Best paediatrician near me – Page 2

19/Jul/2025

Dengue Danger Signs in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness common in many tropical and subtropical regions. While most cases are mild, children can develop severe dengue, which may be life-threatening if not identified and treated early. Here’s what parents should watch for:

🧒 Early Symptoms of Dengue in Children

These occur in the first 2–5 days:

Sudden high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
Severe headache (especially behind the eyes)
Muscle and joint pain (“breakbone fever”)
Nausea, vomiting
Skin rash (may appear on day 3–5)
Weakness, irritability, or drowsiness in younger kids

🚨 Warning Signs of Severe Dengue (Usually after Day 3)

If your child had dengue fever and then fever starts to come down, stay alert — this is when complications can begin. Look out for these danger signs:

1. Severe abdominal pain or continuous vomiting

Can indicate internal bleeding or organ involvement.

2. Bleeding signs

Bleeding from gums or nose
Blood in vomit or stool (black, tarry stools)
Easy bruising or skin petechiae (tiny red/purple spots)

3. Excessive tiredness or restlessness

Lethargy or irritability can suggest poor blood circulation.

4. Cold, clammy skin or weak pulse

Sign of shock, which is a medical emergency.

5. Difficulty breathing

May indicate fluid accumulation in lungs or chest.

6. Sudden drop in urine output

Less urination or no wet diapers could suggest dehydration or kidney involvement.

✅ What Parents Should Do

Seek immediate medical care if any warning signs appear.
Monitor temperature, fluid intake, and urine output.
Give only paracetamol for fever (avoid ibuprofen or aspirin—they can worsen bleeding).
Ensure good hydration with ORS, coconut water, soups, or electrolyte drinks.

❌ What Parents Should Avoid

Do not delay hospital visit if warning signs appear.
Avoid over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin.
Don’t assume recovery just because fever drops—this is when danger can peak.

🦟 Prevention Tips

Use mosquito nets and repellents.
Eliminate stagnant water around the home.
Dress children in full-sleeved clothes.

If you’re unsure whether your child is improving or worsening, it’s safer to consult a doctor early. Dengue can worsen quickly, but with timely treatment, children usually recover well.

Dr. Vibin KV

25/Jun/2025

Vomiting in infants is quite common and often not serious. However, parents should worry and seek medical attentionif the vomiting shows certain warning signs or is accompanied by other symptoms.

🚼 When Vomiting is Usually Not Serious

Happens occasionally after feeding (likely spit-up or reflux)
Baby is otherwise active, feeding well, and gaining weight
Vomit is small in amount, milky, and not forceful

⚠️ When Parents Should Worry

Seek medical care immediately if any of the following are present:

1. Vomiting is Forceful (Projectile)

Especially in babies younger than 3 months
Could indicate pyloric stenosis, a condition requiring surgery

2. Green or Yellow (Bilious) Vomit

May indicate intestinal blockage or twisting (volvulus)
Needs urgent medical evaluation

3. Blood or Coffee Ground Appearance in Vomit

Suggests possible bleeding in the stomach or esophagus

4. Signs of Dehydration

Dry mouth or lips
No tears when crying
Sunken eyes or soft spot (fontanelle)
Fewer than 6 wet diapers/day

5. Vomiting with High Fever or Lethargy

Could signal infection like meningitis or a serious illness

6. Persistent Vomiting (>24 hours)

Especially if baby is unable to keep fluids or feeds down

7. Seizures, Bulging Fontanelle, or Abnormal Movements

Could indicate brain or neurological issues

8. Poor Feeding and Weight Loss

May be a sign of chronic underlying issues

9. Recent Head Injury

Vomiting could be a sign of concussion or brain injury

✅ What Parents Can Do at Home (If Mild and Baby is Well)

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds
Burp the baby during and after feeding
Keep baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds
Avoid overfeeding

📞 Call a Pediatrician If You’re Unsure

Always better to get a professional opinion, especially in infants under 3 months.

Dr. Vibin KV

20/May/2025

Poor appetite in toddlers is a common concern for many parents. It’s important to approach it calmly and with a good understanding of what’s typical and when to seek help. Here’s what parents must know:

✅ What’s Normal?

Appetite Fluctuates
Between ages 1–5, toddlers experience slow growth compared to infancy, so their appetite naturally decreases.
Picky Eating Is Common
Toddlers often refuse new foods or want the same food repeatedly (food jags). It’s a normal developmental phase.
Small Stomachs
Toddlers need smaller, more frequent meals. Large portions may overwhelm them.

🧠 Key Reasons for Poor Appetite

Growth Slows Down
Appetite often decreases after age 1 because the rapid infant growth slows.
Illness or Teething
Fever, cold, teething pain, or digestive issues can temporarily reduce appetite.
Too Many Snacks or Milk
Snacking or drinking too much milk/juice can fill them up and blunt hunger.
Stress or Fatigue
Big life changes, anxiety, or being overtired can affect eating habits.
Iron Deficiency or Constipation
Medical issues like anemia or blocked bowels may suppress hunger.

🧩 What Parents Can Do

Stick to a Routine
Offer meals and snacks at regular times—toddlers thrive on structure.
Limit Grazing
Avoid constant snacking. Space meals/snacks by 2–3 hours.
Don’t Force Feed
This often backfires and creates negative associations with food.
Make Mealtimes Pleasant
Avoid distractions (TV, devices) and eat together as a family.
Offer Variety, But Small Portions
Let your child choose from a small selection of healthy options.
Be a Role Model
Show enjoyment when eating fruits, vegetables, and new foods.

