DCH, DNB
Dr. Surabhi Gupta is a consulting Pediatrician in Delhi, with 23 years of experience. She runs an online platform “I care my child,” targeted at children right from newborns to adolescents. Through this platform, Dr. Gupta provides health tips, talks about child growth and development, and covers various topics including healthy eating, addressing various types of infections and how to deal with them.
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Chest pain in teens is uncommon, and it can be due to cardiac or non-cardiac diseases (1). Fortunately, chest pain in teens usually occurs due to non-cardiac conditions. In most cases, it can be due to conditions such as asthma or chest wall pain from muscle or bone injuries or inflammation. However, chest pain is a concerning symptom at any age, and health care providers should evaluate it to diagnose the underlying cause. Read on to know the causes, accompanying symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for chest pain in teens and when to seek medical care. [mj-toc] Signs And Symptoms Associated With Chest Pain In Teens [caption id="attachment_891105" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Signs and symptoms present, along with chest pain, may depend on the underlying cause. The pain can be felt as a burning, sharp, or throbbing sensation in the chest, depending on the cause. The following are some of the signs and symptoms that may occur along with chest pain (2)....
Most metabolic disorders in children can be due to inherited gene abnormalities (mutations or defects). However, a few can be acquired triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors such as childhood obesity. These conditions can alter normal physiological processes in the body due to defects in enzymes stimulating the process or the inability to use certain nutrients. Read on to learn more about the causes, types, symptoms, and management of metabolic disorders in children and ways to cope with most of these inborn errors. [mj-toc] What Is A Metabolic Disorder? In the case of a metabolic disorder, the defective genes might not be able to produce these enzymes or would be producing them in fewer quantities. This could cause disturbances in metabolism and lead to: A buildup of complex substances in the body, which could turn toxic. Inability to absorb essential nutrients into the body. Inability to synthesize building blocks of the body, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to release...
Feeling fullness in the ear and earache are the common symptoms of ear infection in teens. It is called acute otitis media or otitis media when the middle ear, air-filled space behind the eardrum is infected. The middle ear contains bones that aid in hearing. Younger children are more vulnerable to middle ear infections than teenagers since their short and horizontal eustachian tubes connect to the throat (1). Pain relievers are often prescribed since most teens may have severe ear pain. Read on to know the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ear infections in teens and ways to prevent them. [mj-toc] Signs And Symptoms Of Ear Infection In Teens [caption id="attachment_885468" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Ear infections can cause a sudden onset of symptoms. The common signs and symptoms of an ear infection include (2). Ear pain - otalgia Fever Headache Loss of appetite Otorrhea (fluid discharge from the ear) Balance issues in the case of inner ear infections...
Dog, cat or other animal allergies may affect 10 to 20% of people worldwide and are public health concerns (1). Dog allergy in babies may be due to the fur the dogs shed and their dead skin, saliva, or urine. As a result, some parents may postpone adopting pets until their children turn older. However, if you already have a furry friend before your child is born or have adopted one for some reason, it is important to rule out the possibility of your baby being allergic to it. This post tells you what may cause dog allergy in your baby, its symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures. [mj-toc] Can Babies Be Allergic To Dogs? Yes. Just like adults, even babies can be allergic to dogs and other animals. However, it is not necessary for all babies to be allergic. Sometimes, the baby might get skin rashes or allergic symptoms for some other allergen, but you might mistake it as an...
Biotin, also called vitamin H or B7, is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B group of vitamins. Many parents may consider supplementing biotin for children since it plays a crucial role in the body's metabolic balance of fats, carbs, and amino acids. However, most children can acquire the required biotin from dietary sources. Therefore, it is recommended to give biotin supplements to children as per a pediatrician’s recommendation since not all may need it. Read on to know about the reasons for biotin supplementation in children, the dosage, the risks, and foods rich in biotin. [mj-toc] Why Is Biotin Needed For Kids? Dietary intake of biotin can provide the following benefits to your child (1). Plays a role in energy production Promotes hair health and growth [caption id="attachment_886356" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Helps maintain skin health and nail strength Decreases inflammation Supports brain development and brain functions Biotin is also known for reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients...
