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Hearing Screenings and Monitoring Your Child's Development

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:39:58 GMT

Approximately two to three babies in the United States are born with detectable hearing loss in one or both ears. Any sort of hearing loss, even mild hearing loss, can delay social, emotional, and cognitive development at this stage. What's more, children and teens can acquire hearing loss at any time throughout their development. As many as 20 percent of teens have some degree of hearing loss.

Periodic and timely hearing screenings can detect hearing loss before your child falls behind in school or experiences developmental delays.

Infant Hearing Screenings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all infants receive a hearing screening before turning 1 month old. Your baby will likely receive the first test soon after birth and before you bring them home from the hospital.

If your baby does not pass the screening, they will receive a more in-depth screening before they turn 3 months old. The goal is to find any potential hearing loss so your child can get help before the age of 6 months. Early intervention is key for your child's development.

Childhood Hearing Screenings

If your child is at risk for hearing loss, they will have another test at approximately 2 years of age. If your child passed the infant hearing test and is not at high risk for hearing loss, they will continue to get screenings at the ages of 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10. These screenings may be performed at your pediatrician's office, but they can also be performed by your child's school.

If at any time your child appears to have hearing loss, their doctor may order more hearing tests. There are several types of tests, each measuring a different part of the hearing process via various methods.

Symptoms of Pediatric Hearing Loss

You are a crucial part of early hearing loss detection. Since hearing loss can occur at any time, it is up to you to watch out for signs of hearing loss and report them to your child's pediatrician. Symptoms of early childhood hearing loss include:

Difficulty speaking
Inattentiveness
Difficulty learning
Turning volume up
Not responding when spoken to
Getting frustrated by noisy situations

Pay attention to those baby milestones too. If your baby does not turn their head toward sound by 6 months of age or try to imitate sounds by 12 months of age, they may have hearing loss.

Causes of Hearing Loss

A multitude of things can cause or contribute to hearing loss. Loud noises and listening to high-volume devices are major causes of hearing loss in babies, children, and teens. But there are other causes as well, including premature birth, jaundice, certain medications, birth complications, ear infections, meningitis, and trauma.

A family history of childhood hearing loss, while not a definite clue that your child will have hearing loss, may make your child more susceptible to hearing issues.

When to Contact Your Pediatrician

In addition to having your child's routine hearing screenings performed, you should contact your pediatrician at the first sign of hearing loss. If you notice any symptoms of hearing loss, or if your child complains of not being able to hear, it's better to have it checked out sooner rather than later. Early treatment is key since intervention can forestall any developmental delays.

Even if your child has passed hearing screenings in the past, you should still let your child's pediatrician know about any concerns you have about your child's hearing.

Regular and timely hearing screenings are vital for your child's development. If your child is due for a routine hearing screening, or if you have concerns regarding your child's hearing, contact Y.H. Parikh & Associates to set up an appointment at our office on Singleton Road.

5 Common Infections Your Kid Faces

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 13:43:35 GMT

Children are often more susceptible to many infections because of their developing immune systems. If you're worried about your child's health, you need to fully understand the risks they face. To learn more, check out these five common infections.

Conjunctivitis

Better known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the conjunctiva of the eye. In most cases, pink eye doesn't leave any long-term side effects, but while your child suffers from pink eye, they may have redness, itchiness, discharge, and tearing. In some cases, your child may complain of feeling like something is in their eye.

Conjunctivitis is commonly caused by bacterial and viral infections, but in babies, conjunctivitis may be a side effect of a blocked tear duct. Other causes may include allergies, chemicals, or something stuck in the eye. If your child has bacterial conjunctivitis, they may need antibiotics, but in most cases, the condition just has to run its course.

Impetigo

Impetigo is often caused by streptococcus, which is part of group A strep. Impetigo appears as sores on the skin, and while they can appear anywhere, they are commonly found around a child's mouth and nose. Symptoms may not appear for ten days, but they include red, itchy sores, and sores with fluid or pus. As the area starts to heal, crusty yellow scabs begin to form.

Younger children are more susceptible to impetigo, so if someone has a skin infection, keep them away from your child. Treatment usually involves antibiotics. While the area heals, you'll need to care for any open wounds by cleaning and draining them. Serious wounds, however, may require a doctor's visit.

Strep Throat

The same A strep bacteria that cause impetigo can also cause strep throat, which is an infection in the throat. While strep throat can affect anyone, it is more common in kids aged 5 to 15 , and it is extremely contagious, especially when children cough or sneeze. Symptoms of strep throat include a sore, red throat, white patches on the inside of the throat, fever, chills, headache, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

In severe cases, the swelling in the throat can make it hard for your child to breathe or swallow properly. As with impetigo, strep throat is treated with antibiotics. Failing to treat strep throat can lead to many other complications including ear infections, scarlet fever, mastoiditis, and rheumatic fever, amongst other issues.

