MBChB, MMed, Paeds
Dr. Elna Gibson is a general pediatrician. She did her MBChB and specialization as a pediatrician in South Africa at the University of Pretoria. She obtained MMed Pediatrics (masters) with distinction in 1993.
As a young specialist, Dr. Gibson spent some time in the Netherlands, and then settled in the Vaal Triangle where she has practiced for 25 years. She is currently working in Hermanus in the Western Cape.
Dr. Gibson has a keen interest in respiratory disorders and allergy and she is also experienced in treating children with developmental problems, learning difficulties and ADHD. She has done a lot of neonatal intensive care work.
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It is important to identify baby sleep cues to help them sleep better. You will find it difficult to put an overly exhausted baby to sleep, or they might wake up more often in the night. A common mistake most parents make is waiting for the baby to get tired and fussy before putting them…
Your little one has just turned 13 months and is entering into the phase of toddlerhood. However, they may begin to display fussiness while eating, leaving you to think about various food ideas for a 13-month-baby that may help introduce them to a variety of nutritious foods. There may be a change in feeding habits…
Abdominal pain in teens may occur at some point and is often not a serious problem. The abdominal cavity contains many organs such as the kidney, pancreas, spleen, liver, gallbladder, intestines, appendix, and stomach. Problems with any of these organs can cause abdominal pain leading to gastrointestinal distress. Severe or recurrent pain with other symptoms…
The fifth disease in kids is a viral infection caused by human parvovirusiXA type of virus that is present in nasal mucus, spit, or saliva and affects only humans. B19. It got its unique name from being the fifth on the list of the most common types of skin rashes in children, with the first…
A baby's skin is different and way more delicate than that of an adult. This makes it more prone to getting affected by external agents that cause rashes, irritation, or dryness. Dry skin in babies usually does not require medications for treatment, as simple home remedies may be sufficient. Read on as we tell you…
Frequent sores in the mouth or complaints about difficulty in swallowing food may indicate thrush in children. Also known as oral candidiasis or oral thrush, it is one of the most common fungal infections caused by the yeast Candida Albicans that may affect children. If the child is healthy otherwise, thrush is usually not a…
The term umbilical hernia is used to describe a condition where a part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the muscles that hold it in. An umbilical hernia in babies may appear as a bulge near the naval area. Umbilical hernias may resolve without treatment. However, it is advisable to discuss with…
Activities for a 16-month-old baby can also involve learning how to hold a crayon, scribble, and throw tantrums, apart from giving a warm cuddle. Introducing them to activities is guaranteed to fascinate them and capture their attention. Around this age, toddlers become more active to crawl and rage to discover new things. A mother and…
Mumps in children is a viral infection affecting the salivary glands. Though children are usually vaccinated against the infection as a part of their mandatory vaccine roster, it is important to take preventive measures against it. Children most commonly pick up the virus from schools and daycare centers. So what to do to ensure your…
It only takes 12 months for your baby to grow from a newborn to a toddler. Baby's development month by month accelerates, and each subsequent month offers new developments. Understandably, parenting could be a challenging experience and all new parents are often curious about what to expect next from their child and how to tell…
You may be curious about when to switch to a toddler bed as your child grows and can climb out without assistance. Toddler beds are safer and significantly comfortable for your child. The toddler may also sleep more soundly in the bed than they have of late in the crib. Some toddlers may remain accustomed…
During their active sleep, babies make involuntary movements, such as giggles, smiling, or nighttime murmuring. You may have also noticed your baby sigh during sleep. As there is a general perception that sighing means sadness, your baby's sleep sighs might have made you wonder if your baby is feeling distressed or uncomfortable due to pain…
Ovarian cancer in teens is rare when compared to older women. Some may develop belly pain, urinary issues, and feeling full earlier while eating. However, most teens may not develop any symptoms, and it can be an accidental diagnosis. In addition, younger women and teens tend to have certain ovarian growths, such as germ cell…
If your child is 19 months old, you can expect more running around, exploration, destroying things, and curiosity. Since your child is now walking more than crawling, you’ll need to incorporate specific activities and learning games for 19-month-old babies to redirect their energy into learning and educational activities while having fun. Appropriate activities for this…
When your baby crosses months of age, all they try is exploration of the world. This is the time to introduce them to games and activities for 6-month-old babies. These activities can boost their cognitive skills and physical skills. Around this age, your little one begins to eat pureed food for the first time, learns…