Bowed legs in babies is a condition where their lower legs have an outward curve, and their knees stay apart. It may seem unusual to parents; however, the condition is normal in infants. As the baby grows and starts walking, their legs straighten, and the bowlegs resolve. However, the curve either remains or worsens in some children, indicating a health problem. Children may develop bowlegs due to several reasons, such as rickets, fractures, or obesity. If you notice this condition in your children, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treat them at the earliest. Read the post to understand more about bowed legs in babies, including its causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention techniques. [mj-toc] What Are Bowlegs? Bowlegs, also known as congenital genu varum, is a condition where the infant’s legs bend outwards, forming a curve that resembles a bow (1). Observe the legs when the baby stands. If the feet stay together, but the knees do not...
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder. Even though it is a congenital disorder, diagnosing Marfan syndrome in babies at birth or during infancy is not always possible. The symptoms of the disease may become more pronounced with age. Marfan syndrome is a disorder that affects the connective tissue throughout the body. Connective tissue plays an important role in providing strength and the necessary flexibility of the skin, bones, joints, muscles, and organs such as eyes, blood vessels, and heart valves. Read on to know more about the symptoms, causes, complications, and management of Marfan syndrome in newborns (1). [mj-toc] What Are The Causes Of Marfan Syndrome? Marfan syndrome is a spectrum of disorder caused by a heritable genetic defect in connective tissue that has [simple_tooltip text="autosomal dominant mode of transmission" tooltip="The offspring gets the genetic condition even when the abnormal gene is passed from only one parent." ] (2). A genetic mutation in the FBN1 gene (on chromosome 15) is...
Colon cancer in teens is rare. It is a malignant growth that originates in the colon, a part of the large intestine. It is also called colorectal cancer if colon cancer is present with rectal cancer. Although it is common in adults, this can affect any age. A one in 1000,000 incidence rate includes 2.1% of all malignancies in people below 20 (1). Sometimes the diagnosis can be delayed in teens since regular screening is only recommended for adults. Seeking early medical care if there is a family history or for digestive symptoms may help improve outcomes. Read on to know the causes, symptoms, tests, treatment, and ways to prevent colon cancer in teens. [mj-toc] Symptoms Of Colon Cancer In Teens Many teens can be asymptomatic during the initial stages of colon cancer. Also, the symptoms may vary based on the size and location of cancer. Symptoms and signs of colon cancer can include (2): Unexplained weight loss Tiredness Persistent...
Body odor in children is not uncommon as they also sweat like adults. Since they are more active, they may sweat more. A bad odor is produced when bacteria act upon one’s sweat (1). Therefore, it is not unusual to experience a little smell from their clothes and body. However, if you notice a continuously lingering peculiar body odor or they are suddenly sweating more than usual, you may consider seeing a pediatrician. Read this post to learn more about the causes for normal and abnormal body odor, home remedies, treatment, and some common myths regarding body odor in children. [mj-toc] Sweat Glands And The Nature Of Sweat To understand body odor, it is important to understand the anatomy of sweat. We have two types of sweat glands: eccrine sweat glands (clear, odorless, pH of 4.0–6.8, composed of 98–99% water but also containing sodium chloride, fatty acids, lactic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, urea, and uric acid), which are present...
[mj-toc] Muscular dystrophy (MD) limits the functioning of muscles. The degeneration can be progressive, and the child may require support to move around. But what causes muscular dystrophy in children? MomJunction helps you understand the causes, symptoms, treatment process and management of MD. What Is Muscular Dystrophy? Muscular dystrophy is a broad term used to cover a range of genetic ailments that cause muscle wasting and weakness (1). Individuals with MD have fewer muscle fibers than those with healthy muscles. They might also have an abnormal muscle shape as the body replaces lost muscle with fat. Reduced muscle mass limits the child’s physical abilities. What Causes Muscular Dystrophy In Children? The fundamental cause of muscular dystrophy is faulty genes. The defective genes can be inherited from one parent or both. In some cases, a defective gene may arise due to spontaneous mutation within the DNA. A few muscular dystrophy types occur due to X chromosome gene defect while others happen...