Ear Infections

Newborns and toddlers are at a higher risk of developing middle ear infections. Unlike many other infections, ear infections are not contagious, but they may be brought on by another contagious disease, such as a cold. The infection is typically caused by a virus or bacteria, and it may be worse in children who go to daycare, children with allergies, and children exposed to secondhand smoke.

An ear infection can cause mild to severe pain, and in some cases, pus or other discharge may drain from the ear. If your child is too young to speak, look for non-verbal signs like ear-tugging or trouble hearing quiet noises. If your child is tolerating the ear infection well, the doctor may suggest a wait-and-see approach, but antibiotics may be needed if the infection is painful, comes with a fever, or won't go away.

Pertussis

Pertussis is also known as whooping cough, and it is an infection in your child's respiratory tract. Just like strep throat, pertussis is extremely contagious. Deaths associated with whooping cough are rare, but untreated infants are at a higher risk of developing fatal symptoms. Symptoms include a cough, runny nose, fever, nasal congestion, vomiting, and fatigue.

Pertussis has also been known to affect older teens because as they age, the pertussis vaccine they received as a child wears off. If not treated, complications of whooping cough include cracked ribs, hernias, pneumonia, brain damage, and seizures. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection, but if your child is young, they may need to remain in the hospital during treatment.

Viruses and bacteria can affect anyone, but young children are often at a higher risk. If you want to better protect your child from painful and dangerous infections, contact us at Y.H. Parikh & Associates today.

Childhood Vaccines: What Parents Need to Know During the Pandemic

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 21:54:04 GMT

Does your child need immunizations? If you have concerns about venturing into a doctor's office during the COVID-19 pandemic, take a look at answers to the top vaccination questions that parents have.

Is It Safe for Children to Get Vaccines?

Along with standard vaccine concerns, today's parents may also have concerns about the safety of the medical setting during a quarantine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recent data shows a decline in childhood vaccinations worldwide.

While it's understandable to have concerns about your child's safety, you need to get the facts before making a decision. If you're not sure whether you can skip your child's next round of immunizations or not, ask the pediatrician:

What is the office doing to ensure a safe environment? The medical setting faces infection control challenges you may not find in other environments. But the pediatrician and their staff will take plenty of precautions to keep your child safe.
What rules do you need to follow? Do your part to help the doctor's office maintain health, hygiene, and safety practices. Ask about rules for entry during the office visit. These will vary by practice and local area rules and regulations.
Are the vaccines safe? Along with office issues, you may still have questions about the safety of the vaccines. The pediatrician can address individual issues and help you to better understand the benefits of immunization.

As you discuss the safety of the vaccines (and office visits) with the doctor, ask about the risks of skipping immunizations. The pediatrician can provide expert information on the common diseases vaccines protect your child against.

What Vaccines Do Children Need?

The answer to this question depends on your child's age. If you're tempted to pick and choose (or skip) a vaccine based on the severity of the disease, discuss this option with your doctor. Even though some childhood diseases are often more severe than others, any illness can have life-changing consequences.

As your child grows, they'll need vaccinations for:

Hepatitis . The Hepatitis B vaccine schedule starts at birth. By 12-months, your child will also need to start the Hepatitis A series.
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis . This series covers all three diseases in one vaccine.
Mumps, measles, and rubella . This series also includes three diseases. Your child will start this vaccine at 12-months.
Varicella . The varicella vaccine protects your child against chickenpox.
Influenza . This annual vaccine protects your child against the seasonal flu. They'll need a new shot every year.
Polio . The inactivated polio vaccine is given to children under 18-months.
Human papillomavirus . Your child won't need the HPV vaccine until just before the teen years.
Meningococcal . This vaccine is also given to older children. Your child may also need the Meningococcal B vaccine in the teen years.

Discuss your child's individual vaccination needs and immunization schedule with the pediatrician. The doctor can help your child to stay on track with their vaccine routine.

What Happens If a Child Misses a Vaccine?

Sometimes children miss vaccines. The doctor understands this is common and knows how to handle the situation. Whether you didn't feel comfortable taking your child to their last doctor's appointment or they missed a vaccine for another reason:

Contact the doctor . Call the office as soon as possible for guidance and a possible make-up appointment.
Continue the series . Some vaccines are given in a series of multiple shots. If you missed one of the boosters, the doctor may recommend you continue the series right now. This won't mean your child will need extra immunizations.
Ask about the date . A seasonal vaccine, such as the flu shot, is typically given during a specific time of the year. There's little benefit of a mid-July make-up for a vaccine missed in the fall or winter. Instead, the doctor may recommend that your child waits for the next season.

