Your child may feel run down, have a low-grade fever, post-nasal drip, and a sore throat.  So is it a common cold or a sinus infection? Typically, a cold can definitely morph into a sinus infection, but there are some classic symptoms for each illness that can help distinguish between the two.

The Common Cold

With a cold, there is a cluster of symptoms that your child might be experiencing, including:

• Nasal congestion
• A run-down feeling
• Runny nose with clear discharge
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Post nasal drip
• Fever may be seen in children, but not often in adults

If your child has a cold, they may even experience a cough or a headache, and it can often last from three to seven days with or without any treatment.  Your child develops a cold from a virus in which the symptoms usually build slowly over the course of a day or two, peak by days three or four, then slowly improve around the fifth or seventh day. 

With a cold, treatment might include supportive care, fluids and chicken soup.  Drinking plenty of water is also beneficial as it helps to hydrate your child.  By hydrating your child through water consumption, you can help to flush out the infection because it liquefies the mucus.  There are also medications available to help make your child more comfortable as the cold passes.

Sinusitis

Sometimes colds can set in the sinuses and cause swelling, which then prevents the flow of mucus and turns the cold into a sinus infection.  Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses that can be caused by a cold, an infection or allergies. Any swelling of the sinuses can produce symptoms such as:

• Pressure or pain behind the eyes or cheeks
• Pain in the top teeth
• Congestion
• Green or yellow nasal drainage
• Headache
• Post nasal drip

Your child may also complain of being tired, having a difficult time breathing through his or her nose, decreased sense of smell, and restless sleep.  If your child develops a cold every month or every other month, this is because his or her sinuses are flaring up and it is probably not a cold, but chronic sinusitis. 

The main difference between a common cold and sinusitis is that a cold comes around once a year and lasts for three to five days, and then is gone and your child most likely will not experience it again until next year.  Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than four weeks, with chronic sinusitis lasting more than 12 weeks.  So if your child’s symptoms last more than a week, odds are they are experiencing a sinus infection and should visit Nimisha Shukla, MD. 

By visiting your child’s pediatrician in Edison, you can help your child breathe easy once again.  Whether it is a common cold, or a more serious sinus infection, your child’s pediatrician is available to help relieve their symptoms. 

Bedwetting is a common childhood problem. Many children who master toilet training during the day, usually between the ages of two and four, continue to experience episodes of bedwetting through the night.  In many cases, the nighttime bedwetting incidents will gradually decrease until they have completely ceased around the age of five or six.

So, when should parents worry about their child’s bedwetting behaviors? Most pediatricians agree that it’s quite normal for children to experience occasional “accidents” and that most children will outgrow it on their own.

When to Visit Your Edison Pediatrician

Bedwetting is rarely a serious problem. In fact, wetting up to a year after the child has successfully been toilet trained is normal. Children gain bladder control at different ages, and while most kids quit wetting at night by the age of 6, others may take a little longer. In the majority of cases, wetting does not have a medical cause.

According to the AAP, you should contact your pediatrician if your child continues to have frequent “accidents” or if you notice any of the following signs:

• Wet clothing and bed linens even when the child uses the toilet frequently
• Unusual straining during urination, a very small or narrow stream of urine, or dribbling after urination
• Cloudy or pink urine
• Abnormal redness or rash in the genital area
• Trying to conceal wetting by hiding clothes or underwear
• Daytime wetting in addition to nighttime accidents

Parents should remember to be sensitive to their child’s wetting behavior so not to cause additional embarrassment or discomfort. Never punish the child for bedwetting.  Instead show support and encouragement by reassuring the child that it is not his or her fault and that the problem will get better.

Remember, even though childhood wetting is frustrating, it is very normal. Talk to Downers Grove Pediatrics if you have concerns about your child’s bedwetting behaviors. 

