In general, children are more sensitive to allergies than adults. The development of allergies is genetic; if a biological parent has allergies the child has a 75% chance of getting them.

The most common allergies are to food, house dust mites, animal dander and pollen. These allergies can result in hay fever, asthma, and eczema.

Symptoms of Allergies in a Child:
●Hives
●Runny nose
●Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
●Upset stomach, cramps, bloating or diarrhea
●Wheezing or difficulty breathing

What Tests are Available for Allergies?

Skin Prick Tests:
An allergy specialist can inject a small amount of allergy triggers into the skin using a needle. If your child is sensitive to a particular allergen, a raised bump will appear called a “wheal”. The wheal will be bigger depending on how sensitive your child is to a substance. This type of test may not be appropriate for young children scared of needles.

RAST Test:
Your pediatrician can administer a RAST test (radioallergosorbent test) which use radioactive or enzyme markers to detect antibodies. The RAST test is ideal for children scared of needles or children who have the potential for a severe reaction to allergens.

Your doctor will determine which test is best for your child. Regardless of the test given, both types are about 90% accurate. In addition to the test, your doctor will evaluate family history and perform a physical evaluation.

Treatment for Allergies:
If your child tests positive for allergies, your doctor will help you determine a treatment plan. Your doctor might suggest medicine or suggest ways to cut down or eliminate substances that can cause an allergic response in your child. Many allergies are mild to moderate and can be easily managed with an effective treatment plan.

Staying Active during Allergy Season:
If your child suffers from Cedar Fever, Hay Fever or other pollen allergies, he or she shouldn’t play outside when the pollen count is high. The National Allergy Bureau tracks pollen counts across the country. The pollen count for the Austin area is tracked from Georgetown. You can sign up for an allergy e-mail alert to stay informed.

It is important for your child to stay active indoors if they can’t go outside to play due to allergies. Games such as Wii Fit and X-Box Kinect can help get your child moving and entertained!

Call the Pediatric Center of Round Rock at (512) 733-5437 if you are concerned your child may be suffering from allergies.

Visit these resources for more information:
Controlling Allergies So Your Child Can Play Outside
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

A recent study surveyed eight countries where the pertussis vaccine was reduced. As a result, the prevalence of the disease was 10-100 times greater than countries who didn’t fail to vaccinate. If we choose not to vaccinate children in the United States, we will see an increase in preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, meningitis and more.

Vaccines also lessen the prevalence of diseases; making children who are too young, sick or don’t respond to vaccines less likely to become infected. Vaccines are safe for children, with minor side effects.

Immunization Myths

Measles, Mumps and Rubella can Cause Autism: MMR is given to a child at 12-15 months of age and the first signs of autism begin to become apparent at 15-18 months of age; leading some to believe there may be a correlation. Experts at the Center for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics agree there is no link to the MMR vaccine and autism.

Multiple Shots Overwhelm the Immune System: There are now vaccines to protect children from 14 diseases by the time they reach two years of age. Multiple vaccinations won’t overwhelm your baby’s’ immune system because their bodies are designed to fight off thousands of germs, or antigens that they come in contact with everyday. Children typically fight off 2,000 to 6,000 antigens a day; thousands more than the 150 antigens found in the current vaccination schedule.

Vaccines Aren’t Effective: Most vaccines are 85 to 95 percent effective. It is true that some individuals won’t develop immunity to a vaccine but for the majority of people vaccines prevent diseases. Even the most common diseases, such as the flu, can be fatal if not treated. Vaccinations can prevent the occurrence of common childhood diseases to keep your child illness-free.

Vaccines May Cause Harmful Side Effects: Most side effects caused by vaccines, such as a sore arm or fever are temporary and mild. To help reduce soreness, place a warm compress on the injection site. A pain reliever such as acetaminophen after three months and ibuprofen after six months can help with a mild fever.

