MD
Dr. Aldo Medina Serpa is a Physician Doctor with a specialty in Pediatrics. Having more than two decades of experience, he is currently associated with Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí as an honorary professor. Previously, he was the head of department of Epidemiology at Hospital General de Soledad and pediatrician at Hospital de la Salud, San Luis Potosí, México. He was also an adjunct professor of the specialty of Pediatrics at Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, San Luis Potosí, since 2015.
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Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when children do not have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells have a protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen to different body parts. When the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, there is insufficient oxygen in children’s bodies, making them weak and tired. The condition can also damage organs and tissues (1). Anemia is a common disorder, occurring in around 20% of children in the US at some point in their lives. It happens when the body is not producing, losing, or destroying red blood cells quickly (2). Read the post to know about the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for anemia in children. [mj-toc] What Are The Types Of Anemia In Children? There are several types of anemia — some are mild and temporary, while others are chronic and life-threatening (1) (2). Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when children’s bodies do not have sufficient iron to make hemoglobin. This condition may...
Headaches are quite common in children. About 20% of children aged five years and 75% of teenagers get occasional headaches (1). These occur due to stress, fatigue, poor eyesight, fever, or [simple_tooltip text="sinus infection" tooltip="An infection where the tissue lining the air-filled spaces in the skull (sinus) gets inflamed " ] (2). Headaches in children are mostly harmless and can be managed with simple treatments and home remedies. Although rare, a persistent and acute headache can result from an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. Since children may not figure out the difference, you must be aware of the symptoms and consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. In this post, we will help you understand headaches in children, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment. [mj-toc] Causes And Types Of Headaches In Children It is believed that headaches occur due to muscle tightening and blood vessel dilation inside the head. Headaches have also been related to a change in...
Ibuprofen is a generic drug available over-the-counter (OTC) under brand names such as Advil and Motrin. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves aches, pains, and inflammation and reduces fever (1). This post provides information about the safe use of Ibuprofen for kids, its side effects, and precautions. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Give Ibuprofen To Children? [caption id="attachment_894686" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Ibuprofen in children above six months of age. The drug is commonly used for aches, pains, and fever in children and is considered safe. However, you should consult a pediatrician before giving the drug to your child to avoid any dosing error (2). [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]Babies above three months and those who weigh at least or more than 5kg (11lb) can take ibuprofen under medical guidance (10).[/mj_protip] What Are The Uses Of Ibuprofen In Children? [caption id="attachment_894687" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption]...
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a set of physical, mental, and behavioral problems identified in children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. It is the most severe fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a collective name given for the several problems that affect the children (1) (2). The exact statistics of children born with fetal alcohol syndrome are unknown, but the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention estimates that it occurs at the rate of 0.2 to 1.5 cases per 1000 live births in some parts of the US. However, another study estimates that 0.5 to 2 cases of the syndrome occur in every 1000 live births (2). Read the post about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and ways to help a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. [mj-toc]What Are The Causes And Risk Factors Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome In Children? [caption id="attachment_880377" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Alcoholic drinks, even in a small amount, consumed at any time of the pregnancy may put the fetus...