Dela Cruz Pediatric Clinic

05/02/2026

Mothers often panic when their child has seizure. Most common cause is 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗶𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗲.

Febrile seizures are convulsions that can happen in young children below ten years old when they have a sudden fever. They are usually harmless, and often stop on their own within a few minutes. Knowing what to do at home can help keep your child safe and calm your fears.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗶𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗲
• Stay calm and note the time.
• Lay the child on a flat surface, on their side, to prevent choking.
• Remove nearby objects that could cause injury.
• Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck.
• Let the seizure run its course, most last less than 5 minutes. May start with sponge bath with tepid or tap water.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼
• Do not put anything in the child’s mouth.
• Do not restrain the child’s movements.
• Do not give food, drinks, or medicine during the seizure.

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗶𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗲
• Check the child’s breathing and comfort them.
• Once awake, you may give fever medicine (paracetamol) as advised.
• Total Sponge with lukewarm or tap water if the fever is high.
• Allow the child to rest.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆
• If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
• If the child has difficulty breathing.
• If seizures repeat within 24 hours.
• If it is the child’s first seizure.
• If the child does not wake up or act normally after.

𝙍𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧:
Febrile seizures look frightening, but most children recover fully and do not develop epilepsy. Proper home care and knowing when to seek help make all the difference.

02/10/2025

As I went back to my pediatric practice I have some realizations:
-It is both a challenge and a joy to take good care these little ones.
- Each child is unique and special yet all look so precious and beautiful. -These kids are carbon copies of their parents and families. They are miracles for me.
- Don’t rush talking to parents and kids and examining these little ones , instead enjoy the moments for soon these kids will grow up.
- Understand parents with their worries and anxieties.
- Doctors are God’s hands taking care of these His loving children.
- It is a blessing and a responsibility to take care of these children.

19/08/2025

Let us understand and support Psoriasis Awareness Campaign.

By Dr. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz, MD Pediatrician, MMG Aklan Group of Medical Specialists Every August, we observe Psoriasis Action Month — a global campaign to raise awareness about a condition that is more than skin deep. As a pediatrician, I have cared for young patients struggling with psoriasis, a...

08/08/2025

Q: My 10 year old son now weighs 38 kg. He was told to be overweight. Is it true?

A:
All parents like to hear that their child belongs to a normal range of weight. This is also a big concern for parents.

"Underweight is typically defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) below the 5th percentile for age and s*x, while overweight is defined as a BMI between the 85th and 95th percentiles for age and s*x. Obesity, which is also a concern, is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile.

Normal weight gain benefits:
1. Proper development of body structures and organs
2. Good brain development on early childhood
3. Strong immunity to fight infections
4. Helps give confidence and positive emotional status
5. Reduce risk if diseases like diabetes, Hypertension, asthma , joint diseases and more.
Our usual formula for normal weight per age for children is : age in years x2+8= weight in kg.
Example : 10 yo x 2+8 =28 kg. So, a 10year old boy should be around 28 kg. Your ten year old son is 38 kg and yes, he is overweight. You need to check his diet and activities.
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Next we will talk about proper diet and activities to maintain good weight in children .

31/07/2025

Cough in Children

Q: My five year old son lately has recurrent cough? Im worried, can he possibly has Asthma?

A: Cough is a common symptom in children . Causes are varied: Viral infections( colds ) bacterial throat infection, asthma, allergy, gastroesophagial reflux, croup, bronchiolitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Home care depends on possible causes like in Bronchial Asthma and Bronchiolitis , may use inhaler. For colds and allergy may use anti allergy medications. There are many and varied suggestions as to home care for cough depending on its causes.

For milder cases and long recurrent cough please visit your doctor to properly diagnose your child through complete history, physical examinations and laboratory tests. He then will give proper medications and preventive measures.

However , we advise you to seek admission soon to hospital in serious cases of cough like if the the young child has:
difficult breathing or fast breathing, has high fever or persistent cough for more 10 days, with wheezing or chest tightness, with bluish lips or face. Important to note also is barking cough with stridor. A history of possible foreign body inhalation is also dangerous.

Yes, your son with recurrent cough accompanied with occasional wheezing could possibly has asthma especially if you have a positive family history of asthma or allergy. Please visit your doctor to know more about your child's health condition.

If your child has recurrent cough ( asthma ) please take note /record the symptoms and corresponding medication which you can use at home. Self- medication with antibiotics however, is discouraged without your doctor's prescription.
( QA2 Doc Cynthia) 8/1/25