If you're not sure whether your child missed a vaccine or not, ask the doctor. The pediatrician's office has a detailed vaccine record to consult.

Does your child need a vaccination during this pandemic? Don't skip this important step; contact Y.H. Parikh & Associates for more information.

Should You Get Your Baby Tested for Allergies

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 20:00:42 GMT

Children with at one parent with allergies have a 30 to 50 percent chance of having an allergy. If both parents have allergies, this rises to 60 to 80 percent. When your baby is little, you won't know exactly what he or she is allergic to until your little one comes in contact with that substance. By that time, you're witnessing firsthand the severity of your infant's allergies.

Know Before a Serious Reaction Occurs

Not all allergies consist of a runny nose or itchy eyes. For some children, the allergy can trigger anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening issue. Typically, the onset of anaphylaxis occurs within three to thirty minutes after exposure to an allergen. Generally, the quickness of the response determines the seriousness of the reaction. Quicker responses tend to cause more serious symptoms.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis can affect your child by causing any of the following symptoms:

Trouble breathing
Noisy breathing
Chest tightness
Hoarseness
Swelling of his or her lips, tongue, throat, or face

Other possible symptoms include:

Chest pain
Weak pulse
Fainting
Rapid pulse
Low blood pressure

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can also affect your child's skin and digestive tract. For instance, your baby's skin might break out in hives or become pale and itchy. You might notice your child sweating. Your tot might experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Importance of Knowing Ahead

The symptoms of anaphylaxis happen abruptly after exposure. These symptoms are serious, cause discomfort, and can be life-threatening. This issue requires immediate medical attention. If you know in advance, you can learn how to avoid the allergen to prevent the reaction from occurring.

Know What to Avoid

If you know the allergy trigger your child reacts to, you may practice avoidance to prevent any type of reaction from happening. During the appointment, your pediatrician can explain the allergy and explain what your child should avoid.

For instance, let's say your child has a soy allergy. Soy isn't just in soy milk. Various products you purchase may also contain soy. Additionally, cross-contamination is possible, so your pediatrician educates you about evaluating restaurant and manufacturing plant processes in regard to how they prepare the food.

Get the Proper Treatment to Combat a Reaction

No matter what type of allergy your child has or the severity of the allergy, your pediatrician can provide you with the necessary treatment to combat the reaction once it occurs. A prime example is an epinephrine pen.

The active ingredient in this injectable is epinephrine, a substance that triggers a chemical reaction to open your child's lungs and narrow his or her blood vessels. As a result, your child's blood pressure normalizes, and skin allergies stop.

Receive a Preventative Treatment

If your baby is allergic to airborne particles like pollen, you can't always practice avoidance with your little one. You still want him or her to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, only without the sneezing or runny nose.

A pediatrician can prescribe a medication you can give your son or daughter before or when symptoms start occurring. Antihistamines are one example of a medication you may give your baby to prevent or stop allergy symptoms, so you two can still partake in outdoor fun.

An appointment with a pediatrician for an allergy test can prevent a serious reaction. You can learn how to manage the symptoms or what you should avoid to prevent a reaction.

If you want to prepare for every eventuality regarding your children's health, schedule an appointment for an allergy test for your son or daughter today by contacting Y.H. Parikh & Associates , serving Norcross, GA and the surrounding region, today.

Springtime Allergies and Your Child

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 18:04:42 GMT

Springtime means that your child could suffer from hay fever allergies. Even if your child didn't have an allergy problem in the past, he or she could develop one at any time. These allergies make your child miserable and even contribute to life-threatening breathing problems. Here is more information about what causes springtime allergies, their symptoms, and common ways to combat them.

Difference Between Springtime Allergies and Colds

Colds and allergies can have similar symptoms, but they also have some key differences. Here are examples of the differences between colds and springtime allergies.

Duration

Both colds and allergies may appear suddenly. However, allergies tend to last much longer than colds. Most colds will resolve themselves within a week or two. Allergies last for as long as your child is exposed to the allergen. For springtime allergies, your child will likely have symptoms for weeks.

Fatigue and Aches

Children who have colds may also have body aches and a general, overall malaise. Kids who have allergies may not feel well but can still do their normal activities. Usually, allergies don't cause aches unless your child has a headache from a sinus infection.

Fever

Allergies almost never cause a fever unless your child also gets a sinus infection. However, colds sometimes have a fever that lasts for a few days before it is resolved.

Age

Very young children, like babies, are much more likely to have a cold than an allergy. Allergies tend to develop as children get older.

Medication Effectiveness

While allergy medications help both colds and allergy-related upper respiratory symptoms, they aren't very effective against the cough, aches, and fever of a cold.