Preterm or premature birth occurs when a woman delivers her baby before the 37th week of pregnancy. Various factors can cause preterm birth, but one of the most serious concerns is the babies' low birth weight (LBW). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), "development is not a race, and babies develop at their…
A widespread abdominal pain may indicate mesenteric lymphadenitis in children. It is the inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes, which are clusters of three or more lymph nodes in the right lower mesentery. The peritoneum fold (abdominal cavity membrane) that connects the intestines to the back of the abdominal wall is referred to as the…
Night sweats are defined as drenching sweats that require you to change your bedclothes (1). Excessive sweating in babies can cause restlessness and disrupt their sleep. Although it might worry you to see your baby sweating in sleep, it’s not always a sign of a medical condition. Read this post to learn about the causes…
Baby poop color and texture can help parents and caregivers know if the baby is doing well. Newborn’s poop has a broad color range and is completely different in color and texture from adult poop. During the first few months after birth, you will notice many changes in your infant’s poop color and texture. These…
Although rare, it is possible to see dandruff in toddlers. Dandruff is flaking of the scalp that leads to a formation of yellow or white flakes that are visible on the toddler’s head, hair, and shoulders. The toddlers may also exhibit signs such as scratching their heads and may complain of an itchy scalp (1)…
Many parents may consider trying Vicks Vaporub for babies when they develop a common cold. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that infants may have eight to ten bouts of the common cold during the first two years (1). Vicks VapoRub is a product popular among parents since it is a topicaliXApplied on the surface…
A nebulizer is a device that administers a drug as inhalable mist, letting the medicine reach the lungs better and work faster. Nebulizers for babies may be needed to treat or manage respiratory illnesses, which may not be curable through topical and oral medications. If you intend to use a nebulizer, knowing the right procedure…
Urate crystals in newborn diaper may indicate reddish, orange, or pinkish residue in urine, almost similar to brick-red dust or pinkish stain in the diaper. Because of diaper discoloration associated with urate crystals, parents often assume it to be bloody urine. Urate is a salt made up of uric acid, a weak organic acid produced…
Grunting in babies is characterized by short, guttural baby noises that indicate strain, especially when they are trying to pass stool. Babies may grunt to relieve tension, express their irritation or frustration, or gain their parents’ attention. Babies may also grunt when they try to adjust to changes in feeding. However, in most cases, grunting…
There may be several causes for vomiting in babies, ranging from indigestion and excessive crying to gastrointestinal tract anomalies. Although occasional vomiting in babies is not a cause for concern, persistent, severe vomiting requires immediate medical attention. This is important to detect and treat the underlying cause and avoid dehydration in babies. Read on to…
Petechiae in babies can occur due to self-limiting conditions (such as birth trauma) and bleeding disorders that require prompt medical care. They are tiny, flat, red spots up to two millimeters in diameter. You may notice petechiae on the skin and mucous membrane of the baby (1). Petechiae is not a disease, so you may…
Exercise with a baby is a fun way to bond with your little one. It also gets you on the fitness track after a long pregnancy gap. Being healthy and fit is essential at every stage of life. Working out helps you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy and improves your cardiovascular fitness. In…
Infantile scoliosis or infantile idiopathic scoliosis refers to an abnormal, side-to-side curving of the spine in children, typically younger than three years. The spine curvature is considered abnormal when its angle is greater than 10 degrees. This painless condition develops during the intrauterine period or after birth. Infantile scoliosis is different from congenital scoliosis. Most…
You may notice a baby shaking their head while interacting with others or playing. Shaking their head from side to side is a common way older infants react to questions or communicate. Though head shaking is common in little ones, it could also indicate neurological or developmental problems. Read this post to learn more about…
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in kids is a common eye infection among those younger than five years (1). This condition causes inflammation of the membrane covering the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva). Viral or bacterial infections and allergic reactions can cause pink eyes in children. Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and there can…
If your child isn’t still losing weight despite trying everything, it is good to know some useful tips on how to help kids lose weight. Helping children lose weight is important as being overweight or obese can expose a child to several long-term health problems. Besides, it can pose a hindrance to their proper growth…
Medical cannabis or medical marijuana for children is used as a treatment option for certain ailments, as suggested by the child’s doctor. Cannabis is a derivative of the cannabis plant, which contains cannabinoids. These chemical compounds bind to the innate cannabinoid receptors of the brain, leading to the induction of some therapeutic reactions. However, you…