Parents should pay special care to protect their kids when playing outdoors. Here are a few simple tips to prevent overexposure to the sun:

• Protect infants
  Keep babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight, protected by the shade of a tree or an umbrella.
• Seek shade
  When possible, find a shaded area or take a break indoors to avoid sun exposure for extended periods of time. 
• Limit outdoor play
  UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun during midday.
• Cover up
  Protective clothing that cover the arms and legs and wide brim hats can keep kids protected from sun damage.
• Always apply sunscreen
  Choose a sunscreen made for kids with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.  Apply to all areas of the body, and reapply every few hours.

Sunburn is an obvious sign of sun damage, but a child doesn’t have to get a burn to experience the negative consequences of too much exposure to the sun. The effects of chronic sun exposure can also contribute to wrinkles, freckles, toughening of the skin and even cancer later in adulthood.  In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing skin cancer later in life. 

As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By setting good examples and teaching kids the importance of sun safety now, parents can significantly lower their child’s risk of developing skin cancer and other signs of sun damage as an adult.  

Always talk to Nimisha Shukla, MD if you have questions or concerns about sun safety and prevention.

Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, caused by excess yellow pigment in the blood called bilirubin, which is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When bilirubin is produced faster than a newborn’s liver can break it down, the baby’s skin and eyes will appear yellow in color.

In most cases, jaundice disappears without treatment and does not harm the baby. However,if the infant’s bilirubin levels get too high, jaundice can pose a risk of brain damage. It is for this reason that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants should be examined for jaundice within a few days of birth.

Is it Jaundice?

When parents leave the hospital with their newborn, they will want to look for signs of jaundice in the days following, as the condition usually appears around the second or third day of life.   Most parents will be able to detect jaundice simply by looking at the baby’s skin under natural daylight.If you notice your newborn’s skin or eyes looking yellow, you should contact your Edison pediatrician to see if jaundice is present.

Also, call Edison immediately if your jaundiced newborn’s condition intensifies or spreads. The following symptoms may be warning signs of dangerously high levels of bilirubin that require prompt treatment.

• Skin appears very yellow
• Infant becomes hard to wake or fussy
• Poor feeding
• Abnormal behavior
• Feverish

Treating Jaundice

While most infants with jaundice do not require treatment, in more moderate to severe cases treatment will be recommended.  Some infants can be treated by phototherapy, a special light treatment that exposes the baby’s skin to get rid of the excess bilirubin. Infants who do not respond to phototherapy or who continue to have rising bilirubin levels may be treated with a blood transfusion.

Always talk to your Edison pediatrician if you have questions about newborn jaundice. 

Parents should play an active role in helping their kids stay healthy by taking extra precaution to minimize germs. Here are a few tips on how.

Tidy Up

Spending just a few extra minutes each day tidying up your household can go a long way to keep your home germ-free and your kids healthy. Disinfect kitchen countertops after cooking a meal, and wipe down bathroom surfaces as well—especially if your child has been ill with vomiting or diarrhea. Doorknobs, handrails and many plastic toys should also be sanitized on a routine basis. Simply by disinfecting your home more regularly, and even more so when someone in your household has been ill, you can significantly cut down on re-infection.

Set a Good Example

Parents should set good examples for their children by practicing good hand washing and hygiene at home. Encourage your kids to cough or sneeze into a tissue rather than their hands. Children should also be taught not to share drinking cups, eating utensils or toothbrushes. If your school-aged child does become ill, it’s best to keep him home to minimize spreading the illness to other children in the classroom.

Hand Washing

Finally, one of the easiest (and most effective) ways to prevent the spread of infection is by hand washing.  At an early age, encourage your child to wash his or her hands throughout the day, especially:

• After using the bathroom
• Before eating
• After playing outdoors
• After touching pets
• After sneezing or coughing
• If another member of the household is sick

The Centers for Disease control recommends washing hands for at least 10 to 15 seconds to effectively remove germs.

Parents can’t keep their kids germ-free entirely, but you can take extra precautions to help keep your environment clean. It’s also important to help your child understand the importance of good hygiene and thorough hand washing as a vital way to kill germs and prevent illnesses. 