Common Springtime Allergens

Springtime allergens generally revolve around plants. Even in warmer areas like Georgia, many trees, flowers, and grasses still bloom seasonally and often in the spring. While you may think the main allergens are flower pollen, trees are often the major pollen producer in the spring. This pollen often peaks about mid-spring and is followed by grass pollen in the late spring and summer.

In addition to plant allergens, some children also experience insect-related allergy reactions. These reactions include mild to severe reaction to bug bites and bee stings. For example, your child may only have an itchy bite site that will go away in a short time. Serious reactions include breathing problems and possible anaphylactic shock, which results in a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Symptoms of Springtime Allergies

Most children exhibit allergies as upper respiratory problems. They will have runny noses, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. However, many children could experience breathing problems and coughing from allergy-induced asthma.

In addition to respiratory problems, many children also suffer from emotional issues related to difficulty breathing. The struggle to breathe at night can cause sleep problems that make concentration harder. Lack of sleep can also cause behavioral issues.

Treatment of Springtime Allergies

Treatment of springtime allergies varies based on the severity and type of reaction. Children's over-the-counter medications are available. These include oral and topical antihistamines. However, be sure to see your doctor, first, before you self-treat your child. More severe reactions, like asthma, may require inhalers and stronger medications.

Other things you can do to help your child is determine what allergen affects your child and remove as much of that allergen as possible. Teach your child good hand and face washing when they come in from outside. Close your windows as much as possible to keep pollen out of your home.

Allergies are no fun, and they can severely impact your child's life. If your child shows allergic symptoms, then call Y.H. Parikh & Associates for an appointment. We can give an allergy test to a child of any age, including babies. After examination, we will provide a treatment plan so that your child breathes easier and is more comfortable.

How Georgia's Climate Can Affect Your Child's Asthma

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 16:28:22 GMT

When you think of weather affecting people with asthma, you may think of cold weather. After all, in cold climates, the air is dry, which can cause airways to become swollen and irritated. Cold air can also cause the body to produce histamine, a chemical that can trigger wheezing and other asthma symptoms.

If you live in a humid subtropical climate like Georgia, you may not think that the climate can affect your child's asthma. However, this type of climate can also affect asthmatics. Take a look at how the climate can affect your child's asthma and how you can help your child manage symptoms.

How Can the Climate Affect Children with Asthma?

Unfortunately, warm humid climates tend to make the overall air quality worse since humidity can increase the levels of dust mites and mold in the air. These allergens can be triggers for asthma attacks.

Humidity also increases the levels of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is a colorless gas that sits just above the earth's surface. Ground-level ozone is actually a pollutant made up of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Like allergens, these pollutants can trigger asthma attacks.

In general, people with asthma are more sensitive to extreme temperatures. So while very cold air can aggravate your child's airways, so can very hot, moist air.

Lastly, as temperatures rise, your child can get dehydrated and breathe harder to cool down, which also can be a stress to asthma symptoms.

How Can You Help Your Child Deal with Asthma?

You can't change the weather on hot, humid days, but you can help your child manage their symptoms. For example, on very hot and humid days, make sure your child carries a water bottle so they don't become dehydrated and don't start panting. Here are a few other tips that can help.

Improve Your Home's Air Quality

You may want to invest in a better filter for your HVAC system for your home so that allergens, like mold spores and dust mites, aren't re-circulating through the air during warm, humid months. You could also invest in an air purifier for your child's room that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Make an Appointment with a Pediatrician

You should also contact a pediatric provider in your area if you haven't already. Pediatricians offer allergy testing so that you can identify any other triggers that may be causing your child's asthma symptoms. A pediatrician can also set your child up with inhaler and other medications if current treatments aren't helping symptoms.

Get Your Child Involved in a Physical Activity

This may seem like a counter-intuitive tip, but many children with asthma can safely play sports and be active if they manage their asthma.

Your pediatrician can help you and your child develop a safe exercise regimen. If your child wants to do an outdoor sport, try to schedule these events during times when the climate in Georgia is milder and less humid. Also be sure your child warms up adequately before exercising so they can prevent chest tightening.

While some high-intensity sports can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma, it's important for your child to get some sort of physical activity since it

Strengthens and builds lung capacity
Improves the immune system, which can help your child avoid respiratory infections
Improves the mood and reduces triggers like stress

If your pediatrician recommends gentle exercise at first, look into yoga classes suited for children. Yoga classes focus on rhythmic breathing and can reduce stress if your child tends to get anxious.

Contact Y. H. Parikh & Associates for more information on helping your child deal with asthma.

What to Expect at Your Baby's Well Child Exam

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 19:27:22 GMT

If you're a parent to a baby, your baby's health is likely your top priority. Regular checkups, commonly referred to as well child visits, are a key tactic to ensure the continued health of your child. Know what to expect at these visits so you can be prepare any questions you may have for your pediatrician ahead of time.

