Child Specialist

  Physiological Neonatal jaundice occurs in 50-70% newborns. It occurs in the first few days of life and generally disappears by 10 th day of life. A neonate is born with a haemoglobin of 18-19 gm%. In the first few days of life the haemoglobin falls. In addition, the liver enzymes are immature and unable to process the haemoglobin. Thus, excess unconjugated bilirubin is formed leading to yellow discoloration of skin and sclera. The jaundice is not serious and there are generally no complications. According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla – Child Specialist in Karachi , in term neonates the bilirubin is 10mg% or less. In prematures 12mg % or less. The baby is active and feeds well. Physiologic jaundice sometimes runs in families. It cannot be prevented and resolves by itself once the baby grows up and the enzymes become mature. Generally there are no complications. Giving sunlight to the baby helps. Early morning and late evening sun rays are effective.

Proteins are an important component of any diet specially for growing children. Proteins help children grow. They are an important component of DNA, RNA, cells, muscle tissue, skin and hair. Without proteins the skin loses the glow, the hair loses the shine and muscles become flabby. The child becomes weak and loses weight. There is no growth and the child does not gain weight. There is stunting.  The common sources of proteins are eggs, yoghurt, milk, cheese, butter, meat, chicken, beef etc. The vegetarian sources of proteins are legumes, red beans, daal, sprouts. Nearly 20% of the child’s diet should comprise of proteins. According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla – Child Specialist in Karachi , the deficiency of proteins is called Protein Calorie Malnutrition. The child is weak, extremely under weight, emaciated, thin weak extremities, dry, colourless, lusterless hair which easily breaks. The skin breaks and is dry. The child is stunted. Another form of PCM is Kwashiorkor. In this the...

Conjunctivitis means infection of the eye. Conjunctivitis is very common in children. Neonatal conjunctivitis is characterized by eye infection in the neonate due to passage of the neonate through the birth canal. Neonatal conjunctivitis occurs around the first week of life . The eyes are sticky and there is yellow coloured discharge. The eyes are so sticky that the neonate cannot open the eyes. Neontal conjunctivitis takes atleast 15 days to resolve with medications. Other types of conjunctivitis can occur at any age. There is red colouration of the eyes, watery eyes and itching in the eyes. A sticky yellow coloured discharge so that the child has difficulty in opening the eyes. Generally both eyes are involved. There may be swelling around the eyes.  According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla – Child Specialist in Karachi , treatment consists of cleaning the eyes with saline and distilled water and then putting in the antibiotic eye drops. This should be accompanied by putting in eye oin...