent every time).
2. Be persistent in washing kid’s hands before eating food and also after passing stool. (I know you do that every time for yourself, but make it also for the kid, so he develops this habit from early age)
3. Always eat fruits and vegetable after proper washing them (Never Never without washing, as it’s the most common source of these worms).
4. Avoid things available in market which are open esp. in India like golgappe, open fruit chat etc.
These are few small things which you must be following; just need is to sustain these habits.
Common symptoms of worms in children are abdominal pain, itching in perianal region.
Regarding regular deworming, as such there are no guidelines; still it’s advisable to get your children dewormed every 6 monthly in age group 1-5 years.
Deworming before the kid turns a year old is strongly not advised, also talk to your doctor before doing it.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tearing/Crusting Eyes -- Infants
Kanti Pusulu -- Yellowish wet/dry crusting around the eyes of the babies is one of the common things that might be encountered in India. Some doctors actually give some antibiotic drops to the newborns in anticipation of any infection from the mother but in India, only when there is a problem do they give the drops.
There can be several reasons for tearing/crusting in an infant.
Make sure that the kid is not near any irritant or allergic object which is causing the tearing and crusting. If the tearing is accompanied by red shot eyes, runny nose or cough it might likely be an allergic reaction but this is indeed very rare in infants...
When there is such an occurrence, make sure the eyes are cleansed every once in a while before the discharge is crusted in the corners of the eye.
**Wipe the eyes clean with warm water cotton balls and clean them delicately.
**Do not let the kid rub the eyes excessively.
**Contact doctor immediately if there is any redness or swelling in the eye.
The reasons can be
* a blocked tear duct.
* a bacterial infection.
* a viral infection.
While the other two require medical intervention and confirmation that it indeed is an infection.. we can at home try some remedies to open up the blocked tear ducts as per my doctor.
A simple tip to stop tearing and crusting is
***When LO had crusting of the eyes, doc suggested me to press slightly on the nasal ridge and the place where the eye sockets meet the nose. Gently massaging the area between the eyebrows and eyes, around the eye sockets. It did help instantly. I was told to repeat the same gentle tapping massaging around the eyes and nose for about 20 times in the day, say 6 to 8 times rounds each time, 3 times a day.. ideally feeding times as the baby wont usually mind us doing that :).
If anyone at home has conjunctivitis be it bacterial or viral just keep everything separately including towels and bedsheets and if possible do not let them come near the infant. If it is you (the mom) who is infected take enough care not to stare into the eyes and take care of hygiene as much as possible.
If it is in the newborn stage, before 3 months of age, then it is most likely something to do with blocked tear ducts or nasal bone development or something like that, just the crusting and tearing, so do not worry...
watch out for external objects, redness, foul smelling crusts and keep the surroundings absolutely clean.
Thanks Renu for reminding me this one... LO had this as a newborn, so kind of missed my notice to update here.
There can be several reasons for tearing/crusting in an infant.
Make sure that the kid is not near any irritant or allergic object which is causing the tearing and crusting. If the tearing is accompanied by red shot eyes, runny nose or cough it might likely be an allergic reaction but this is indeed very rare in infants...
When there is such an occurrence, make sure the eyes are cleansed every once in a while before the discharge is crusted in the corners of the eye.
**Wipe the eyes clean with warm water cotton balls and clean them delicately.
**Do not let the kid rub the eyes excessively.
**Contact doctor immediately if there is any redness or swelling in the eye.
The reasons can be
* a blocked tear duct.
* a bacterial infection.
* a viral infection.
While the other two require medical intervention and confirmation that it indeed is an infection.. we can at home try some remedies to open up the blocked tear ducts as per my doctor.
A simple tip to stop tearing and crusting is
***When LO had crusting of the eyes, doc suggested me to press slightly on the nasal ridge and the place where the eye sockets meet the nose. Gently massaging the area between the eyebrows and eyes, around the eye sockets. It did help instantly. I was told to repeat the same gentle tapping massaging around the eyes and nose for about 20 times in the day, say 6 to 8 times rounds each time, 3 times a day.. ideally feeding times as the baby wont usually mind us doing that :).
If anyone at home has conjunctivitis be it bacterial or viral just keep everything separately including towels and bedsheets and if possible do not let them come near the infant. If it is you (the mom) who is infected take enough care not to stare into the eyes and take care of hygiene as much as possible.
If it is in the newborn stage, before 3 months of age, then it is most likely something to do with blocked tear ducts or nasal bone development or something like that, just the crusting and tearing, so do not worry...
watch out for external objects, redness, foul smelling crusts and keep the surroundings absolutely clean.
Thanks Renu for reminding me this one... LO had this as a newborn, so kind of missed my notice to update here.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Frequent Cold and Cough
Cough and cold are not uncommon in such small children, esp. when they go out to crowded places.
To prevent such infections, we can just suggest good balanced diet (including fruits), good general hygiene (washing hands at least 3-4 times a day & try to avoid outings unnecessarily, if possible. I understand many things you can’t avoid, still, if cold and cough starts, avoid things like cold drinks, ice creams and ice, as it may worsen the situation. If things don’t improve in initial 2-3 days, you must discuss with your doctor, nothing less than this. I don’t think there are any medicines, which can prevent the onset of such infection in children. Its only with age, when they grow up, their immunity improves and things get better.
To prevent such infections, we can just suggest good balanced diet (including fruits), good general hygiene (washing hands at least 3-4 times a day & try to avoid outings unnecessarily, if possible. I understand many things you can’t avoid, still, if cold and cough starts, avoid things like cold drinks, ice creams and ice, as it may worsen the situation. If things don’t improve in initial 2-3 days, you must discuss with your doctor, nothing less than this. I don’t think there are any medicines, which can prevent the onset of such infection in children. Its only with age, when they grow up, their immunity improves and things get better.
Capillary Hemangioma
WHAT IS INFANTILE HEMANGIOMA?
- Infantile haemangioma is a benign condition affecting skin blood vessels.
- They usually develop shortly after birth.
- Over 80% of infantile haemangioma occur on head and neck area.
- They grow to 80% of maximum size in the first three months and most stop growing at 5 months, but some may keep growing for up to 18 months, after that they starts regressing, which may take as long as 3-10 years.
- Most of them have a natural course and don’t need any treatment.
- Only if they are very large in size may leave a thin scar in some cases.
- These are more commonly seen in preterm and low-birth weight babies, but can occur in normal babies too.
- Actual cause for it is still not clear.
