Child Specialist

Kawasaki Disease occurs mainly in children characterized by inflammation of medium sized arteries throughout the body. The inflammation affects the coronary arteries, the arteries supplying the heart muscles. Also known as muco cutaneous lymph gland syndrome as the lymph glands around the skin and the mucous membranes around the mouth swell. Initially, there is high grade fever, red eyes, rash on the body, red tongue, cracked lips, swollen red skin on the palms with peeling of skin. This may be followed by diarrhea, vomiting. There is accompanied joint pains. In very rare cases Corona infection may be followed by Kawasaki Disease. Boys under 5 years of age are more likely to get affected. According to  Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla a child specialist in Karachi , complications include inflammation of the coronary arteries that supply the heart, inflammation of the heart muscles or inflammation of heart valves. Inflammation of the coronary arteries can lead to weakening of the ar...

In these times of fears of corona virus assuming alarming panendemic proportions it is important to separate facts from myths and misinformation. There is information circulating on social media regarding the presence of hundreds of cases in certain hospitals. Actually, these are the people visiting filter clinics where a doctor examines them clinically if they have flu, cough or runny nose; and if they have been in contact with a corona virus case. If necessary a sample is sent for case confirmation, Otherwise, only symptomatic treatment is given. This does not make it a case of corona. Children are generally not affected. Only 2.4 % of children under 19 years are affected and the disease is generally mild. Severe disease occurs in 0.9% children. But none the less they are agents of transmission and preventive measures are a must. Masks are not necessary and should generally be used for corona virus patients. According to Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla a child specialist in Ka...

Measles is a viral infection very common in children of all ages, but mainly under 5 years.   It is a highly infectious viral condition, causing a maculo popular rash. It generally occurs between the month of february to april, which are epidemic seasons for measles but can occur throughout the year. Initially characterized by high grade fever, red runny eyes, runny nose, for one or two days. The   typical koplik spots in the buccal    mucosa are diagnostic but can only be seen by a doctor. The rash starts behind the ears and on the face. Red spots around 1-2 cm start appearing. This is known as macula-papular rash. It then spreads to the body, upper arms and by the 4 th or 5 th day it spreads to the lower limbs. As the rash appears on the lower limbs, it starts vanishing from the face. However, the rash does not disappear completely, but leaves behind a blotchy appearance. Turning dark brown and takes about 10 days to go away completely. The fev...

Eye infections in children are common. In the new born eye infections are more than common. This is due to vaginal secretions getting in the eye during delivery. There is a sticky discharge specially when the baby gets up after sleeping. Neonatal eye infections should    immediately be shown to the doctor as they take a bit longer to heal. Antibiotic eye drops should be given for 10 days at least. In older children eye infections occur because either the child touches something dirty and then rubs the eyes, or another child in school has an eye infection and children tend to share pencil, books etc. Or it may be that the water is dirty and contaminated; washing the face and eye with this water can lead to eye infections. Swimming in dirty, contaminated water can also lead to eye infections. Stye is another painful infection of the eyelid, according to Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla – A Child Specialist in Karachi ; it is a painful swelling at the base of the eyelid caused ...

The onset of winter heralds different types of allergies. The allergies generally affect the respiratory system.   There maybe runny nose, with the child having continuous watery discharge. In some cases, there maybe superadded bacterial infection and the discharge becomes yellow and pussy. This may lead to a blocked nose and the child has difficulty sleeping at night. There may be associated post nasal drip which may lead to night irritating cough. In severe cases, there maybe sinusitis. There maybe red eyes with a watery discharge. In other cases, there maybe bronchospasm. This leads to a dry hacking cough. The cough can occur anytime of the day, but especially at night. Sometimes even to the extent where the child cannot even sleep because of coughing. This may progress to increased respiratory rate and wheezing in some cases. The wheezing maybe quite severe and the child may develop asthmaticus breathing. According to Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla – A Child Specialist in Karachi...

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...