Physical Examination

The physical examination ensures that your baby is in good health. It's designed to catch any health concerns early.

Measurements

Nearly every visit begins with measurements. Babies are typically measured lying down. The child's head is placed against a special board and the body is lined up with a measuring strip while a nurse holds the baby's legs gently in an extended position. The baby is also placed on a scale so that weight gain can be monitored.

Ears, Eye, and Throat

The ear, eye, and throat exam is both a visual and a functional examination. The visual exam involves looking into your child's ears, eyes, and throat to make sure everything is looking healthy. Your doctor will then likely perform a simple vision and hearing test to make sure the senses are functioning correctly. They'll check that the child's eyes dilate properly and follow objects, and that your child reacts to noises.

Internal Health

The internal examination typically involves a stethoscope, which the doctor uses to listen to your child's breathing, heartbeat, and the functioning of the digestive system. The doctor will also gently push and prod your child's abdomen and sides.

The main goal of the prodding is to catch issues like an umbilical hernia, a common condition that only requires monitoring unless it doesn't close on its own by the child's fourth birthday.

Developmental Examination

Your doctor isn't just concerned with physical health. They also want to ensure your child is developing normally.

Milestones

The pediatrician will use a milestone checklist to make sure your child is developing at a normal pace. They may check for things like the baby's ability to hold up their head by age two months or responding to their name by age six months. A delayed milestone alone isn't necessarily a reason for concern, but your doctor will want to monitor any delays to ensure they don't indicate an issue.

Motor Skill Development

Motor skills include things like grasping and being able to move the body. Young babies have fewer motor skills, so your doctor may only check that they have a firm grasp and can move their arms, legs, and head freely. As the child gets older, skills like the ability to hold a crayon, sit up, or crawl will also be assessed.

Stimuli Responses

How a baby responds to stimuli depends on the child's age. An infant may only respond by calming down or getting worked up, but an older baby may smile, coo, stare intently, or even reach out towards the stimuli. Your doctor will compare your child's reactions against a checklist of age-appropriate responses to specific stimuli.

Treatments and Recommendations

Once the examinations are done, treatments and ongoing recommendations are suggested.

Vaccinations

Generally, the only treatment most babies require at a well child checkup are their vaccinations. The doctor will provide you with the most up-to-date immunization schedule that they recommend for your child. Generally, during their first year a baby requires vaccinations at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age. If you have vaccination concerns, discuss them with your doctor. Vaccinations save lives and your doctor is happy to answer any questions.

Follow-Up Visits

If any concerns were raised during the visit, your doctor may schedule a follow-up either with themselves or a specialist. For example, stubborn rashes may lead to a recommendation to visit a skin allergist or a dermatologist.

Contact Y.H. Parikh & Associates to set up a well child visit for your baby today.

7 Necessities for Kids With Severe Food Allergies

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 22:18:39 GMT

You need to take precautions after you find out that your child has a severe food allergy to make sure that your child stays safe and avoids exposure to allergens wherever he or she goes.

Discuss your child's food allergy with a pediatrician to find out exactly what you and your child need to do to avoid allergic reactions. The following are seven necessities the pediatrician is likely to recommend for kids with severe food allergies that you need to take care of to ensure that your child stays healthy and safe.

1. Epinephrine Availability

Epinephrine is a medication that saves lives in the event of severe allergic reaction. Your doctor's pediatrician may give your an epinephrine prescription and recommend that you always have epinephrine available to administer to your child if a severe allergic reaction occurs.

You should discuss epinephrine use with your child's pediatrician and know how to administer it to your child if the pediatrician recommends that you have it available.

2. Communication

You're going to have to communicate well with both your child and your child's pediatrician to manage your child's food allergy. Your doctor will inform both you and your child of what your child can and can't eat safely.

However, the need for communication regarding the allergy issue doesn't stop with the doctor. You also need to communicate with staff members at your child's school and inform them of your child's food allergy. This way, they will know not to offer your child food items that are allergens.

3. Awareness

When your child is an infant, you will be solely responsible for managing your child's allergies. However, as your child grows, he or she should be made aware of food allergies and informed of what must be done to stay healthy.

In addition to making sure your child discusses his or her allergy with the pediatrician, you'll also need to stay informed yourself to answer any questions your child has about allergies.

4. Alternative Foods

Your child should have alternative foods available both at home and at school. You don't want your child to feel left out of activities and special events because he or she can't eat when everyone else is eating.

Therefore, you need to be creative to get around food allergy limitations. Make sure your child has something to eat during snack time and at other times when those around are enjoying a food that your child is allergic to.

5. Emergency Plans

While you obviously hope that an emergency situation never comes up, you should have an emergency plan in place for dealing with a severe allergic reaction should one occur.