WHEN IS THE TREATMENT NEEDED?
- If they are very large in size.
- If they are ulcerating.
- If affecting vision, hearing, breathing or feeding (internal haemangioma)
- If they doesn’t start resolving by school age.
So, I feel you should not worry for them, as they naturally regresses.
- Infantile haemangioma is a benign condition affecting skin blood vessels.
- They usually develop shortly after birth.
- Over 80% of infantile haemangioma occur on head and neck area.
- They grow to 80% of maximum size in the first three months and most stop growing at 5 months, but some may keep growing for up to 18 months, after that they starts regressing, which may take as long as 3-10 years.
- Most of them have a natural course and don’t need any treatment.
- Only if they are very large in size may leave a thin scar in some cases.
- These are more commonly seen in preterm and low-birth weight babies, but can occur in normal babies too.
- Actual cause for it is still not clear.
WHEN IS THE TREATMENT NEEDED?
- If they are very large in size.
- If they are ulcerating.
- If affecting vision, hearing, breathing or feeding (internal haemangioma)
- If they doesn’t start resolving by school age.
So, I feel you should not worry for them, as they naturally regresses.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tonsils in Kids -- Dr. Sanjay
WHAT ARE TONISILS?
• Tonsils are part of immune system of body. There are three sets of tonsils in the back of mouth; adenoids are also one of them.
• The main functions of these tonsils are like an army soldier, whenever anything unhygienic comes into the mouth, they fight with that first. While doing this, i.e. trying to prevent infection, they them self get injured i.e. they get infected and enlarged. So, by suffering them self, they prevent the infection to spread to rest of body.
• These tonsils grow until puberty (10-12 years), than begins to shrink in the following years. These tonsils are very important as a protective mechanism for children, because they are more likely to eat things which are unhygienic. After 12 years, they regress because our other immune mechanisms become more active to prevent infections.
WHEN TONSILLECTOMY IS JUSTIFIED?
You will be surprised to know, if they are so protective, why we need to remove them. Yes, sometimes we need to remove them, mainly because of mechanical problems which occur because of their enlargement. So there are 2 clear cut indications for its removal before 12 years:
I) When tonsils are enlarged so much that they obstruct breathing and swallowing both.
II) When throat infections are sooo much that these enlarged tonsils them self are posing risk for more infections (in such cases removal of these tonsils may be help full).
So, tonsillectomy will be advisable in a child who:
-- have developed at least 7 “significant” episodes of throat infection in 1 year.
-- Or atleast 5 “significant” infections every year from last 2 years.
-- Or atleast 3 “significant” infections every year from last 3 years.
Significant infection means : associated with high grade fever every time, with enlarged lymph nodes in throat, tonsils coved with pus like coating called exudates every time.
Every child who meets these criteria also need not go for surgery. Many children will improve spontaneously without surgery sooner or later. So, the decision about surgery should be individualized.
Recent evidence also suggests, that those children who are not frequently having significant tonsillitis if undergoes surgery, it won’t help in reducing chances of throat infection. So, surgery should be done only in those cases, where things are really worse.
So, prevention of throat infection in this age is more important.
MYTHS AND PREVENTION OF TONSILLITIS ?
3 POINTS TO REMEMBER IN PREVENTING TONSILLITIS:
• AVOID CROWDED PLACES.
(Infection may be contacted from persons, who are infected. If you find someone infected, keep distance from him/her and take precautions to avoid infection. Pollution and crowded places again increases risk of infection)
• GOOD BALANCED DIET.
(Includes two major diets, 2 times milk, one fruit a day)
• DURING INFECTIONS AVOID COLD DRINKS, ICECREAMS, COLD WATER
(Cos these organism multiply very fast when cold temp, so it will worsen the situation)
MYTHS NEED CLARIFICAITON:
1. No scientific evidence to suggest that curd or fruits like mausambi increase risk of tonsillitis (Infect fruits contain good amount of Vit C, which is needed for good immunity)
2. Fruits as such are better than juices, cos they contain lot of fibres, which are good.
3. Chocolates, nuts, cream biscuits can’t cause infection, why we avoid them, cos, when children eat them often they get contaminated, and by contamination risk of infection increases.
Hope many things are clarified.
• Tonsils are part of immune system of body. There are three sets of tonsils in the back of mouth; adenoids are also one of them.
• The main functions of these tonsils are like an army soldier, whenever anything unhygienic comes into the mouth, they fight with that first. While doing this, i.e. trying to prevent infection, they them self get injured i.e. they get infected and enlarged. So, by suffering them self, they prevent the infection to spread to rest of body.
• These tonsils grow until puberty (10-12 years), than begins to shrink in the following years. These tonsils are very important as a protective mechanism for children, because they are more likely to eat things which are unhygienic. After 12 years, they regress because our other immune mechanisms become more active to prevent infections.
WHEN TONSILLECTOMY IS JUSTIFIED?
You will be surprised to know, if they are so protective, why we need to remove them. Yes, sometimes we need to remove them, mainly because of mechanical problems which occur because of their enlargement. So there are 2 clear cut indications for its removal before 12 years:
I) When tonsils are enlarged so much that they obstruct breathing and swallowing both.
II) When throat infections are sooo much that these enlarged tonsils them self are posing risk for more infections (in such cases removal of these tonsils may be help full).
So, tonsillectomy will be advisable in a child who:
-- have developed at least 7 “significant” episodes of throat infection in 1 year.
-- Or atleast 5 “significant” infections every year from last 2 years.
-- Or atleast 3 “significant” infections every year from last 3 years.
Significant infection means : associated with high grade fever every time, with enlarged lymph nodes in throat, tonsils coved with pus like coating called exudates every time.
Every child who meets these criteria also need not go for surgery. Many children will improve spontaneously without surgery sooner or later. So, the decision about surgery should be individualized.
Recent evidence also suggests, that those children who are not frequently having significant tonsillitis if undergoes surgery, it won’t help in reducing chances of throat infection. So, surgery should be done only in those cases, where things are really worse.
So, prevention of throat infection in this age is more important.
MYTHS AND PREVENTION OF TONSILLITIS ?
3 POINTS TO REMEMBER IN PREVENTING TONSILLITIS:
• AVOID CROWDED PLACES.
(Infection may be contacted from persons, who are infected. If you find someone infected, keep distance from him/her and take precautions to avoid infection. Pollution and crowded places again increases risk of infection)
• GOOD BALANCED DIET.