When to Visit Your Edison Pediatrician

Fevers are one of the most common reasons parents seek medical care for their child.  Most of the time, however, fevers require no treatment.

When a child has a fever, he may feel warm, appear flushed or sweat more than normal—these are all common signs. So, when does a child’s fever warrant a pediatrician’s attention?

 You should call Nimisha Shukla, MD immediately if the child has a fever and one or more of the following:

• Exhibits very ill, lethargic, unresponsive or unusually fussy behavior
• Complains of a stiff neck, severe headache, sore throat, ear pain, unexplained rash, painful urination, difficulty breathing or frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhea
• Has a seizure
• Is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher
• Fever repeatedly rises above 104°F for a child of any age
• Child still feels ill after fever goes away
• Fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years or more than 3 days in a child 2 years of age and older

All children react differently to fevers. If your child appears uncomfortable, you can keep him relaxed with a fever-reducing medication until the fever subsides. Ask your pediatrician if you have questions about recommended dosage.  Your child should also rest and drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated. Popsicles are great options that kids can enjoy!

For many parents, fevers can be scary, particularly in infants. Remember, the fever itself is just the body’s natural response to an illness, and letting it run its course is typically the best way for the child to fight off the infection.  Combined with a little TLC and a watchful eye, your child should be feeling normal and fever-free in no time.

Whenever you have a question or concern about your child’s health and well being, contact your Edison pediatrician for further instruction.

Here are a few tips for helping you introduce and successfully navigate feeding your baby solids.

Is my baby ready for solids?

As a general rule, most babies are ready to tackle solids between 4 and 6 months of age.

• Weight gain.According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies are typically big enough to consume solids when they reach about 13 pounds—or about the time they double their birth weight.
• Head control.Your baby must be able to sit up unsupported and have good head and neck control.  
• Heightened curiosity.It may be time to introduce your baby to solids when he begins to take interest in the foods around him.  Opening of the mouth, chewing motions and staring at your plate at the dinner table are all good indicators it’s time to give solid foods a try.

Getting started

To start, give your baby half a spoonful or less of one type of solid food. Generally it doesn’t matter which food is introduced first, but many parents begin with an iron-fortified rice cereal.  Once he masters one type of food, then you can gradually give him new foods.

Other foods, such as small banana pieces, scrambled eggs and well-done pasta can also be given to the baby as finger foods. This is usually around the time the baby can sit up and bring his hands or other objects to his mouth.

As your baby learns to eat a few different foods, gradually expose him to a wide variety of flavors and textures from all food groups.  In addition to continuing breast milk or formula, you can also introduce meats, cereals, fruits and vegetables.  It’s important to watch for allergic reactions as new foods are incorporated into your baby’s diet. If you suspect an allergy, stop using that food and contact your Edison pediatrician.

Talk to Nimisha Shukla, MD for recommendations about feeding your baby solid foods. Your [location] pediatrician can answer any questions you have about nutrition, eating habits and changes to expect as your baby embarks on a solid food diet.

You may first notice signs that your child has eczema as early as one to four months of age, appearing as a red, raised rash usually on the face, behind the knees and in the bends of elbows.  The rash is typically very itchy, and with time, may spread and lead to an infection. The patches can range from small and mild to extremely itchy, which may make a small child irritable.

While the exact cause of eczema is not known, the tendency to have eczema is often inherited.  Allergens or irritants in the environment, such as winter weather, pollen or certain foods, can trigger the rash. For most infants and small children, eczema improves during childhood. In the meantime, however, parents should help reduce the triggers that cause eczema outbreaks and control the itch to prevent infection.

Managing Eczema

While there is no cure for eczema at this time, there is treatment. Talk to your Edison pediatrician about ways to alleviate itching and reduce the rash. Minimizing how often a child scratches the rash is especially important as the more the child scratches, the greater the risk of infection.