You need to know how to recognize all of the signs of a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis . You also should always have your pediatrician's contact number to reach him or her immediately in the event of an emergency.

6. Medical ID Bracelets

Medical ID bracelets warn healthcare personnel and others of your child's food allergy if your child is unable to tell them about it himself or herself. This way, medical personnel know not to expose your child to a possible allergen during medical treatment.

An ID bracelet is probably a good idea if your child's allergy is severe.

7. Vigilance

Vigilance is the key to staying healthy despite severe allergies. While you don't want your child to feel anxiety or stress over his or her allergy, you need to stress the importance of staying aware of the risks and scrutinizing food carefully for the presence of possible allergens.

If you're looking for a pediatrician in the Norcross area who can take care of allergy testing for your child, contact us at Y.H. Parikh & Associates to schedule an appointment.

The Signs Your Child Lacks Necessary Vitamins

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

One of the reasons doctors encourage patients to eat well-balanced meals is to ensure that their patients receive all the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay healthy. When your child does not have a varied diet, he or she may experience a vitamin deficiency. Unfortunately, these kinds of deficiencies can have serious and long-term consequences over time.

Do you believe your child may suffer from a vitamin deficiency? This guide helps you determine what foods to add to your child's diet to fix health concerns.

Vitamin B Deficiency

Several types of B vitamins exist, and each type of Vitamin B may have different side effects.

Any type of Vitamin B deficiency may come with lesions and ulcers, known as canker sores, inside the mouth.

A child with brittle hair and brittle nails may lack Vitamin B7 or biotin. Brittle hair often accompanies muscle pain, fatigue, and cramps. To remedy a Vitamin B7 deficiency, your child needs to eat foods like fish, meat, dairy, nuts, egg yolks, spinach, broccoli, and bananas. Whole grains also provide this nutrient.

A child deficient in Vitamins B3 and B7 may also exhibit hair loss. You may remedy this problem by increasing meat, fish, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and grains in your child's diet. Sometimes, B7 deficiency also presents with a skin rash.

Vitamin C Deficiency

If your child does not have enough Vitamin C, he or she may exhibit bleeding gums. While it is common for teeth to bleed if your child has gum inflammation while brushing their teeth, this type of bleeding may occur seemingly at random.

Scurvy is another side effect of Vitamin C deficiency, but it is typically only apparent in severe cases. As a result of scurvy, your child may experience weakened muscles, frequent bruising, and a poor immune system.

Fruits and vegetables provide Vitamin C. Children should eat several portions of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Foods high in Vitamin C include broccoli, kiwi, bell peppers, and other fresh items.

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency comes with a common side effect of difficulty with vision. Your child may complain that he or she struggles to see in low light. Additionally, your child may complain of dry eyes, dry skin, and frequent illness. Vitamin A can worsen your immune system.

You can increase your child's intake of Vitamin A by encouraging a diet rich in dairy products, eggs, leafy greens, and orange veggies like bell peppers and carrots.

Vitamin D Deficiency

If your child lacks Vitamin D, he or she may experience symptoms like bone disease, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel conditions. To build healthy, strong bones, your child needs Vitamin D. Otherwise, your child may frequently fracture their bones or experience muscle cramps.

You will find Vitamin D in many foods, including fortified milk, liver, egg yolk, and fish. Your child can also spend time outdoors in the sun to improve their levels of Vitamin D.

Vitamin E Deficiency

While most children do not need to worry about Vitamin E deficiency, it can happen if a child is malnourished in general. Vitamin E deficiency may result in weak muscles, problems with vision, and shaking. Children may also struggle to walk because of the symptoms.

You can add foods like almonds, spinach, and avocado to your child's diet to prevent Vitamin E deficiency.

We at Y.H. Parikh & Associates offer dedicated, compassionate service to ensure that your child is in the best hands. Call our team of professionals today to schedule an appointment if you suspect your child has a vitamin deficiency. We are happy to help you.

5 Common Childhood Rashes and How to Treat Them

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Kids get bumps and bruises all the time. They can also develop rashes pretty frequently. Many rashes, such as those accompanying bug bites, are pretty harmless and go away on their own. Some, like those described below, might take a little more therapy.

1. Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, presents as patches of dry, scaly skin. The condition is triggered by cold air, so it's more common in colder months. However, air conditioning can also trigger eczema, as can sweating and overheating.

Upon first presentation, you'll want to consult with your pediatrician about how best to treat the eczema. The rash is sometimes triggered by allergies, so your pediatrician might be able to control those with medication. Otherwise, keep your child's skin moisturized with fragrance-free creams and choose clothing that's loose and made of cotton.

2. Fifth Disease

Fifth disease presents as rosy red cheeks, which is why the condition is also called slapped cheek syndrome. The redness is caused by a viral illness, the virus being parvovirus B19. It's most common in children and rarely affects adults. The condition usually goes away on its own. However, it if persists, you should take your kids to their pediatrician.

