I have heard that giving aspirin to children causes Reye’s Syndrome. Is this true?
Reye's Syndrome is a constellation of symptoms that occurs when a child under the age of 16 years-old takes aspirin containing medications while ill with influenza, influenza-like diseases, and varicella (chicken pox). The association of aspirin and viral illnesses was discovered in the 1970's. In 1974, there were 400 cases with upwards of 40% mortality. There are 5 severity grades categorizing the syndrome, helping doctors determine what sort of prognosis the child has for recovery. Signs and symptoms include a child with a viral illness with a
Cough Medicine and Children
by Tom Seman MD FAAP October 13th, 2011 | Pediatrician on Call
My six year-old son develops a terrible cough every time he has a cold. He can't sleep, and he misses a lot of school. I have heard that cough medicine may be harmful to children, yet I don't know what else to do to help him. Any suggestions?
This is a very interesting question, but it is actually somewhat more complex to answer than it may seem. If we deal only with cough and cough suppressants, we still need to understand the type of cough - dry, productive (also known as wet), spasmodic (difficult to stop each event while it is happening, and looks
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This is a very interesting question, but it is actually somewhat more complex to answer than it may seem. If we deal only with cough and cough suppressants, we still need to understand the type of cough - dry, productive (also known as wet), spasmodic (difficult to stop each event while it is happening, and looks
Separation Anxiety in College Students
by Tom Seman MD FAAP September 15th, 2011 | Pediatrician on Call
My teen daughter just started college, and she is having trouble adjusting to being 1,300 miles away from home. Before she left, she was independent and out going, now she cries every time I talk to her on the phone. I know young children suffer from separation anxiety, but do 18 year-olds go through this as well?
Going to college is a wonderful and scary experience all at once. The child, who has been somewhat independent while being protected by the family home, is now left on his/her own to deal with all of the stresses that occur during a
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Going to college is a wonderful and scary experience all at once. The child, who has been somewhat independent while being protected by the family home, is now left on his/her own to deal with all of the stresses that occur during a
School Immunizations
by Tom Seman MD FAAP August 18th, 2011 | Pediatrician on Call
My child is starting Kindergarten this fall, and the school says that immunizations are required. I have heard scary things about some of the shots. Do you think immunizations are necessary?
Starting school is often a scary time for both the child and the parents. There are so many concerns, such as transitioning and separating from the parent, behavior while away from home, friendships, tantrums, bathroom breaks, and the like. What should not be a concern is worrying whether your child will contract a serious illness. These are preventable by the use of immunizations.
We are fortunate. Since the onset of
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Starting school is often a scary time for both the child and the parents. There are so many concerns, such as transitioning and separating from the parent, behavior while away from home, friendships, tantrums, bathroom breaks, and the like. What should not be a concern is worrying whether your child will contract a serious illness. These are preventable by the use of immunizations.
We are fortunate. Since the onset of
Children and the Sun
by Tom Seman MD FAAP July 27th, 2011 | Pediatrician on Call
I am going on a beach vacation with my husband and six month old. I know that babies burn easily, so what is the best way to protect her delicate skin?
The answer is fairly simple. For children under 6 months, it is best to avoid sun as much as possible. This does not mean that the child cannot go outside, rather the child should stay in an area of deep shade. This can be accomplished by placing 2 large beach towels over 2 beach chairs. When you place your hand in the shaded area, it should feel cooler than
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The answer is fairly simple. For children under 6 months, it is best to avoid sun as much as possible. This does not mean that the child cannot go outside, rather the child should stay in an area of deep shade. This can be accomplished by placing 2 large beach towels over 2 beach chairs. When you place your hand in the shaded area, it should feel cooler than