(Includes two major diets, 2 times milk, one fruit a day)
• DURING INFECTIONS AVOID COLD DRINKS, ICECREAMS, COLD WATER
(Cos these organism multiply very fast when cold temp, so it will worsen the situation)
MYTHS NEED CLARIFICAITON:
1. No scientific evidence to suggest that curd or fruits like mausambi increase risk of tonsillitis (Infect fruits contain good amount of Vit C, which is needed for good immunity)
2. Fruits as such are better than juices, cos they contain lot of fibres, which are good.
3. Chocolates, nuts, cream biscuits can’t cause infection, why we avoid them, cos, when children eat them often they get contaminated, and by contamination risk of infection increases.
Hope many things are clarified.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Fever in Infants
One thing that is a nightmare to me is fever. The first time, the kid's body was a little warm, I was like RUN to the doctor.. then I was told that the kid's bodies are tiny and their metabolic rates, core body temperature, heartbeat and respirations are a little higher than adults and that is no cause of a concern and I am also assured that it is considered fever if and if the kid is running a temperature of above 100 degrees FH. Well, something new to me. I was considering since the kids are tiny everything should be in smaller proportions but this is a total reversal, but must agree as it comes from the doctor.
So, the first thing you do is take the temperature reliably, that is through the armpit reading which is more accurate than the forehead or ear thermometer readings.. Rectal one is the accurate but handling it is a little tricky and the already fussy kid might not allow that, so the best option is under the armpit. Clean the thermometer with an alcohol wipe or a disinfectant wipe and take the temperature from there. In some kids like mine, the head and the neck areas might be really really hot whereas the extremities, that is hands and feet are extremely cold (another reason I had a panic attack earlier on). It is perfectly normal.
Things to Do
************
Do not cry, do not panic, do not rush the kid.
Take control of emotions, take the temperature through a reliable instrument.
Keep cleaning the kid's body with cold water wipes. The kid wont allow it, might cry out a lot but do not give up, the only thing to bring down the temperature instantly is wiping it cold, the first external thing we need to do is cold cloth wipe.
Give acetaminophen drops (Calpol/Tylenol/Motrin) whatever the brand name is up to 4 to 6 (max) times in 24 hours in the dosage prescribed as per the baby's weight by the pediatrician. DO NOT OVERDOSE THE KID.
Do not bundle up the kid, put them in loose cotton clothes that do not stuff them up.
Allow a lot of air.
It is very vital to get the temperature down. If the temperature is around 102 or close to it, the primary task is to get it down ASAP. Never mind if you have to take the kid out in cool breeze in the middle of the night, cold cloth wipes, even cold cloth wrapping around head, anything to get it down, but again we should not overdo anything.. learn and do it per discretion.
Some people tend to rub oil on the baby's body and head at the time of fever.. DO NOT APPLY OIL ON BODY OR HEAD when the kid has fever.
DO NOT PUT ON WARM CLOTHES, LOOSE CLOTHING IS VITAL.
Keep hydrating the kid, push in even a little sip of water/Pedialyte say a spoonful at a time.
Diet wise they might not be wanting to put anything in the mouth, do not force them.. try and make something that is palatable and appealing to their taste buds like a soup or something different than the routine. Avoid giving cold beverages. If it is accompanied by cold, give them a little warm water so that is soothing to the throat.
Give the medication on time. If in spite of everything the fever continues after 24 hours that is around 100 you need to visit a doc. However, if it is a little higher and above 101 or near 102 or so for more than an hour, better go to the hospital. If the kid also vomits and is keeping nothing down, then Pedialyte is the immediate rescue and take the kid to the hospital or ER.
Usually, fever when controlled or worked on instantly without delay is not a big concern. However, the key is not to let it go overboard. High fever for too long might lead to febrile seizures. No reason to panic but not something to relax about as well.
Home remedies:
Apply sandal paste on the forehead, it acts as a coolant. Better if you can get the natural one from sandal stick.. (saana meeda arageesina gandham).
However, if the kid is getting frequent fevers, we need to determine whether it is bacterial or viral in nature and go about it.
Dr. Sanjay's Inputs
Children below 5 years usually have weak immunity comparable to us, adults, so they commonly have these features of upper resp tract infections, which are mostly viral. Most of these infections are seasonal esp. when whether is changing. Most of these infections are not serious type like pneumonia, purulent ear discharge, meningitis, skin infections, diarrhea, cos if somebody has such serious infections recurrently then we are concerned about some congenital form of immunodeficiency. So, I feel, you shouldn’t worry, these things are bound to improve with age. Just avoid visits to crowed places, continue maintaining good hygiene. Try to keep fruits in his diet almost daily along with other essential part of diet.
One thing you must remember, fever off and on in changing weather is not uncommon. These are usually different illnesses, usually viral infections. Unless there are serious bacterial infections, in form of pneumonia, meningitis, skin infection, we usually don’t suspect any congenital immunodeficiencies. But if any fever which persists longer it’s a matter of concern. If that happens, you must do a regular 6 hour temp charting, and then discuss with your doctor. Don’t worry, as age improves, no. of seasonal infections too decreases.
ESSENTIAL
Since the kid tends to dehydrate faster with such high temperatures, the focus should be on pushing in more liquids.
So, the first thing you do is take the temperature reliably, that is through the armpit reading which is more accurate than the forehead or ear thermometer readings.. Rectal one is the accurate but handling it is a little tricky and the already fussy kid might not allow that, so the best option is under the armpit. Clean the thermometer with an alcohol wipe or a disinfectant wipe and take the temperature from there. In some kids like mine, the head and the neck areas might be really really hot whereas the extremities, that is hands and feet are extremely cold (another reason I had a panic attack earlier on). It is perfectly normal.
Things to Do
************
Do not cry, do not panic, do not rush the kid.
Take control of emotions, take the temperature through a reliable instrument.
Keep cleaning the kid's body with cold water wipes. The kid wont allow it, might cry out a lot but do not give up, the only thing to bring down the temperature instantly is wiping it cold, the first external thing we need to do is cold cloth wipe.
Give acetaminophen drops (Calpol/Tylenol/Motrin) whatever the brand name is up to 4 to 6 (max) times in 24 hours in the dosage prescribed as per the baby's weight by the pediatrician. DO NOT OVERDOSE THE KID.
Do not bundle up the kid, put them in loose cotton clothes that do not stuff them up.
Allow a lot of air.