In addition to the flushed cheeks, children sometimes also have a fever, runny nose, and headache. After the initial red cheeks presentation, they can also develop a lace-like rash on their arms. Fifth disease is transmitted via saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus. Unfortunately, kids are most contagious before they develop the telltale rash.

3. Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection. The rash can present on the body or on the scalp. Ringworm gets its name from the fact that the rash looks circular with an often-clear center. The circle, though, features red, sometimes itchy scales. When it occurs on the scalp, ringworm can also cause swelling.

As soon as you suspect your kids have ringworm, take them to your pediatrician. It's not usually dangerous, but it's highly contagious. Your pediatrician can prescribe a topical medication to get the condition under control. If you child gets sick, though, the doctor may prescribe a stronger topical or even oral antibiotics.

When ringworm has entered your household, you'll want to do your best to eradicate the cause. Children get ringworm via skin-to-skin contact, either with each other or a family pet. So, a trip to the vet may also be in your future. When it presents on the scalp, you'll need to sanitize, or even replace, all hair tools.

4. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Despite its name, hand, foot, and mouth disease has nothing to do with the foot-and-mouth disease that affects animals. The condition takes its name from the affected body parts. Affected children develop ulcers in their mouth and red spots with blisters on the hands and feet. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is preceded by a sore throat and a temperature.

The condition usually goes away on its own within 7 to 10 days. Indeed, by the time kids develop the characteristic rashes, they usually feel fine. The condition is spread via bodily fluids, so the best prevention is good hygiene. You can talk to your pediatrician if your kids' symptoms don't improve or if you want advice for treating the symptoms to provide relief.

5. Yeast Diaper Rash

Most babies get diaper rash, and it goes away with the use of topical treatments. However, any child of diaper age can develop yeast diaper rash, which is a trickier condition. The rash presents like regular diaper rash only much more intense:

Bold red with a raised border
Red, scaly areas
Blisters or sores
Widespread lesions

The condition occurs when the child is on antibiotics or as a reaction to soaps, too-tight diapers, or acids in the stool. You can use antifungal creams to treat yeast diaper rash. However, if the rash doesn't improve in a few days, call your pediatrician.

If you're ever concerned about your children's rashes, don't hesitate to seek your pediatrician's advice. Y.H. Parikh & Associates can help you with any medical concerns you have about your kids.

Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Thrombocytopenia

Thu, 09 May 2019 20:41:44 GMT

If your doctor tells you that you child's blood platelet count is low, it means that a clotting disorder known as thrombocytopenia is present. This hematological disorder may be asymptomatic or may cause serious symptoms. It can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection; medications; or even a bone marrow disorder. One of the infections that can lead to thrombocytopenia is mononucleosis (mono).

Take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia in children.

Petechiae

Petechiae refers to tiny pinpoint dots under the skin that are usually purple, red, or brown in color. They are the result of subcutaneous bleeding, and while they can be associated with mild trauma, abrasions, and insect bites, they can be a sign of a low platelet count.

They often develop in clusters on the skin and can also be found on the mucus membranes of the inner eyelids or lining of the cheeks. Petechiae spots are not raised and they do not itch.

Note that the existence of petechiae is not a diagnosis, only a sign of another condition. Your child will need to see the pediatrician for a complete blood count and physical examination.

Prolonged Bleeding

Another symptom of thrombocytopenia that your child may develop is prolonged or excessive bleeding from a minor cut or scrape. This is because when the platelet count is low, blood clotting takes longer. To stop bleeding in your child, apply pressure over the area with a clean cloth for a few minutes or until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding does not stop, take your child to the pediatrician.

Your child may also experience blood in the stool or urine. When this happens, seek prompt medical attention because if the child loses too much blood from the bowel or urinary tract, severe anemia can develop. A low platelet count may also result in nosebleeds, and if your child has started menstruating, heavy menstrual bleeding may occur.

Severe Fatigue

If your child has no interest in playing because he or she is unusually tired, a low platelet count may be to blame. While unrelenting fatigue can be caused by infections and other conditions, your physician may suspect thrombocytopenia, especially if petechiae and abnormal bleeding are present.

In addition to a complete blood count, your child's pediatrician will also palpate the spleen and liver to see if it they are enlarged. If blood tests reveal the presence of a low platelet count, the doctor will try to establish a cause such as an infection or a medication that your child takes. In mild cases of thrombocytopenia, no treatment is needed.

If the pediatrician determines that treatment is needed for your child's low platelet count, medications such as those used to raise the platelet count will be prescribed. Corticosteroids are often the medication of choice; however, if those are ineffective, the doctor may recommend immunosuppresants.

