Paediatric Care at Pantai Hospital Ampang

Children with developmental disability may have a harder time coping with the pandemic. The following can be a guide for parents who would like to help their children to cope during the COVID-19 period:

1. Movement/ Play
   Depending on your child’s disability, activities that involve movement are important, especially for children with ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities or gross motor delays. Try to find simple, yet effective, activities for your child, such as jumping on trampoline; dance videos, activities on yoga mat, such as crawling, rolling around; supervised waterplay. This is important to reduce some of that energy they have, improve gross motor, reduce stress. If you are able to do outdoor activities, do get them as often as daily. Running in a field, cycling, or even a short walk helps.
2. Timetable
   Create a timetable, with the help of a child occupational therapist (OT). A simple timetable of activities, nap / sleep time and mealtime will help in creating a routine for your child. Keeping to routines will help your child manage expectations and restlessness.
3. Nutrition
   Providing a healthy nutrition is important. Try to minimise or avoid entirely giving ‘junk’ food or foods with high sugar or salt content. Make sure to increase the intake of foods that contain vitamin C, omega fatty acid, such as fruits and fish. Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C, and omega fatty acids are important for physical development and reduce risk of infection.
   

4. Emotional support
   Do provide as much as this as you can, as the restrictions during COVID-19 may hit harder for children with developmental disabilities. The following are signs of deteriorating condition that you should look for in your child:

   • Regression of achieved skills
   • Worsening ‘meltdowns’ and tantrums
   • Being unusually quiet
   • Lack of appetite
   • New behavioural issues previously unnoticed

   Take note of your child’s usual and unusual behaviours, and discuss with your doctor if you notice any of the above signs and changes.

5. Doctor’s visit / Therapy Keep up with your child’s scheduled visits to the doctor, especially to the Paediatrician or to the Developmental Paediatrician. Discuss with your doctor regarding the frequency of visits your child may need.

   Some children may have appointments with Occupational Therapist (OT), Speech-Language Therapist (ST) or Physical Therapist (PT) that have been disrupted during the pandemic. Discuss with the respective therapist on the best way to keep up with the therapies at home.

   Last but not least, remember to give your child and yourself a break through this difficult time. Do not expect everything to be how it was before and to accept that things may not always be perfect or as planned. Just do the best you can, especially in the new normal.

This answer was contributed by Dr Yamuna Ramadas. To schedule an appointment,click here

Children are not little adults. Therefore, their health problems may present itself and affect the children differently. Among other, skin inflammation may pose some confusion to parents are they figure out how to differentiate between different types of inflammation.

Here are some points that you may use to distinguish between eczema, skin allergy and rashes among children.

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is multifactorial, but mostly caused due to genetic predisposition. Look out for a family history in eczema. When children have parents or siblings who have eczema, the risk of getting this skin condition is higher.

The onset of eczema is anytime, but especially when the infant is between 1 to 3 months old. Eczema is usually recurrent, in which the rashes get better then reappear soon after. As an eczema rash is itchy, treatment is usually needed for this condition. In mild cases, moisturisers suffice to treat the condition. However, in severe cases, a topical steroid cream or ointment may be needed.

A skin allergy can be acknowledged if the onset of the rash is after exposure to an allergen, which causes the allergic reaction. The reaction may occur within minutes, or between 4 to 6 hours after the exposure. Allergens are usually substances or foods that trigger an allergic reaction.

An allergic skin reaction usually presents with an itchy rash, sometimes accompanied by other symptoms of allergy, such as the swelling of the lips or the eyes. The child may also experience breathing difficulties as a result of the allergies. Common culprits of an allergic reaction are seafoods and peanuts.

A heat rash appears after exposure to heat or sweat. However, it usually disappears after a cool environment is provided to the child, such as the wearing of loose clothing or introducing air-conditioning to the child. A heat rash typically does not necessitate treatment, as deteriorating symptoms are usually attributed to other illness.

It is useful to remember that in most cases, skin conditions such as eczema, skin allergy or even heat rash, can be managed, controlled and monitored when done correctly and under expert supervision. It does not hurt to take your child to the general practitioner (GP), or to specialists in this area, such as a Paediatrician (specialist in children's healthcare), a Paediatrics Dermatologist (specialist in children's skin diseases) or even a nutritionist or dietitian, as foods can be a source to these problems.

This article was contributed by Dr Yamuna Ramadas, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Yamuna Ramadas at her clinic, click here.

Constipation in children can be uncomfortable and distressing. It's essential for parents to know how to provide relief and support when their child is experiencing this common issue.