Six-year-olds can read books independently, speak entire phrases, comprehend numbers, and draw various geometric forms. So it\'s the right time to start laying the foundation for learning by enrolling them in different activities for 6-year-olds. You don\'t have to always force children to participate in educational activities. There are various other fascinating methods to have…
Shingles in children is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus responsible for chickenpox infection (1). The rash from shingles can appear anywhere on the body and can be extremely painful (2). Herpes zoster affects more than one million people in the US each year. Around 30% or…
Bruising in children is caused by skin injuries that result in discoloration of the affected sites. When the skin gets bruised, the blood from the damaged blood cells collects under the skin, which causes the bruise to appear deep red, purple, blue, or black. Whether it is a toddler trying to walk or a child…
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that promote heart health and are vital for proper growth and development. You can provide enough omega-3 for kids from a well-balanced diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have three types — docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). DHA and EPA are long-chain fatty acids present…
Oral rehydration salts (ORS) is an oral rehydration formula made of dry salts and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). You may prepare a solution of ORS for babies at home by mixing salt and sugar in the prescribed quantity of clean drinking water. You can also purchase ORS as a powder or…
Halitosis or bad breath in children is common. It can originate from oral and non-oral sources; 87% of cases arise from an oral source, and 13% from non-oral sources (1). Bad breath is alike in children and adults when they wake up in the morning because of increased bacterial activity in the mouth. However, morning breath is temporary…
How tall will my child be? Many parents have questions and concerns about their child’s height as they grow into adults. But, children\'s growth is determined by several factors that may vary from child to child. Although predicting your child’s exact height may not be possible, certain techniques can help you get a rough estimate…
Babies have narrow nasal passages, which may often cause difficulty in breathing. If you are looking for ways to clean your baby's nose, reading this post might help. Initially, newborns follow obligate nasal breathing, so it would be uneasy when they have a stuffy nose. Hence, it is important to ensure you clean their nasal…
Sunburn in babies can cause discomfort and be quite painful for them to endure. Sunburn occurs when your skin is excessively exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun (1). Our skin produces a pigment known as melanin to protect itself from sun damage. However, if the intensity of the UV radiation exceeds the…
Folliculitis in children is when a child’s hair follicles get inflamed due to an infection. The infected follicles usually have an acne-like appearance and may cause slight pain and redness. Folliculitis is most commonly caused by bacteria and may resolve spontaneously within seven to ten days. However, the infection could sustain for longer in some…
If you frequently discover your baby sleeping on the floor or if your baby enjoys spending time on the floor, you may wonder if napping on the floor is safe for your baby and if there are any potential benefits. Sleeping on the floor is a centuries-old custom still practiced in many cultures. However, you…
Spit-up in babies is common due to swallowing extra air during breastfeeding or formula feeding. This is also called regurgitationiXThe act of spitting up food or liquids from the stomach , and nearly 67% of babies have this gastrointestinal issue once a day (1). In some babies, possetting may be more frequent compared with others.…
Family doctors and physicians frequently encounter cases of wheezing in children. The wheezing sound is mostly caused when air is trying to move through the narrow or constricted airway of the lungs (1). According to a study shared by the American Academy of Family Physicians, wheezing is as prevalent as in 40% of the pediatric…
Baby’s skin is very delicate, so they are more likely to develop various skin problems. One such condition is skin hives in babies. It can cause rashes all over the body, leaving your baby irritable and itchy. Hives on a baby’s skin can occur due to several factors. Read on to learn about the causes,…
Warts are skin growths that develop on different body parts and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are harmless but are contagious and spread easily. Warts on kids usually occur on hands, feet, and fingers and spread out to other bodily parts. However, they can also occur in adults. According to a StatPearls…
The clavicle or collarbone is the long S-shaped bone that unites the breastbone to the shoulder blades. There is a collarbone on either side of the shoulder. Broken collarbone in children is the most commonly occurring type of fracture because of the superficial location and the thin and long structure of the collarbone (1). According to…