It is very vital to get the temperature down. If the temperature is around 102 or close to it, the primary task is to get it down ASAP. Never mind if you have to take the kid out in cool breeze in the middle of the night, cold cloth wipes, even cold cloth wrapping around head, anything to get it down, but again we should not overdo anything.. learn and do it per discretion.
Some people tend to rub oil on the baby's body and head at the time of fever.. DO NOT APPLY OIL ON BODY OR HEAD when the kid has fever.
DO NOT PUT ON WARM CLOTHES, LOOSE CLOTHING IS VITAL.
Keep hydrating the kid, push in even a little sip of water/Pedialyte say a spoonful at a time.
Diet wise they might not be wanting to put anything in the mouth, do not force them.. try and make something that is palatable and appealing to their taste buds like a soup or something different than the routine. Avoid giving cold beverages. If it is accompanied by cold, give them a little warm water so that is soothing to the throat.
Give the medication on time. If in spite of everything the fever continues after 24 hours that is around 100 you need to visit a doc. However, if it is a little higher and above 101 or near 102 or so for more than an hour, better go to the hospital. If the kid also vomits and is keeping nothing down, then Pedialyte is the immediate rescue and take the kid to the hospital or ER.
Usually, fever when controlled or worked on instantly without delay is not a big concern. However, the key is not to let it go overboard. High fever for too long might lead to febrile seizures. No reason to panic but not something to relax about as well.
Home remedies:
Apply sandal paste on the forehead, it acts as a coolant. Better if you can get the natural one from sandal stick.. (saana meeda arageesina gandham).
However, if the kid is getting frequent fevers, we need to determine whether it is bacterial or viral in nature and go about it.
Dr. Sanjay's Inputs
Children below 5 years usually have weak immunity comparable to us, adults, so they commonly have these features of upper resp tract infections, which are mostly viral. Most of these infections are seasonal esp. when whether is changing. Most of these infections are not serious type like pneumonia, purulent ear discharge, meningitis, skin infections, diarrhea, cos if somebody has such serious infections recurrently then we are concerned about some congenital form of immunodeficiency. So, I feel, you shouldn’t worry, these things are bound to improve with age. Just avoid visits to crowed places, continue maintaining good hygiene. Try to keep fruits in his diet almost daily along with other essential part of diet.
One thing you must remember, fever off and on in changing weather is not uncommon. These are usually different illnesses, usually viral infections. Unless there are serious bacterial infections, in form of pneumonia, meningitis, skin infection, we usually don’t suspect any congenital immunodeficiencies. But if any fever which persists longer it’s a matter of concern. If that happens, you must do a regular 6 hour temp charting, and then discuss with your doctor. Don’t worry, as age improves, no. of seasonal infections too decreases.
ESSENTIAL
Since the kid tends to dehydrate faster with such high temperatures, the focus should be on pushing in more liquids.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Motions/Diarrhea
Diarrhea is something which drains out all the energy from an individual and more so in an infant. If the kid is passing stool say about 10 times a day in normal regular consistency and color also it is not an issue if it is his/her routine but if suddenly out of the blue there is an increase in frequency, pain with stool, watery/liquidy stool, say around 20 or so at a stretch then it is the cause of concern and the kid needs to be taken to the doctor immediately. I have never had the problem with diarrhea until very recently. When the kiddo started with the problem, my initial reaction was ohh okay she is teething, the gums are hard and that is why.. but then when the frequency increased to alarming proportions to the point where just water was being forced out, I was panicky.
The first thing the hospital staff told me to do was
It is common to have diarrhea while teething dont rush to the hospital until and unless absolutely must.
**Stop giving milk, fruits, juice.
**make the kid drink ORS packs available specially for kids or give a pinch of salt and a palmful of sugar in a glass of boiled and cooled water over a period of time.
**To feed the kid rice, boiled vegetables, etc.
**To give saggubiyyam jaava (sago) prepared in water and sugar.
**To give annam ganji (water while cooking rice), pappu teta (water after boiling daal)
**To give diluted buttermilk in pinch of salt and sugar as mentioned above.
** To basically keep hydrating the kid before I take her to the hospital or before the diarrhea subsides.
**To start with Pedialyte. (my kid was totally adamant about drinking it, so I had to mix formula with that and feed her. :(.)
Hygiene
One very essential thing to keep in mind is hygiene and cleaning up the baby thoroughly and wiping clean and dry immediately. If we are using diapers, we need to keep changing them very often and also apply coconut oil or some cream to avoid rashes. It is very common to have rashes during that period as the skin becomes sensitive. Keep the area dry and the kid comfortable.
If in spite of all these precautions, the problem does not get subsided, only then did the doctor go ahead with medical intervention by prescribing some medicine. It is not advisable to go for medicine just like that for kids and we need to exercise caution before subjecting them to medicines.
The doctor further advised me to go easy on Farex supplement that I was feeding her and asked me to go for Easum which is easily digestible for the tummy.
*****************
BRAT diet
B- Banana
R - Rice
A - Apple Sauce
T - Toast Bread
Home Remedies
***Nutmeg paste helps with diarrhea
***raw banana ..
just steam cooked raw banana with a pinch of salt is a very good stool binder
***one or two tea spoons of onion juice[ grated and pressed] works like magic....and avoid giving it to very sall babies...but on older kids and adults it works like magic.
***eat at least half cup of pomegranate seeds along with the white tails...if using for kids give them juice....if the child accepts give plain juice or else add a tsp of sugar. It not only controls motions but also regains taste(which is usually lost during dysentery).
Saggubiyyam jaava
Take sago and soak them for a while, then pour a tumbler full of water and boil them until the sago is totally mashed and in fact dissolves in the mix, add some sugar, cool it and keep giving it when the kid is hungry.
There will also be lack of appetite or maybe a lot of hunger whatever varying from kid to kid, if the kid is insisting on milk only and not eating/drinking any of the above, then instead of the regular milk/formula go for lactose-free stuff. Also, if breast-feeding, the mother should avoid dairy products.
In India, my doc prescribed NuSobee Casein instead of the routine formula.
Also of note, the problem with diarrhea is that it just not end immediately after it is cured, we need to bring back the kid to normal feeding routine and give back the essential nutrients to the tiny body again before they are absolutely fine and this does not mean that you overfeed them, moderate, clean, and timed nutrition intake is what is needed.
Some kids might not be able to take in normal milk even after they are done with the diarrhea because their body might not be producing enough stuff to absorb the lactose in the milk, so if the kid feels bloated, is gassy, and is fussy after starting back the normal milk, talk to your doctor and if possible stick on to lactose-free milk/formula for a little while after getting back to normal as their little tummies would still be lactose-intolerant.