Here are 7 tips to help your child when they have constipation:

1. Increase Fiber Intake

   Encourage your child to consume more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber helps soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.

2. Stay Hydrated

   Ensure your child drinks an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Proper hydration helps keep stools soft and easy to pass.

3. Regular Toilet Time

   Encourage your child to establish a regular toilet routine. Have them sit on the toilet for a few minutes after meals, as this is when the body is more likely to have a bowel movement due to gastrocolic effect

4. Physical Activity

   Encourage physical activity and playtime, as exercise can help stimulate the digestive system and promote regular bowel movements. Bowel moves when the body moves.

5. Limit Processed Foods

   Reduce the intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive dairy products, which can contribute to constipation.

6. Prune Juice

   Prune juice is a natural laxative that can help soften stools

7. Supportive Toilet Environment

   Ensure that your child's bathroom experience is comfortable and non-stressful. A step stool for their feet and a cozy atmosphere can make a difference.

If constipation persists despite home remedies, or if your child experiences severe pain, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, please consult a paediatrician. Patient child chronic constipation may develop anal fissures, which cause pain upon defecation and leads to avoidance to poo.

This article was contributed by Dr Goh Chun Hwee, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Goh Chun Hwee at his clinic, click here.

Finger-sucking is a common behavior in infants and young children, and it often raises questions for parents. Understanding why your child sucks their fingers can help you address this behavior with patience and care.

Here are 6 reasons why children suck their fingers.

1. Self-Soothing

   Finger-sucking is a natural self-soothing mechanism for infants and toddlers. Babies are born with a strong sucking reflex, which helps them nurse and find comfort. Sucking on fingers or thumbs provides a sense of security and relaxation, especially when they are tired, anxious, or in unfamiliar situations.

2. Exploration

   Young children explore the world through their senses, and finger-sucking allows them to investigate different textures and sensations within their mouths. It's a way for them to learn about their own bodies and surroundings.

3. Teething Discomfort

   Teething can cause discomfort and pain in a child's gums. Sucking on fingers can provide relief from the soreness and pressure associated with new teeth erupting.

4. Transition Object

   Finger-sucking can serve as a transitional object, offering emotional support when a child is separated from their primary caregiver. It provides a substitute for the comfort they receive when being close to a parent or guardian.

5. Habitual Behavior

   Over time, finger-sucking can become a habit. Children may continue the behavior because it has become familiar and comforting, even when the initial soothing purpose is less necessary.

6. Boredom or Restlessness

   Children might suck their fingers when they are bored or looking for something to do. It can provide a simple form of entertainment and distraction.

It's important to note that finger-sucking is typically harmless during infancy and toddlerhood. Most children naturally outgrow the habit as they develop alternative coping mechanisms and find other sources of comfort. However, prolonged finger-sucking may lead to dental problem such as dental overcrowding, oral infections, oral thrush, middle ear effusion etc.

Parents can support their child's development by offering alternatives for self-soothing, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed toy, and gently redirecting their attention when they observe finger-sucking. Encouraging healthy oral habits and maintaining good oral hygiene is essential as prolonged finger-sucking can affect dental development.

Ultimately, understanding the reasons behind finger-sucking helps parents approach it with empathy and patience, recognizing that it is a normal part of a child's development that usually resolves with time. If finger-sucking persists beyond toddlerhood or causes concerns, do consult a pediatrician or dentist for guidance.

This article was contributed by Dr Goh Chun Hwee, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Goh Chun Hwee at his clinic, click here.

Common signs of food allergies include body skin rashes and itchiness. A food intolerance usually causes bloated stomach, abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea. More serious form of food allergies can be life-threatening with signs of swollen eyes and lip, wheezing or difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure, faint or even in shock due to anaphylactic reaction. 

This article was contributed by Dr Hon Sai Kit, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Hon Sai Kit at his clinic, click here.

There is no direct linked of sweetened meal causing overactivity in children, proven by a several study. Your child may be over acting due to other excitement in emotion rather than the sugary food. However, children who were regularly given sweetened food are likely to have little appetite or refuse eating healthier food.

This article was contributed by Dr Hon Sai Kit, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Hon Sai Kit at his clinic, click here.

It depends on many factors including genetic, own immune system, exposure and the severity of symptoms. Some food allergy may be temporarily for example cow’s milk, soy, wheat and egg. They may outgrow these allergies during toddler. Some may persist until adulthood for example fish, shellfish, peanut etc. One can also developed these food allergies began in adulthood.

This article was contributed by Dr Hon Sai Kit, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Hon Sai Kit at his clinic, click here.