To prevent flare-ups and help your child cope with eczema, parents should follow these tips:

• With your doctor’s direction, use antihistamine to relieve itching and reduce scratching.
• Minimize nighttime itching by having child sleep in long-sleeved clothing to prevent scratching through the night.
• Apply cortisone creams or medication to reduce inflammation.
• Use mild soaps during bathing, and avoid frequent, hot baths, as it will dry out the child’s skin.
• Wrap moist bandages around the affected areas of the skin before bed to soothe and rehydrate the child’s skin.
• Avoid triggers that aggravate eczema, such as rapid changes in temperatures or seasonal allergies.

Many kids will outgrow atopic dermatitis, but it is still important to treat the condition right away to keep it from getting worse. Work with Nimisha Shukla, MD to find the best combination of skin care strategies and medications to ease the itch and inflammation and keep infection at bay.

Asthma Causes

There are a variety of triggers that can lead to an asthma flare-up or make asthma worse. These vary for every person, but common triggers include:

• Allergens, such as animal dander, pollens, mold and house dust mites
• Environmental irritants, such as cigarettes, dry air, fragrances and air pollution
• Infections, such as pneumonia, sinus infection and viral infections of the nose and throat
• Exercise
• Stress

Does my child have asthma?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma is the most common chronic medical problem in children.  Asthma symptoms will vary in frequency and severity, and most children with asthma develop their first symptoms before the age of five.  Common signs include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in chest

If you think your child may have asthma, contact your Edison pediatrician. Nimisha Shukla, MD can help you identify the early signs of childhood asthma and provide support for prevention and treatment.

A child may be at a greater risk for having asthma if there is a family history of asthma or if the child has eczema or frequent bouts of chronic lower respiratory problems occurring before the first birthday.  Keeping your kids away from cigarette smoke in the home or car, removing pets from the house, paying attention to pollen and air quality forecasts and monitoring exercise are all ways to reduce asthma problems.  

The good news is that the majority of asthma cases are only mild, and when the condition is properly managed with medications and extra caution, severe asthma flare-ups can be prevented.  Work with your child’s Edison pediatrician to learn more about the condition and ensure your child leads a healthy, normal, active life.

Parents can play a very important role in influencing their teen to stay active while maintaining a healthy diet.  These tips can help:

• Encourage your teen to not skip meals, especially breakfast.  A well-balanced breakfast is essential to keeping your son or daughter nourished throughout the day.
• Educate your teen about healthy snack choices.  Stock your refrigerator and cabinets with healthy foods and snacks, such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and lean meats and poultry. Avoid buying sodas and other sugary drinks and foods that are low in nutritional value.
• Involve your teen in the selection and preparation of foods to teach them to make healthy choices.
• Teach your teen how to make healthy selections when eating out at restaurants.

How many servings per day your teenager requires will depend on how many calories his or her body needs. This is based on age, sex, size and activity level.  Visit the AAP’s table of recommended servings per day for teens to learn more.  You can also discuss your teen’s nutritional habits and recommended daily intake with Nimisha Shukla, MD.

Although balancing school, sports and social activities may present challenges to eating healthy, it is possible to guide your teen on a path of nutritional food choices. Educate them now and promote healthy eating at home to help your teen develop a good understanding of proper nutrition into adulthood.  The whole family can benefit from improved eating habits starting at home.

• Make sure the crib meets current safety standards before purchasing it. As of June 28, 2011, new federal safety standards prohibit the manufacture or sale of drop-side rail cribs. The standards also require stronger hardware and increased durability.  
• If you have a crib that was manufactured before the new safety standards were enacted, contact the manufacturer to see if they offer hardware to keep the drop side from being raised or lowered. Consider buying a new crib that meets the stronger standards, if possible.
• Read and follow the directions carefully for setting up, using and caring for the crib.
• Regularly inspect your crib’s screws and hardware, and tighten them as necessary.
• The mattress should fit snugly in the crib to prevent the baby from slipping between the mattress and the crib sides. As a general rule, no more than two of your fingers should fit between the mattress and the side of the crib.
• Do not use the crib if there are any missing, damaged, or broken parts, and never substitute original parts with pieces from a hardware store. Always contact the crib manufacturer for replacement materials.
• Be sure to inspect every crib your child uses—from grandma’s house to the day care center—for safety.
• Visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website to see if your crib has been recalled.
• The slats of the crib should be no more than 2 3⁄8 inches apart, as widely spaced slats can trap the infant.
• All surfaces of the crib should be covered with lead-free paint, and the wood should be smooth and free of splinters.
• If the crib has a drop-side or drop-gate, it should have a locking latch that will not release unexpectedly.