Also, go a little easy on diary products immediately after the diarrhea bout.
The kid also might not be able to tolerate what she used to tolerate earlier like the same amount of feeds, so start back the normal feedings gradually and do not expect them to eat as they used to earlier to the diarrhea episode and go easy of strong and spicy foods if they are already introduced in the diet.
The first thing the hospital staff told me to do was
It is common to have diarrhea while teething dont rush to the hospital until and unless absolutely must.
**Stop giving milk, fruits, juice.
**make the kid drink ORS packs available specially for kids or give a pinch of salt and a palmful of sugar in a glass of boiled and cooled water over a period of time.
**To feed the kid rice, boiled vegetables, etc.
**To give saggubiyyam jaava (sago) prepared in water and sugar.
**To give annam ganji (water while cooking rice), pappu teta (water after boiling daal)
**To give diluted buttermilk in pinch of salt and sugar as mentioned above.
** To basically keep hydrating the kid before I take her to the hospital or before the diarrhea subsides.
**To start with Pedialyte. (my kid was totally adamant about drinking it, so I had to mix formula with that and feed her. :(.)
Hygiene
One very essential thing to keep in mind is hygiene and cleaning up the baby thoroughly and wiping clean and dry immediately. If we are using diapers, we need to keep changing them very often and also apply coconut oil or some cream to avoid rashes. It is very common to have rashes during that period as the skin becomes sensitive. Keep the area dry and the kid comfortable.
If in spite of all these precautions, the problem does not get subsided, only then did the doctor go ahead with medical intervention by prescribing some medicine. It is not advisable to go for medicine just like that for kids and we need to exercise caution before subjecting them to medicines.
The doctor further advised me to go easy on Farex supplement that I was feeding her and asked me to go for Easum which is easily digestible for the tummy.
*****************
BRAT diet
B- Banana
R - Rice
A - Apple Sauce
T - Toast Bread
Home Remedies
***Nutmeg paste helps with diarrhea
***raw banana ..
just steam cooked raw banana with a pinch of salt is a very good stool binder
***one or two tea spoons of onion juice[ grated and pressed] works like magic....and avoid giving it to very sall babies...but on older kids and adults it works like magic.
***eat at least half cup of pomegranate seeds along with the white tails...if using for kids give them juice....if the child accepts give plain juice or else add a tsp of sugar. It not only controls motions but also regains taste(which is usually lost during dysentery).
Saggubiyyam jaava
Take sago and soak them for a while, then pour a tumbler full of water and boil them until the sago is totally mashed and in fact dissolves in the mix, add some sugar, cool it and keep giving it when the kid is hungry.
There will also be lack of appetite or maybe a lot of hunger whatever varying from kid to kid, if the kid is insisting on milk only and not eating/drinking any of the above, then instead of the regular milk/formula go for lactose-free stuff. Also, if breast-feeding, the mother should avoid dairy products.
In India, my doc prescribed NuSobee Casein instead of the routine formula.
Also of note, the problem with diarrhea is that it just not end immediately after it is cured, we need to bring back the kid to normal feeding routine and give back the essential nutrients to the tiny body again before they are absolutely fine and this does not mean that you overfeed them, moderate, clean, and timed nutrition intake is what is needed.
Some kids might not be able to take in normal milk even after they are done with the diarrhea because their body might not be producing enough stuff to absorb the lactose in the milk, so if the kid feels bloated, is gassy, and is fussy after starting back the normal milk, talk to your doctor and if possible stick on to lactose-free milk/formula for a little while after getting back to normal as their little tummies would still be lactose-intolerant.
Also, go a little easy on diary products immediately after the diarrhea bout.
The kid also might not be able to tolerate what she used to tolerate earlier like the same amount of feeds, so start back the normal feedings gradually and do not expect them to eat as they used to earlier to the diarrhea episode and go easy of strong and spicy foods if they are already introduced in the diet.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Reflux vs Spit-up vs Vomiting
Mild reflux (bringing back milk up after ingesting/drinking the milk), I am told by my physician, is very common in newborns and infants. If the baby is spitting up just a little at the time of burping it is absolutely fine, she is just bringing up the excess milk that has not reached her digestive track and that is perfectly alright and in fact that is the reason you burp your kid, to remove the excess gas/air bubbles ingested during the feeding either by breast or by bottle. It usually sets itself right by the time the baby is 3 to 6 months of age and would slowly fall in place. He also told me that spitting up about 10% of what is ingested on an average is not an issue of concern at all. Sreya used to throw up through her nose and mouth at times while feeding and as a new mom throwing up through nose was the most terrible thing to witness, not knowing what to do, what would happen and seeing helplessly as the baby is near-choking, in tears, and crying. But if you are alone at that time, crying with the baby wont work and we need to be more practical, so just get a grip on yourself and burp the kid definitely each and every time after a feed, even if it is taking a lot of time, trying various methods, get the kid burped. It would help if we burp the kid in between the feed and burp after completing as well if the baby is good at feeding.
Throwing up a little, might also mean that the baby is being overfed and during the burping the baby is bringing up the excess feed, so not an issue of concern.
If the baby is bottle-fed, make sure the bottle is sterilized and the bottle as well as the nipple are clean and sterile, ensure the feeds are prepared hygienically, warm water, clean hands, clean scoop, clean bottle and nipple along with a clean burp cloth. If possible, do not reuse the same burp cloth for the next feed.
Also, keep the baby' s head elevated all the time while sleeping.. this is very essential and my doc always insisted on elevation all the time to keep away from reflux and touchwood, it might have worked 'cos luckily as an infant Sreya never had serious reflux issues.
In spite of all this, if the kid is throwing up violently, mind you not spitting up but throwing up, like a projectile vomit, say up to about a foot or more, then it is of concern and can be called reflux and let the doctor know and get the kid on medication if need be.
If the kid is bottle-fed, maybe changing the formula would work if we notice excessive throwing up than normal, but do this after consulting the physician.
If breast-fed, then the mother avoiding the dairy products during feeding period might be of great help, check it out before trying anything else.
So, in short the symptoms can be varying from moderate to severe degree of
Happy feeding!!!
A tip by Padma
try tummy time for 5 mins after each feeding apart from burping, it helps. But be sure you are there to monitor when the baby is on tummy. 5 weeks ee kada chala chinnadi.. so oka vela moham meda padina... roll over to her back
Throwing up a little, might also mean that the baby is being overfed and during the burping the baby is bringing up the excess feed, so not an issue of concern.
