Q: My son is three years old. We have used Budecort inhaler for him all winter. I want to know what side effects, if any, the inhaler can have on a baby’s growth.

U. Nath, Narendrapur

A: Budecort (Budesonide) inhaler plays an important role in preventing symptoms of childhood asthma. It has been shown in studies that growth suppression, following use of Budesonide inhaler, is transient and non-progressive. There is no adverse effect on final adult height even after long-term use. On the other hand, poorly controlled asthma can affect the growth of a child. So, your son can continue using Budesonide, inhaled throughout winter, to keep the symptoms under control.

Q: My son will be three years old in August. He still can’t speak properly. He utters some sounds but nothing that makes any sense. Is this a cause for concern?

Sreyoshi Das, Sodepur

A: At three years, a child should be able to speak many meaningful words and small sentences. As your son only utters some sounds that don’t make any sense, his hearing assessment is essential to rule out any impairment. Hearing impairment itself can cause speech problems. You have to consult a speech therapist too.

Q: My daughter is one-year-five-months old and has four tiny teeth. We have introduced her to a baby toothbrush, which she mostly chews on. When can she actually brush her teeth? Is there any toothpaste that children of her age can use and swallow?

M. Das, Santoshpur

A: Your daughter cannot brush her teeth at this age. She can do it on her own only after she turns three. You can brush her teeth from one-and-a-half years of age with a baby toothbrush. Kids’ toothpastes are available in the market with minimum fluoride content, which do not affect children if they swallow it.

Q: My son (one-and-a-half years) catches a cold easily. Is there anything we can do as soon as we notice a runny nose or coughing?

Abira Banerjee, Salt Lake

A: Common cold is mostly caused by viral infection. As the child grows and acquires body immunity, you will see that such infections will lessen. Most of these infections need symptomatic treatment. A runny nose can be controlled with antihistamines like Cetirizine, Fexofenadine and Loratadine. Nasal congestion can be relieved with saline water nasal drop. Paracetamol can be used for fever and body ache. Cough suppressants are used only for severe symptoms. The child should take sufficient fluids and adequate rest.

Q: My baby daughter regularly puts dirt and hair in her mouth, leading to a stomach upset. What is the first thing parents should do in case they are unable to get in touch with the doctor immediately?

Radhika Sinha, Ballygunge

A: Parents should start giving Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration during a stomach upset with loose motion. Also, keep an eye on whether the child is passing adequate urine, as this is an indication of dehydration. Milk, milk products, wheat products and glucose drinks should not be given. Breast-feeding can be continued for very small babies. Children can eat soft rice, boiled potatoes, banana, boiled apple and home-made curd.