Remember, your baby will spend many hours in his or her crib. Take special care to ensure that your baby’s sleeping place offers very little opportunity for injuries and problems.  You can learn more about crib safety standards, as well as safe bedding practices by visiting www.healthychildren.org and www.cpsc.gov, or by contacting your Edison pediatrician for more information.

Tonsillitis is common in children, but it can occur at all ages.  Many cases of tonsillitis in elementary-aged kids are caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu.  Bacterial infections, particularly streptococcus (strep), can also cause an infection of the tonsils.

If your child has tonsillitis, his or her main symptom will be a sore throat. It may be painful to eat, drink or swallow.  Other common signs of infected tonsils include:

• Red, tender and enlarged tonsils
• Yellow or white coating on tonsils
• Swollen, painful lymph nodes in the neck
• Fever
• Bad Breath

If your child’s symptoms suggest tonsillitis, call Nimisha Shukla, MD.  Your child will need to visit a pediatrician to determine whether it is a bacterial or viral infection, which can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam and a throat culture.

If bacteria caused the child’s tonsillitis, then antibiotics may be prescribed to kill the infection. If a virus causes it, then the body will fight the infection on its own. Rest and drinking fluids can also help alleviate symptoms and ease pain.  In some cases, if the child suffers from frequent episodes of tonsillitis or repeat infections over several years, your Edison pediatrician may recommend a tonsillectomy, a common surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.

Because tonsillitis is contagious, kids should help protect others at school and home by washing hands frequently, not sharing cups or other personal utensils, and covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Always contact your Edison pediatrician when you have questions about your child’s symptoms and health.

A number of factors can cause a child to develop a headache, such as stress, lack of sleep, skipped meals and certain medications. Other times a child may suffer from a headache due to a common illness or infection, such as a cold or flu.  And in serious cases, head trauma or an underlying condition such as meningitis could be causing the child’s headache. That’s why it’s important for parents to pay close attention to their child’s headache patterns.  

Although it’s easy for parents to worry, most headaches in children are rarely a sign of something serious. However, parents should contact their child’s Edison pediatrician if the child has unexplained or recurring headaches over a short period of time or on a regular basis.

Parents should also notify their pediatrician if the child’s headache is accompanied by one or any combination of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Double vision, weakness in a limb or loss of balance
• Disabling pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain medication
• Interrupted sleep
• Decreased level of alertness
• Vomiting
• Change in personality

To help pinpoint the causes of your child’s headaches, parents should keep a diary of their child’s symptoms. Track when headaches occur, how long they last, the severity of the headache and if anything provides relief. Over time, your notes can help you and your pediatrician understand the child’s symptoms to reach a diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

Your child’s pediatrician may also ask you a series of questions to determine the source of your child’s headaches:

• Do the headaches follow a pattern or do they change over time?
• Has your child recently suffered a serious injury?
• What seems to help or worsen headaches?
• Does your child take any medications or have any past medical issues?
• Does your child have allergies?
• Is there a history of headaches in your family?

In many cases, a child’s headache may be relieved at home with simple care. Over-the-counter pain medications, rest and avoiding those triggers that prompt headaches may be enough to ease the pain. 

Remember, headaches are not always a symptom of something more serious. However, parents should be mindful of the types of headaches their child has and how frequently they occur. If you suspect something is wrong or not normal, always contact Nimisha Shukla, MD for an appointment.