Celiac disease in teens can cause abdominal pain, constipation, and vomiting. In addition, delayed growth in adolescence and short stature requires diagnosis tests in teens. Celiac disease is also called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. It causes an immune reaction to the gluten protein found in rye, wheat, and barley and damages the intestinal lining.…
Loss of appetite in teens isn’t uncommon. A teenager undergoes several physical, psychological, and social changes during adolescence that can cause a teenager to lose interest in food. Temporary loss of appetite is mostly benign and seldom a cause for concern. However, if a teen has chronic appetite problems, you can’t undermine the possibility of…
A conehead baby is born with a cone-shaped head after vaginal birth. During vaginal birth, babies pass through a tight birth canal, where their malleable head bones get squeezed to make their way out. During this time, their head may develop a cone-like shape. For many babies, their heads return to their normal shape within…
Babies snoring and snorting may not be common, but it is normal and can happen for various reasons. Typically, snoring is heard as a rattling sound while breathing (1). Although most people commonly experience it, hearing a baby snore may raise concerns. Scroll through to learn about snoring and snorting in babies, including its causes…
One of the body’s major organ systems is the heart and circulatory system. To make learning about it more interesting for children, you could introduce them to some interesting facts about the heart and circulatory system for kids. The circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels. The blood vessels distribute blood, which delivers oxygen…
Jaundice in children causes the skin, whites of the eyes (sclerae), and mucous membranes to turn yellow. The yellowish tint usually starts on the face and moves down the body. It is an indication of a condition called hyperbilirubinemiaiXA condition in which too much bilirubin accumulates in the blood. , where a waste product called…
Vernix caseosa, often known as vernix, is a white, waxy, creamy, or cheesy material that coats the skin of newborns. Vernix comprises the sebaceous gland and periderm cells (which cover the developing skin cells) that are shed around the 21st week of pregnancy. It acts as a fetal membrane by protecting the fetus during development…
Many parents would consider an alternative for refined sugars for their child as it lacks nutrients and is high in calorific value. Maple syrup for babies has been increasingly used as an alternative, natural sweetener. It is a derivative of sugar maple trees with a unique and sweet flavor (1). Pure maple syrup is a…
Hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid medication available in the form of lotions, ointments, and creams (1). Hydrocortisone cream for babies is an over-the-counter drug and is usually prescribed to relieve skin-related symptoms such as redness, itchiness, and swelling. However, you should use this cream only when advised by your baby’s pediatrician, as undirected use of…
Sinus infection in babies, flu, or common cold is mainly the common reason behind the stuffy nose and other similar symptoms, but they may also result from a non-allergic rhinitis (1). In these symptoms, the tissue lining of the nasal cavity and the sinus regions get swollen due to the blood vessels' inflammation that occurs…
Babies with a fleshy roundish appearance look adorable. Besides, these so-called “fat babies” are generally considered healthier than lean and thin babies. However, though the fat gain in babies reflects healthy growth and development, excess fat is not desirable. So how much fat gain in babies is considered excessive? Knowing this is vital as not…
When transitioning your baby from breast milk to their first solid feeding, you must be cautious about the food you give them. If you are considering introducing them to cereals such as wheat, you should be aware of the symptoms of wheat allergy in babies to detect any reactions and stop feeding it at the…
The risk of smallpox in children is no longer a major concern since it is now considered a disease of the past. However, it was a highly contagious and serious infection in its time. The last known outbreak was in 1949, with its last natural spread occurring in 1977. The disease was eradicated in 1980…
What is the thyroid gland and why is it important? What is hypothyroidism? What are the types of hypothyroidism? Why is hypothyroidism caused? What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism? How is hypothyroidism diagnosed? How is hypothyroidism treated in children? What are the foods to eat and foods to avoid in hypothyroidism What are the…
What is Tylenol? Tylenol/ acetaminophen dosage for kids Effects of an acetaminophen overdose What to do in the case of Tylenol overdose in kids? What are the side effects of Tylenol/ acetaminophen? Precautions To Take While Giving Acetaminophen To Children Whenever our kids have a fever or aches, we give them the ‘harmless’ acetaminophen. And…
What is melatonin? What is melatonin used for? Is it safe for children? Melatonin dosage for children Side-effects of melatonin Natural sources of melatonin Too much melatonin? Our bodies are apparently so much in sync with nature that when the natural world goes to rest, our body also prepares to sleep. At the end of…
Jump to: Uses Of Ibuprofen Ibuprofen Dosage Side Effects of Ibuprofen Precautions For Taking Ibuprofen Kids usually have an active lifestyle – they play, jump, ride bikes, and run around. A few adventurous ones also climb trees and go hiking with friends or family. It’s fun while it lasts. But at the end of the…