If the doctor prescribes immunosuppresants to treat a low platelet count, your child may be more susceptible to infections. Once the medication has been discontinued, though, immune function will start to improve.

In severe cases of thrombocytopenia, the doctor may recommend removal of the spleen, or splenectomy, as well as a procedure known as a plasma exchange. If the pediatrician recommends a plasma exchange, your child's blood plasma will be removed and replaced with fresh plasma. Your child will need to be hospitalized for this procedure, and may feel weak, tired, or nauseous afterwards.

To learn more about thrombocytopenia or other pediatric blood disorders, or if your child needs general pediatric services, contact Y.H. Parikh & Associates today to schedule your appointment.

The 2019 Flu, Your Child, and Vaccination Myths Debunked

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 03:14:17 GMT

With flu season in full-force it's common for parents to have questions about the vaccine. If you haven't had your child vaccinated yet or aren't sure whether you should, take a look at some of the most common flu shot myths and the truths about them.

Timing of the Vaccine

Flu season typically starts in late fall, peaking in mid- to late-winter. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that children (and adults) 6-months and older get the shot by the end of October, the idea that this is the only time to get the vaccine is a myth.

On average it takes two weeks, following vaccination, for the flu shot to become effective. If flu season starts during the late fall, the theory is that a mid-October shot provides your child with effectiveness before the illness strikes - along with throughout the duration of the season. But if your child doesn't get the vaccination by late fall, they still have time.

A vaccination any time during flu season is better than no vaccination at all. While a mid- or late-winter vaccination won't stop a child from getting the flu in November, it can provide protection in February or March. If your child hasn't gotten their shot, and the winter is nearing its end, you can still talk to the pediatrician about vaccination.

Safety of the Vaccine

One of the largest most pervasive myths in childhood medicine is that vaccines harm children. While there are cases of vaccine-related injuries, some of them serious or with life-long consequences, these are not the norm .

Before assuming that the flu, or any vaccine, will hurt your child, ask the pediatrician about the facts and statistics. One of the primary alarmist studies on vaccination and its potential for negative side effects (in this case, autism) was debunked years ago. The author of the study (which has since been retracted by the medical journal The Lancet), British doctor Andrew Wakefield, lost his medical license following an investigation into his findings.

Unless your child is allergic to the vaccine, allergic to one of the components in the vaccine, or has a health issue-related contraindication, the flu shot is typically safer than getting the flu.

Illnesses from the Vaccine

Along with safety issues, the myth that the flu shot causes the flu is another common cause for concern. Again, this is a myth-and not a fact. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine cannot cause the illnesses.

Your child may feel soreness near the injection site or develop a low fever, a headache, muscle aches, or nausea following the shot. These are typically mild immune response symptoms and do not indicate that your child has the flu.

Even though the vaccine can't give your child the flu, they can still get sick after having the shot. It's possible that your child could come in contact with the flu virus prior to getting the vaccine or during the two-week timespan that it takes the shot to become fully effective. If this happens, it may seem like the vaccine made your child sick. But your child was already sick before the vaccination started working.

Some flu vaccines, depending on the year and the strains, aren't completely effective. A study from Rice University found that the 2018 vaccine is 20 percent effective, while the CDC notes that the shot can reduce the risk of developing illness by 40 to 60 percent. If your child does get the flu, the vaccine's protection may reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Healthy Children and the Vaccine

Your child is generally healthy. They have a strong immune system and tend to fight off disease well. Does that mean they don't need an annual flu shot? It's a myth that healthy children don't need the vaccine. While a well-functioning immune system can help to fight diseases (such as the flu) it doesn't provide the same level of protection as the vaccine.

Does your child need a flu shot? Contact Y.H. Parikh & Associates for more information.

Questions to Ask Your Baby's Potential Pediatrician

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As you check out pediatricians, take a look at the common questions that can help you determine if this is the right medical provider for your baby.

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Parent’s Guide to the Importance of Childhood Immunizations

Fri, 18 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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Juvenile-Onset Diabetes: What Every Parent Needs To Know

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The average age of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, or juvenile-onset diabetes, is 14. Talk to the professionals at Y.H. Parikh & Associates for more info.

3 Ways to Help Your Baby With Asthma

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

When you are a new parent, your infant's health and well-being are your top priority always. As such, finding out that your baby has asthma can be scary and unnerving. While you cannot control whether or not your baby has asthma, you can take steps to help them stay as healthy and symptom-free as possible going forward.

Common Side Effects That May Occur With Immunizations

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

You know that getting your children immunized is the best way to protect them against potentially serious illnesses, including chicken pox and measles. Thanks to the advancements in modern medicine and dedicated parents like yourself who choose to vaccinate their children, the occurrence of once-common illnesses like polio are all but eradicated in the US.