A food allergy is the abnormal response of the immune system to a food.  It’s possible to be allergic to any food, but these particular foods are responsible for the majority of allergies: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and peanuts. Food allergies should not be confused with food intolerance, or food sensitivity, which is more common and less severe.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction typically occur within just moments to an hour after the child ingests a food.  They can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening, so it’s important for parents to understand what to do if they suspect their child is having an allergic reaction to food. Symptoms will vary for each child, but the most common telltale signs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hives
• Eczema
• Trouble breathing
• Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Light-headedness or loss of consciousness

Food allergy symptoms often resemble other medical conditions, so always contact Nimisha Shukla, MD for a proper diagnosis. If you suspect your child has a food allergy, remove that particular food from your child’s diet immediately.  If the allergic reaction is severe, seek medical care right away.

The good news is that food allergies are often outgrown during early childhood. Your Edison pediatrician or allergist can perform tests to pinpoint and track your child's food allergies They can also work with you to modify and manage your child’s diet to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition for growth and development without putting them at risk for additional allergic reactions.

For years, studies have shown that constant exposure to loud sound damages hearing. In fact, between the mid-1990s and 2006 there was a 31 percent increase in the prevalence of hearing problems among U.S. adolescents, according to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association.  Researchers suggest that one in every five teens today has some sort of hearing impairment.

Chronic exposure to loud noise may not cause hearing loss in the short term, but it can gradually result in irreversible hearing loss later in adult years. Even slight hearing loss can have a negative impact on a child’s academic success and social interaction.  Warning signs of potential hearing loss include: difficulty following directions, asking that things be repeated, trouble with speech and language and listening to the TV at a high volume.

With the prevalence of music devices only gaining popularity, parents need to be particularly aware of their kids’ music-listening habits and educate them about the dangers of excessive noise.

To mitigate hearing loss, talk to your kids about how to use their music players properly to protect their ears from hearing damage.

• Teach kids to never play their music devices at full volume.
• Monitor your child’s music volume and frequency.
• If you can hear the music from the child’s ear buds, then the music is too loud.
• Explain to your child the importance of wearing ear protection when they are in an environment with loud noises for long periods of time, such as concerts.

The difficult truth about hearing loss is that in many cases it is not reversible, and it can even be progressive over time. Talk to your kids about the dangers of hearing loss now, and keep the volume and length of their listening to a minimum.

Whenever you have questions about your child’s hearing, talk to your Edison pediatrician.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than half of babies between 4 months and 15 months of age will experience diaper rash at least one time in a two-month period. Diaper rash is most common between 8 to 10 months of age, or when a baby is introduced to solid foods, which increases the frequency of bowel movements.

Soothing Your Baby’s Diaper Rash

If your baby develops diaper rash, one way to improve its condition is to change his or her diaper frequently. Other helpful ways to treat diaper rash include:

• Rinsing the affected area with warm water and a soft washcloth
• Pat dry; never rub
• Avoid baby wipes that contain alcohol or are fragranced
• Allow your baby’s bottom to air out whenever possible

Preventing Diaper Rash

Parents may not be able to prevent diaper rash completely, but you can do a lot to keep the irritation to a minimum.  The American Academy of Pediatric recommends the following steps to keep diaper rash at bay:

• Apply a heavy layer of diaper ointment or cream to your baby’s bottom after every change.
• Leave breathing room in the baby’s diaper, and avoid putting the diapers on too tightly as it will trap moisturize and prevent air circulation.
• Switch diaper brands or use extra absorbent diapers to whisk away moisture and keep skin dry.
• Change the baby’s diaper immediately after it becomes wet—this is the key to preventing diaper rash.  

The good news is that preventing and treating a diaper rash is fairly easy, and most breakouts can be resolved in just a few days. Call Nimisha Shukla, MD if the rash won’t go away or doesn’t improve after a few days. You should also bring your child to see his or her Edison pediatrician if the rash is accompanied by blisters, a fever or pain.

I hope you find this blog to be a great resource for keeping up to date with children's medical care and needs.

Nimisha Shukla, M.D.