🛑 When to See a Doctor

Consult a pediatrician if your toddler:

Is losing weight or not gaining as expected
Is lethargic or unusually irritable
Shows signs of nutrient deficiency (pale skin, fatigue, delayed development)
Has persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Avoids entire food groups (especially protein or fruits/veggies)

Dr. Vibin KV

22/Apr/2025

By Age Group

At 6 Months

Doesn’t respond to sounds or turns head to locate them
Doesn’t show affection or smile at people
Poor head control or stiff/floppy limbs
Doesn’t roll over or bring objects to mouth

At 9 Months

Doesn’t sit without support
Doesn’t babble (“mama,” “baba,” “dada”)
Doesn’t recognize familiar faces
Doesn’t look where you point

At 12 Months

Doesn’t crawl or stand with support
Doesn’t say single words like “mama” or “dada”
No gestures like waving or pointing
Doesn’t respond to name

At 18 Months

Can’t walk or walking is very unsteady
Doesn’t speak at least 6–10 words
Doesn’t know what common items are for (e.g., brush, spoon)
Shows little interest in others or playing

At 2 Years

Doesn’t use 2-word phrases (e.g., “more juice”)
Has trouble following simple instructions
Doesn’t imitate actions or words
Can’t push a wheeled toy

At 3 Years

Doesn’t speak in simple sentences
Can’t work simple toys (like shape sorters)
Avoids playing with other children
Falls frequently or has difficulty with stairs

Red Flags Across Ages

Loss of skills once learned (e.g., speech or motor skills)
Lack of eye contact or emotional connection
Very limited interest in surroundings or people
Unusual behavior (hand-flapping, rocking, or extreme reactions to lights/sounds)

What Should Parents Do?

Don’t wait and see. Early intervention is key.
Talk to your pediatrician if you notice any of these signs.
Ask about developmental screening or a referral to a specialist.

Dr. Vibin KV

25/Mar/2025

A poor appetite in toddlers can be concerning for parents, but it is often a common phase that many children go through. There can be several reasons why a toddler may have a poor appetite:

Growth Spurts: Toddlers’ appetites often fluctuate depending on their growth rate. During periods of slower growth, they may not feel as hungry.
Picky Eating: Around this age, children start to develop their food preferences and might refuse certain foods or become more selective.
Teething: Teething can cause discomfort or pain in a toddler’s mouth, which may make eating less appealing.
Illness or Infection: Minor illnesses like colds, stomach bugs, or ear infections can reduce a child’s desire to eat.
Distractions: Toddlers can become easily distracted and may not focus on eating, especially if they are interested in playing or other activities.
Emotional Factors: Changes in routine, stress, or emotional upset can affect appetite.
Health Conditions: Rarely, an underlying health issue (e.g., food allergies, gastrointestinal problems, or anemia) might contribute to poor appetite.

What Can You Do?

Offer Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, offer small meals and snacks throughout the day.
Create a Positive Mealtime Environment: Avoid pressure to eat, and make meals fun or interactive.
Be Patient with Picky Eating: Offer a variety of foods and respect their preferences, but keep introducing new options.
Monitor for Signs of Illness: If there are other signs like fever, vomiting, or a lack of energy, it’s important to consult a pediatrician.
Consult a Pediatrician: If the poor appetite persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s always best to seek professional advice.

If you’re worried or the lack of appetite persists, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying health concerns.

Dr. Vibin KV

10/Mar/2025

An inguinal hernia in an infant occurs when a part of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, a passage in the lower abdominal wall. It typically appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum and is more common in premature boys.

Symptoms:

A soft lump in the groin or scrotum, more noticeable when the baby cries, coughs, or strains.
The lump may disappear when the baby is lying down.
If the hernia becomes incarcerated (trapped), symptoms can include pain, swelling, redness, vomiting, and difficulty feeding. This is an emergency.

Causes & Risk Factors:

Incomplete closure of the inguinal canal during fetal development.
More common in boys, premature babies, and those with a family history of hernias.

Treatment:

Surgery is the standard treatment to prevent complications like incarceration or strangulation (cutting off blood supply).
If the hernia is reducible (able to be pushed back), surgery may be scheduled electively.
If incarcerated, emergency surgery is needed.

When to See a Doctor:

If you notice a lump in your baby’s groin.
If the lump becomes firm, red, swollen, or painful, or if the baby is vomiting and irritable—this could indicate an emergency.

Newer Posts

🧒 Early Symptoms of Dengue in Children

🚨 Warning Signs of Severe Dengue (Usually after Day 3)

1. Severe abdominal pain or continuous vomiting

2. Bleeding signs

3. Excessive tiredness or restlessness

4. Cold, clammy skin or weak pulse

5. Difficulty breathing

6. Sudden drop in urine output

✅ What Parents Should Do

❌ What Parents Should Avoid

🦟 Prevention Tips

🚼 When Vomiting is Usually Not Serious

⚠️ When Parents Should Worry

1. Vomiting is Forceful (Projectile)

2. Green or Yellow (Bilious) Vomit

3. Blood or Coffee Ground Appearance in Vomit

4. Signs of Dehydration

5. Vomiting with High Fever or Lethargy

6. Persistent Vomiting (>24 hours)

7. Seizures, Bulging Fontanelle, or Abnormal Movements

8. Poor Feeding and Weight Loss

9. Recent Head Injury

✅ What Parents Can Do at Home (If Mild and Baby is Well)

📞 Call a Pediatrician If You’re Unsure

✅ What’s Normal?

🧠 Key Reasons for Poor Appetite

🧩 What Parents Can Do

🛑 When to See a Doctor

By Age Group

At 6 Months

At 9 Months

At 12 Months

At 18 Months

At 2 Years

At 3 Years

Red Flags Across Ages

What Should Parents Do?

What Can You Do?

Symptoms:

Causes & Risk Factors:

Treatment:

When to See a Doctor:

Dr. Vibin KV

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