If the baby is bottle-fed, make sure the bottle is sterilized and the bottle as well as the nipple are clean and sterile, ensure the feeds are prepared hygienically, warm water, clean hands, clean scoop, clean bottle and nipple along with a clean burp cloth. If possible, do not reuse the same burp cloth for the next feed.
Also, keep the baby' s head elevated all the time while sleeping.. this is very essential and my doc always insisted on elevation all the time to keep away from reflux and touchwood, it might have worked 'cos luckily as an infant Sreya never had serious reflux issues.
In spite of all this, if the kid is throwing up violently, mind you not spitting up but throwing up, like a projectile vomit, say up to about a foot or more, then it is of concern and can be called reflux and let the doctor know and get the kid on medication if need be.If the kid is bottle-fed, maybe changing the formula would work if we notice excessive throwing up than normal, but do this after consulting the physician.
If breast-fed, then the mother avoiding the dairy products during feeding period might be of great help, check it out before trying anything else.
So, in short the symptoms can be varying from moderate to severe degree of
- spitting up
- throwing up violently in a projectile manner up to about a distance of about a feet or more.
- coughing up during feeds
- poor feeding habits
- blood in the stools
- mucousy vomit
- irritability and fussiness throughout the feeding and even after wards...
Happy feeding!!!
A tip by Padma
try tummy time for 5 mins after each feeding apart from burping, it helps. But be sure you are there to monitor when the baby is on tummy. 5 weeks ee kada chala chinnadi.. so oka vela moham meda padina... roll over to her back
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Vaccination and Fever
When the vaccine is administered, either due to the process of immunization or due to the pain of the needle prick, the kid might develop mild to moderate degree of fever which is very natural. There is a popular myth that one should get fever in order for the vaccine to be effective. No, it is absolutely fine even if the kid does not have fever and it is also absolutely fine if the kid has low-grade fever. Just ensure that you monitor the baby for fever or any signs of pain all the time. A fever below 100 is normal. However if is consistently above 100 not dropping even with wet-cloth wipes, then better consult the doctor.
Administer Calpol/Tylenol (check about the latest recall before you administer) drops immediately after the vaccine.. yes, they are the fever drops but also used for pain control. If the child still suffers from fever despite of giving Calpol drops 3 times a day, wet-cloth wipes, etc. then it is a case of concern.
One of the main reasons to ensure fever control with or without vaccination is that some kids tend to develop high temperatures and in extremely rare cases it might give way to febrile seizures.. so fever control in a kid is absolutely must. It is easy to control, but once it goes out of hand, then starts aggressive medical intervention. So, better be safe than sorry.
Also, once the vaccine is administered ensure that you keep holding the needle-pricked area for a while and then rub it mildly thereafter. Also, keep checking if there is swelling or redness in that area and if the swelling continues, do hot-water compresses.. if the redness and swelling persists beyond a couple of days and the kid is in very severe pain, just call the doctor or take the kid. However, simple and constant care and monitoring will not let things go far, so be alert and cautious the day of vaccine administration and keep a watchful eye.
It is advised not to give the kid anything including water or milk for 30 minutes to an hour after the vaccine, so better ensure that the kid is well-fed, non fussy by the time of the appointment. Do not overdo with giving fever drops/syrup until it is an absolute must. If it is just a low-grade fever of say 99, see if it still persists after a nap or some time and only then go for the medicine.
Usually for the first vaccine the kid might just cry a little while at the time of the prick but just forget it later on, it is only at the later stages when they realize pain that they tend to cry for a longer time. My personal experience says that first time the parents cry more than the kid and from the next on both of them get used to it :).
Good luck and yeah, the moms/dads out there do not cry, easy to say.. i did cry and the doctor still jokes that I had flooded his office on Sreya's first vaccination :). dont wince, dont cry, just take care of the baby. :).
Administer Calpol/Tylenol (check about the latest recall before you administer) drops immediately after the vaccine.. yes, they are the fever drops but also used for pain control. If the child still suffers from fever despite of giving Calpol drops 3 times a day, wet-cloth wipes, etc. then it is a case of concern.
One of the main reasons to ensure fever control with or without vaccination is that some kids tend to develop high temperatures and in extremely rare cases it might give way to febrile seizures.. so fever control in a kid is absolutely must. It is easy to control, but once it goes out of hand, then starts aggressive medical intervention. So, better be safe than sorry.
Also, once the vaccine is administered ensure that you keep holding the needle-pricked area for a while and then rub it mildly thereafter. Also, keep checking if there is swelling or redness in that area and if the swelling continues, do hot-water compresses.. if the redness and swelling persists beyond a couple of days and the kid is in very severe pain, just call the doctor or take the kid. However, simple and constant care and monitoring will not let things go far, so be alert and cautious the day of vaccine administration and keep a watchful eye.
It is advised not to give the kid anything including water or milk for 30 minutes to an hour after the vaccine, so better ensure that the kid is well-fed, non fussy by the time of the appointment. Do not overdo with giving fever drops/syrup until it is an absolute must. If it is just a low-grade fever of say 99, see if it still persists after a nap or some time and only then go for the medicine.
Usually for the first vaccine the kid might just cry a little while at the time of the prick but just forget it later on, it is only at the later stages when they realize pain that they tend to cry for a longer time. My personal experience says that first time the parents cry more than the kid and from the next on both of them get used to it :).
Good luck and yeah, the moms/dads out there do not cry, easy to say.. i did cry and the doctor still jokes that I had flooded his office on Sreya's first vaccination :). dont wince, dont cry, just take care of the baby. :).
IPV vs OPV
Polio -- this is the one word which kind of changed the dimension of my life. Born a healthy child and supposedly infected by it after being administered the drops at the age of 6 months, the trauma I had to go through to get my kid immunized with it is unspeakable and cannot be expressed.
Though, the final report is that my leg problem is not polio, it is the muscle wastage because of some nerve damage due to incorrect needle prick rather than anything.. the term still scares the hell out of me... limping for life, termed handicapped by many, looked down upon unnecessarily, it is the one word that kind of describes my existence, survival or whatever.
So, when it was time for Sreya to be put through this ordeal, one can only imagine as to what all the thought process went into it... so, the doctor seeing me scared the hell out of my wits gave me whole lot of reassurance and helped me out in a lot of ways treating and preparing me mentally before treating Sreya for which I would be eternally thankful to him. He assured me that it was not VAPP (vaccine-associated poliomyelitis paralysis) that I have and however, he suggested me an option for my fear, IPV, God-send for the paranoid me.
