Balaji Children's Clinic - Hyderabad

02/09/2024

03/11/2023

When a child has a fever, it has been observed that many people follow a myth and undocumented fact that chapati should be given as part of diet and not rice.. Basically, it's important to provide them with easily digestible foods that are gentle on their stomach and provide essential nutrients to support their recovery. Rice is often recommended as part of a "BRAT" diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) for individuals with gastrointestinal issues or during illness. Here's why rice is typically preferred over wheat in such situations:

1. Easy to digest: Rice is easily digestible and gentle on the stomach, making it suitable for individuals with digestive discomfort or those experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

2. Low allergenic potential: Compared to wheat, rice has a lower allergenic potential. Some children may have wheat or gluten intolerance, and consuming wheat-based products during illness may worsen their symptoms.

3. Binding properties: Rice has mild binding properties, which can help firm up loose stools and reduce the frequency of diarrhea. This can be beneficial if the child is experiencing gastrointestinal disturbances along with the fever.

4. Nutrient content: Rice provides carbohydrates for energy and is a good source of B vitamins. It also contains trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can help replenish electrolytes lost during fever-related sweating.

While rice is often recommended during fever, it's worth noting that a well-balanced diet should include a variety of foods to ensure adequate nutrition. If your child has specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions, it's best to consult a healthcare professional or pediatrician for personalized advice.

12/10/2023

When it comes to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children, there are several dos and don'ts that parents and caregivers should keep in mind. Here are some important guidelines:

Dos:
1. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
2. Ensure your child completes the full course of antibiotics prescribed by their healthcare provider. This is crucial to fully eliminate the infection.
3. Practice good hygiene habits, such as teaching your child to wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
4. Dress your child in loose-fitting cotton underwear to promote air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
5. Encourage your child to urinate regularly and avoid holding urine for extended periods.
6. Provide pain relief, such as over-the-counter acetaminophen, if your child is experiencing discomfort or pain during urination. Follow appropriate dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.
7. Consult a healthcare provider if your child experiences recurring UTIs or if symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment.

Don'ts:
1. Avoid giving your child bubble baths or using scented soaps, as these can irritate the urethra and potentially worsen the infection.
2. Do not use any over-the-counter remedies or natural remedies without consulting a healthcare professional. It's important to follow proper medical advice and treatment.
3. Avoid giving your child caffeine, carbonated drinks, or any other potential bladder irritants.
4. Do not delay seeking medical attention if your child has symptoms of a UTI, such as pain or a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, or abdominal pain.

Remember, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your child's UTI. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your child's specific condition.

12/10/2023

Constipation in kids

1. Definition: Constipation refers to difficulty or infrequent bowel movements in children.
2. Symptoms: Look out for signs such as fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard or dry stools, pain or discomfort during bowel movements, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
3. Causes: Common causes of constipation in kids include a diet low in fiber, inadequate fluid intake, withholding bowel movements due to fear or discomfort, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and changes in routine or environment.
4. Prevention: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Promote regular physical activity and ensure your child drinks enough water throughout the day.
5. Treatment: Increase dietary fiber gradually to avoid sudden changes. Encourage regular toilet habits and provide a relaxed and comfortable environment for bowel movements. If necessary, your pediatrician may recommend stool softeners or laxatives for short-term use.
6. Establishing Routine: Help your child develop a regular bathroom routine by setting aside regular times for bowel movements, ideally after meals. Encourage them to relax on the toilet and not rush the process.
7. Encouraging Fluid Intake: Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day to soften stools and prevent dehydration.
8. Physical Activity: Engage your child in regular physical activities like running, jumping, or playing outdoor games, as exercise helps stimulate bowel movements.
9. Avoiding Withholding: Teach your child not to resist the urge to have a bowel movement, as withholding can worsen constipation. Provide a supportive and comfortable environment for their bathroom needs.
10. When to Seek Medical Help: If your child's constipation persists despite lifestyle changes, or if they experience severe symptoms like intense abdominal pain, bleeding, or weight loss, consult a pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice if your child is experiencing constipation or any other health concerns.

12/10/2023

Nutritional anemia in children

1. Nutritional anemia is a condition that occurs when a child's body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells due to a lack of essential nutrients, especially iron, vitamin B12, and folate.

2. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of nutritional anemia in children. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

3. Vitamin B12 and folate are also important for red blood cell production. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells are larger than normal and less efficient at carrying oxygen.

4. Nutritional anemia in children can be caused by various factors, including a diet lacking in iron, vitamin B12, or folate-rich foods, poor absorption of these nutrients due to certain medical conditions, or increased nutrient requirements during rapid growth phases.

5. Symptoms of nutritional anemia in children may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, poor appetite, and decreased physical and cognitive performance.

6. To diagnose nutritional anemia, a healthcare professional may perform a blood test to measure the child's hemoglobin and other related blood parameters.

7. Treatment for nutritional anemia typically involves dietary changes and, in some cases, iron, vitamin B12, or folate supplements. It's important to consult a healthcare professional before giving any supplements to children.

8. Including iron-rich foods in a child's diet is crucial to prevent and treat nutritional anemia. Good sources of iron include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, and iron-fortified infant formulas.

9. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified breakfast cereals. Folate can be found in leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits, fortified grains, and some fortified cereals.

10. Along with dietary modifications, it's essential to promote a varied and balanced diet that includes all essential nutrients needed for overall health and well-being.

Remember, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and guidance regarding nutritional anemia in children.

