Child Specialist

Platelets are cells in the blood just like other cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin and provide haemoglobin to carry oxygen. The white blood cells provide immunity to the body and prevent infections from attacking the body. The platelets are cells in the blood that prevent bleeding. Whenever, there is an injury or cut in the body, the platelets immediately come and prevent bleeding by sealing the blood vessel. If there were no platelets a small cut could result in massive bleeding. The bleeding time increases with a low platelet count. The normal platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000. Platelets can become low in many conditions like viral conditions, suppression of the bone marrow- aplastic anaemia, Dengue fever etc. According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla – A child specialist in Karachi , platelet counts less than 50,000 must be monitored. Small red spots like petechie may appear on the skin. Sometimes, big bruises can occur too. In severe conditions, there might be ...

With the onset of winter allergic cough, respiratory bronchospasm and rhinitis is on the rise. Children generally come up with allergic cough. This cough is non productive and can occur at any time of the day but occurs mainly at night. The cough may occur in spasms and bouts of coughing occurs. This may be accompanied by bronchospasm. Where the child may have shortness of breath. There may be associated rhinitis (runny nose) and red and runny eyes. In few cases, obvious wheezing may occur. Treatment is mainly supportive; simply giving cough suppressants is not the solution. The mainstay of treatment is giving anti allergies and nebulization. In some cases, simple nebulization with normal saline is enough. In other cases, nebulization with bronchodilators may be needed. According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla a child specialist in Karachi , steam inhalation is important; twice a day steam inhalation with salt water or using a humidifier at night is very helpful. In some case...