Eradicating that very deadly polio is very very important for our future generations and in almost all the developing countries OPV (oral polio vaccine) is widely distributed and administered free of cost and it is ensured that the message is reached far and wide and every single kid benefits from this. However, IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) is something like a dead-virus vaccine in layman terms which eliminates even the remotest possibility of VAPP... How???
How does a vaccine work.. in layman terminology is an effective method of containing infectious diseases.. the bug (bacteria/virus) either killed or inactivated in the form of vaccine is introduced into the body and the body cells fight against it and develop an immunity towards that particular agent (as far as I can gather). So, in very remote cases, there is a possibility that the induced bug acts up and the vaccine becomes the source of infection, very very very minimal, but still there is a possibility. IPV is thus an inactivated form of the vaccine which contains all the three serum types of the vaccine which eliminates even that remotest possibility.
Then, how come it is not available to all the people.. because of the incremental cost of producing the vaccine. OPV is easy to administer, even a layman can do that, just giving the drops and like they say something is better than nothing and since polio is almost eradicated, it is just a post-eradication measure, the mass polio vaccination, that is. It is also believed my some people that once complete eradication of the disease is declared OPV may be the only mode of acquiring the disease (an assumption at this point). So, IPV at any rate is better than OPV.
However, there is something called secondary immunization following exposure to the same or closely related antigen..like say, we exposed the kid to polio vaccine and then we need follow that exposure with secondary immunization just to be sure. So, my pediatrician says it is always a good idea to take the kid to OPV camps when they are announced just to ensure the secondary immunization.
I did extensive reading on this, brain-picked my pediatrician and finally went ahead with IPV.. a simple choice for many parents but a crucial one just for me because of my problem.
So, done with IPV for the kid, I would just follow it through with OPV at the designated time at a designated place.
Good luck with vaccines guys!!!
For more reading on the same..
http://www.abtassociates.com/reports/2003412377280_88928.pdf
check the link.
Though, the final report is that my leg problem is not polio, it is the muscle wastage because of some nerve damage due to incorrect needle prick rather than anything.. the term still scares the hell out of me... limping for life, termed handicapped by many, looked down upon unnecessarily, it is the one word that kind of describes my existence, survival or whatever.
So, when it was time for Sreya to be put through this ordeal, one can only imagine as to what all the thought process went into it... so, the doctor seeing me scared the hell out of my wits gave me whole lot of reassurance and helped me out in a lot of ways treating and preparing me mentally before treating Sreya for which I would be eternally thankful to him. He assured me that it was not VAPP (vaccine-associated poliomyelitis paralysis) that I have and however, he suggested me an option for my fear, IPV, God-send for the paranoid me.
Eradicating that very deadly polio is very very important for our future generations and in almost all the developing countries OPV (oral polio vaccine) is widely distributed and administered free of cost and it is ensured that the message is reached far and wide and every single kid benefits from this. However, IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) is something like a dead-virus vaccine in layman terms which eliminates even the remotest possibility of VAPP... How???
How does a vaccine work.. in layman terminology is an effective method of containing infectious diseases.. the bug (bacteria/virus) either killed or inactivated in the form of vaccine is introduced into the body and the body cells fight against it and develop an immunity towards that particular agent (as far as I can gather). So, in very remote cases, there is a possibility that the induced bug acts up and the vaccine becomes the source of infection, very very very minimal, but still there is a possibility. IPV is thus an inactivated form of the vaccine which contains all the three serum types of the vaccine which eliminates even that remotest possibility.
Then, how come it is not available to all the people.. because of the incremental cost of producing the vaccine. OPV is easy to administer, even a layman can do that, just giving the drops and like they say something is better than nothing and since polio is almost eradicated, it is just a post-eradication measure, the mass polio vaccination, that is. It is also believed my some people that once complete eradication of the disease is declared OPV may be the only mode of acquiring the disease (an assumption at this point). So, IPV at any rate is better than OPV.
However, there is something called secondary immunization following exposure to the same or closely related antigen..like say, we exposed the kid to polio vaccine and then we need follow that exposure with secondary immunization just to be sure. So, my pediatrician says it is always a good idea to take the kid to OPV camps when they are announced just to ensure the secondary immunization.
I did extensive reading on this, brain-picked my pediatrician and finally went ahead with IPV.. a simple choice for many parents but a crucial one just for me because of my problem.
So, done with IPV for the kid, I would just follow it through with OPV at the designated time at a designated place.
Good luck with vaccines guys!!!
For more reading on the same..
http://www.abtassociates.com/reports/2003412377280_88928.pdf
check the link.
Vaccination Schedule -- India.
At Birth
BCG -- This vaccine site should bulge or come up as a mark within a month of its administration, the typical teeka maccha for Indian kids. We need to inform the doctor if the site does not show any change after a month or so.
OPV0 -- oral polio vaccine
Hepatitis B1
(got it done 3rd day of life)
*****
6 Weeks
DPTw1/DPTa1
OPV1/IPV1
Hepatitis B2
Hib1
(Got the combo vaccine Pentaxim which was supposedly the fever-less vaccine with IPV HIB, TT and all put together for 5 diseases -- It was purely personal choice, please follow your doctor's advise).. so it was just 2 needle pricks for her, instead of 4 or 3 on both the thighs.
*****
10 Weeks
DPTw2/DPTa2
OPV2/IPV2
Hib2
(Got the combo vaccine Pentaxim which was supposedly the fever-less vaccine with IPV HIB, TT and all put together for 5 diseases -- It was purely personal choice, please follow your doctor's advise).. so it was just 1 needle prick for her, instead of 3 on both the thighs..
*****
14 Weeks
DPTw3/DPTa3
OPV3/IPV3
Hepatitis B3
Hib3
(Got the combo vaccine Pentaxim which was supposedly the fever-less vaccine with IPV HIB, TT and all put together for 5 diseases -- It was purely personal choice, please follow your doctor's advise).. so it was just 2 needle pricks for her, instead of 4 or 3 on both the thighs.
9 Months
Measles/OPV
1 Year
Chicken Pox
Hepatitis A first dose (optional).