12/10/2023

PICKY EATER

Managing a picky eater, especially in pediatrics, can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help parents and caregivers address this issue. Here are some recommendations on what to do and how to manage a picky eater:

1. Remain Calm and Patient: It's essential to approach the situation with patience and understanding. Remember that picky eating is often a normal phase in child development and can be temporary.

2. Maintain a Routine: Establish regular meal and snack times to create a structured eating schedule. Offer meals and snacks at predictable intervals, which can help promote appetite and reduce grazing behavior.

3. Offer a Variety of Foods: Provide a wide range of nutritious foods from different food groups. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins (e.g., lean meats, fish, tofu), and dairy products (or alternatives). Encourage your child to try different textures, flavors, and colors.

4. Be a Role Model: Children often imitate their parents' eating behaviors. Demonstrate healthy eating habits by consuming a balanced diet and enjoying a variety of foods. Eat meals together as a family whenever possible.

5. Involve Children in Meal Planning and Preparation: Engage your child in selecting and preparing meals. Take them grocery shopping and let them choose fruits, vegetables, or other healthy foods. Involving them in cooking activities can increase their interest in trying new foods.

6. Make Mealtimes Enjoyable: Create a pleasant atmosphere during meals. Avoid pressuring or forcing your child to eat specific foods. Offer praise and positive reinforcement when they try new foods or make progress.

7. Serve Small Portions: Provide appropriate portion sizes based on your child's age and avoid overwhelming them with large amounts of food. Offer more if they ask for it. Let them decide how much to eat, as long as they are given a balanced selection of foods.

8. Limit Distractions: Minimize distractions during mealtimes, such as television, tablets, or toys. Encourage your child to focus on eating and be mindful of their hunger and fullness cues.

9. Be Creative with Food Presentation: Make meals visually appealing by arranging food in fun and colorful ways. Use cookie cutters to create shapes, or arrange fruits and vegetables to form creative designs.

10. Offer Healthy Snacks: Provide nutritious snacks between meals to ensure your child receives adequate nutrition throughout the day. Offer options like cut-up fruits, vegetables with dips, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers.

11. Consult a Pediatrician: If you have concerns about your child's growth, nutrition, or eating habits, it's important to consult their pediatrician. They can provide guidance, assess your child's overall health, and address specific nutritional needs.

Remember, every child is unique, and it may take time for them to develop a broader palate. With patience, consistency, and a positive approach, you can help manage picky eating habits and encourage your child to embrace a varied and nutritious diet.

19/04/2023

23/03/2023

Nosebleeds

Come summer and there is a rise in nosebleeds in kids. Most nosebleeds are simple and stop within 5 to 10 minutes. They usually do not cause enough blood loss to be serious in children who are otherwise healthy. Nosebleeds are common in children because delicate, small blood vessels line the nose and can easily break.

What Causes Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are most often caused by:

nose picking or scratching the inside of the nose
rubbing the nose often
dry air - Home heating systems may dry the air in your home and also dry the lining of the nose.
getting hit in the nose or putting an object inside it
blowing too hard
colds or allergies
abnormal tissue (skin) growth inside, such as polyps
Frequent nosebleeds within a few days are usually from the spot where a clot has formed and then comes off.

How to Stop a Nosebleed:

Here are a few things you can help your child do to stop a nosebleed.
Tell your child to:

Try to be quiet and calm. Talking, laughing or crying may cause more bleeding.
Sit up and lean the head forward slightly. Do not lie down, lean back or put their head between their knees.
Pinch the nostrils tightly closed at the soft part of the nose just below the nasal bone (bone at the top of the nose). For young children, you might need to do this for them.
Breathe through the mouth.
Hold the nostrils closed for 5 minutes. Time this with a clock or watch. If the bleeding has not stopped after a full 5 minutes, hold the nostrils closed for 5 more minutes. Call your child’s health care provider if bleeding does not stop after a total of 10 minutes of pinching the nostrils.
Wet a washcloth or hand towel with cool water. Wring it out and press firmly to the nose and cheeks.
Do not blow the nose or remove crusts for several hours. If your child needs to blow their nose, remind them to do it very gently. Blowing or wiping the nose may cause the bleeding to start again.
Spit out any blood that collects in the mouth. Swallowing a large amount of blood may cause your child to have a stomachache or vomit (throw up).
How to Help Prevent Nosebleeds
Fingernails should be cut short to prevent scratching the inside of the nose.
Keep fingers and objects out of the nose. Avoid rubbing the nose.
Teach your child to blow their nose gently.
Use a cool vaporizer or a humidifier in your child’s bedroom at night, especially during the winter. Be sure to clean the machine once a week.
Smear a very thin coat of nasal ointment inside each nostril 2 to 3 times a day, especially at bedtime, for 2 weeks during the dry season. Petroleum jelly ointments, such as Vaseline work best. This will keep the lining of the nose moist.
For colds or a stuffy nose, use a saline nose spray – 2 sprays to each nostril, 2 or more times a day.
More About Nosebleeds
If your child takes aspirin, an anticoagulant (anti-clotting) medicine or uses nasal sprays for allergies, be sure to tell the health care provider how often the nosebleeds happen.

Call Your Child’s Health Care Provider If:
The nosebleed does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure.
Your child:
has a nosebleed after an accident or being hit in the face.
has a clotting disorder, blood in their urine or bruises easily.
becomes dizzy, pale or has any problems breathing .

19/08/2022

Please do not give Antibiotics or any kind of nebulizations..

13/05/2022

Every ORS is not World Health Organization certified ORS..