sudden convulsion
My two-year-old son had a fit of convulsion during fever while he was 10 months old. Our physician told us that he might suffer more such fits in future. How to get rid of the problem?
Nearly one out of five children suffer from this type of convulsions which are known as febrile convulsion. Although it is frightening for parents, such fits do not cause any permanent damage to the brain. About 30-50 per cent of the children may get second or even third attacks of convulsion, and some may experience repeated fits. Usually it goes away on its own when the child is around six. No long-term treatment is required. During an episode of convulsion keep your cool. Keep him in a side-on lying-down posture, so that any secretion from his mouth does not trickle down to the lungs. Never drench him with water. However, if the convulsion continues for more than 15 minutes, or is associated with mental abnormalities, you should get in touch with a doctor.
vomiting
My two-month-old son vomits after he is fed. Is it something abnormal?
If your baby is breast-fed, a little amount of curd-like semi-liquid may come out after each feed. It’s not vomiting, we call it regurgitation. If the baby is gaining adequate weight, you need not worry about this phenomenon. However, if your baby is on formula milk the vomiting may be due to milk allergy. If he is dehydrated or is not gaining adequate weight, there may be some underlying disorder. In that case, you should consult your doctor.
bedwetting
Although my daughter is five, she still has the habit of bed-wetting at night. What should be done?
It doesn’t seem abnormal. About 7-10 per cent children in this age group have incontinence of urine at night. You have to wait and see a few more years. If there is no sign of improvement by the next three-four years, you have to consult a child specialist for a definitive therapy.
recurrent cough
My four-year-old son suffers from recurrent coughs along with wheeziness. Can it be cured?
Your son may be suffering from asthma, for which there is no cure. This is not to dishearten any parent, but simply to dissuade people from rushing for ‘miracle’ cures that are advertised in different media. However, please be aware of the fact that asthma can be controlled to a large extent. We prescribe medicines which are taken as inhalers. There is a type of medicine which is used to control acute episodes; another type is used to prevent recurrence of attacks. These inhaled medicines are effective and have minimum side effects. In some rare cases your son may have to use some oral medicines.
stomach upsets
My five-year-old daughter has been suffering from frequent bouts of stomach upsets. Usually she has semisolid or watery stool. She also complains of pain in the abdomen occasionally.
The two main causes of recurrent stomach upsets are microbial infection and food intolerance. Infection is a common cause of gastroenteritis. It comes from contaminated food or water, and is usually seasonal. Intolerance is an inherent inability to digest certain food items. Generally we encounter wheat and milk intolerance among children. If hygiene is maintained properly, chances of infection are remote.
change in attitude
Our 13-year-old son is showing a changed behaviour. He doesn’t want to stay at home and shows a rebellious attitude. We are concerned. Please help.
This type of behaviour is common in early adolescence. Some boys prefer to stay with peers. Separation from family often leads to selecting adults outside the family as role models. During this period, adolescents should be guided carefully. The type of behavioural changes you’ve mentioned are purely temporary, and with the advancement of age, they simply go away. So don’t worry too much.
YOUR HEALTH
We invite readers’ queries on health problems. Eminent doctors will respond to them in this column every week. Mail your letters to:
KnowHOW, The Telegraph, 6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700 001
email: knowhow@abpmail.com