15-18 Months
DPT wB1/DPT aB1 (booster dose)
OPV B1/IPV
HIB B1 (booster dose)
MMR -- Measels/mumps/rubella
Hepatitis A 2nd dose (optional)
2 years
Typhoid 1st dose
5 years
DPT wB2/DPT aB2
OPV B2/MMR
Typhoid 2nd dose
10 Years
TT 3rd Booster
15 Years
TT 4th Booster
Also, there are some optional vaccines
ROTARIX between 2 to 6 months... 2 doses (liquid drops). Got this done.
Varicella vaccine -- less than 15 months of age
Hepatitis A
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine -- greater than 6 months of age.
Prevenar -- consult doctor for dosages
Different doctors have different approaches and treatment, so consult and discuss with your pediatrician and get his/her opinion before going ahead with any choice. Some conservative physicians do not prefer the combination vaccines and some do not inform all the parents because of the price factor as they are slightly on the expensive side for the fear of an allegation of minting money and let us know only if we can afford it.
Combination or single, all of them have the same effect.. claiming fever-less and painless and all is secondary, the fact is that the child gets immunized properly.
BCG -- This vaccine site should bulge or come up as a mark within a month of its administration, the typical teeka maccha for Indian kids. We need to inform the doctor if the site does not show any change after a month or so.
OPV0 -- oral polio vaccine
Hepatitis B1
(got it done 3rd day of life)
*****
6 Weeks
DPTw1/DPTa1
OPV1/IPV1
Hepatitis B2
Hib1
(Got the combo vaccine Pentaxim which was supposedly the fever-less vaccine with IPV HIB, TT and all put together for 5 diseases -- It was purely personal choice, please follow your doctor's advise).. so it was just 2 needle pricks for her, instead of 4 or 3 on both the thighs.
*****
10 Weeks
DPTw2/DPTa2
OPV2/IPV2
Hib2
(Got the combo vaccine Pentaxim which was supposedly the fever-less vaccine with IPV HIB, TT and all put together for 5 diseases -- It was purely personal choice, please follow your doctor's advise).. so it was just 1 needle prick for her, instead of 3 on both the thighs..
*****
14 Weeks
DPTw3/DPTa3
OPV3/IPV3
Hepatitis B3
Hib3
(Got the combo vaccine Pentaxim which was supposedly the fever-less vaccine with IPV HIB, TT and all put together for 5 diseases -- It was purely personal choice, please follow your doctor's advise).. so it was just 2 needle pricks for her, instead of 4 or 3 on both the thighs.
9 Months
Measles/OPV
1 Year
Chicken Pox
Hepatitis A first dose (optional).
15-18 Months
DPT wB1/DPT aB1 (booster dose)
OPV B1/IPV
HIB B1 (booster dose)
MMR -- Measels/mumps/rubella
Hepatitis A 2nd dose (optional)
2 years
Typhoid 1st dose
5 years
DPT wB2/DPT aB2
OPV B2/MMR
Typhoid 2nd dose
10 Years
TT 3rd Booster
15 Years
TT 4th Booster
Also, there are some optional vaccines
ROTARIX between 2 to 6 months... 2 doses (liquid drops). Got this done.
Varicella vaccine -- less than 15 months of age
Hepatitis A
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine -- greater than 6 months of age.
Prevenar -- consult doctor for dosages
Different doctors have different approaches and treatment, so consult and discuss with your pediatrician and get his/her opinion before going ahead with any choice. Some conservative physicians do not prefer the combination vaccines and some do not inform all the parents because of the price factor as they are slightly on the expensive side for the fear of an allegation of minting money and let us know only if we can afford it.
Combination or single, all of them have the same effect.. claiming fever-less and painless and all is secondary, the fact is that the child gets immunized properly.
First Aid Box and Emergency Meds -- India
Back in India, we get medicines in the medical hall as and when we want to just by showing the prescription or even over-the-counter.. no specific restrictions.
The number of drops to be given and the brand name given varies from doctor to doctor. The number of drops to be administered is critical and varies from kid to kid based on the kid's weight, so just make sure you get yourself updated with the doctor as to how much of what drug should be administered.
DO NOT USE MEDICINES UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND YOUR DOCTOR PRESCRIBES IT.
So, I would list out the contents of Sreya's medicine kit..
- Cotton.
- Vicks VapoRub (when the kid is a little older say 3 months or so)
- Vaseline (in case of constipation/touch the tip of an earbud with vaseline and insert in the bottom when the baby is struggling to pass the stool). DO NOT OVERDO THIS.
- Fever/pain drops.
- Saline nasal drops for cold.
- Drops for Cough -- if the cough persists, we need to see the doctor immediately to be treated with antibiotics, so better be very cautious not to expose them to cough and cold.
- Drops for Vomiting -- slight spitting is normal, spit while burping is normal.. if they vomit more than 10% of what is fed to them continuously, then we need to inform the doctor.
- Drops for diarrhea -- it is normal to pass stool after each feed especially when breast-feeding and so do not worry about the number of times unless it is really really watery and way too many times.
- Oral rehydration salts in case of excess vomiting/diarrhea.
- Drops for Tummy ache/colic -- if the baby folds her legs, stiffens the body in pain, or winces in pain when the tummy is touched it is stomach pain.
- Drops for earache.
- Drops for eyes -- when the eyes are tearing and crusting, clean the eyes with cotton balls dipped in clean drinking water very gently and mildly.
- Syrup for constipation/tight stool -- It is normal for kids not to poop for more than a day, so no worries if it doesnt happen every single day and the baby has no crankiness or hard tummy.. in fact, my doc says it is okay up to 3 days to go without stool and only then it is a problem. So, if it goes beyond that or if the baby is really straining hard and unable to bring out the stool, then go for these drops.
- Fudic cream -- When Sreya had some skin tear at the ear because of her ear rings, the doctor suggested this. She asked to avoid powder like Nebasulf because it tends to form a layer and tighten on the skin and tough to get it out and that creams are a better option for infant.. external application only.
- Earbuds -- only for external clearing of the ear.. never inside the canal.
Some doctors also give vitamin drops..
My doc gave me Zincovit and Sunzyme, the digestive enzyme drops.
Iron drops can be done away with because the kids can have severe constipation issues with them unless absolutely necessary and doctor says it is a must.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Appetite Issues
loss of appetite because of indigestion
this rainy season is usually the time for such a complaint with kids.try this remedy:
fry half a teaspoon of ajwain in 1 teaspoon of desi ghee.add a pinch of salt and mix it in a handful of cooked rice.start their meal with this.later proceed as usual.
can be used for all the children who are able to eat rice.
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