After your child is vaccinated, look for unusual conditions such as high fever, behavior changes, difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, dizziness, increased heartbeat and swelling of the throat. If your child experiences these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

For more information about common myths visit the Centers for Disease Control’s web site.

Minimizing the Pain of Vaccinations

Vaccinations are necessary to keep your baby healthy but we know they can be painful. By switching the order of routine vaccinations, the pain can be minimized. According to a new study, babies who received the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) after the combination vaccine for diphtheria, polio, tetanus, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DPTaP-Hib vaccine) appeared to be in less pain than babies who received the PCV vaccine first.

Researchers measured pain based on facial expressions, body language, crying and parent input. Researchers concluded that when two vaccines are given the least painful should be given first. By giving the most painful vaccine first, the pain processing centers become activated which intensifies further pain.

For a complete vaccination schedule visit the American Academy of Pediatrics web site.

Receive the most up-to date tips and information by signing up for our Happy, Healthy Baby Tips e-newsletter.

Free Prenatal Classes:Let us address all your concerns and questions with our free prenatal classes. We cover information such as over-the-counter medications, breastfeeding, feeding schedules and more. Classes are held on the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Can’t make it to one of our classes? We also offer free private appointments to learn more about our pediatric clinic and doctors. Call at (512) 733-5437 for more information.

Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are both complex developmental disabilities that typically appear during the first three years of age. They both fall under the term Pervasive Developmental Disorder which includes five disorders that are characterized by delays in communication and socialization. Both of these disorders affect the person’s ability to interact and communicate but there are definite differences between the two disorders.

The Differences Between Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism.

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome don’t experience language delays and their symptoms are less severe than those with autism.

Children with autism typically appear uninterested in others but children with Asperger’s want to participate in social interaction but don’t know how to do it.

Unlike children with autism, children with Asperger’s typically possess average language skills but speech patterns may be unusual and they may not understand gestures, humor or irony.

People with autism may experience mental retardation, people with Asperger’s must have average or above average intelligence.

Autism and Asperger’s Symptoms to Watch For in Your Child

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, a doctor should evaluate a child for a Pervasive Developmental Disorder if they exhibit the following symptoms:

●Does not babble or coo by 12 months of age
●Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp, etc.) by 12 months of age
●Does not say single words by 16 months of age
●Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own (rather than just repeating what someone says to him or her) by 24 months of age
●Has any LOSS of any language or social skill at any age

If you suspect your child has Asperger’s syndrome or autism, it is important to get a medical and an educational evaluation. The medical evaluation consists of an assessment of symptoms and tests given by your child’s pediatrician. An educational evaluation can be performed by professionals at your child’s school. A group of educators will determine if your child qualifies for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

At the Pediatric Center of Round Rock, our goal is to identify red flags as early as possible. We perform tests at both the 9 month, 18 month, 2 year and 3 year visit. We will provide resources so your child can receive the best care possible.

If you are concerned in any way that your child may be showing signs of Asperger’s Syndrome or autism, please call us at (512) 733-5437 to make an appointment.

For more information on Asperger’s Syndrome and autism and additional resources visit:

Resources: www.pediatriccenterofroundrock.com/autism-asperger-disorder.php
Signs of Autism & Asperger’s Syndrom: www.autismweb.com/signs.htm
About Autism: www.autism-society.org/about-autism/

In the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of pertussis, especially in Williamson County. According to The Center for Disease Control, there is typically an increase of the disease every three to five years. We encourage you to have your infant or child’s vaccinations completely up-to-date at all times to provide the best protection against illnesses such as Pertussis. Please call us at (512) 733-5437 to schedule an appointment.

Whooping Cough Symptoms

The disease can be easily mistaken for a common cold. Unlike a cold, severe coughing begins one to two weeks after cold-like symptoms begin. Infected persons experience persistent coughing but the cough can be minimal or non-existent for infants. The disease may also cause apnea, a pause between breaths.

Effects of Whooping Cough

The effects of pertussis are most severe and dangerous for babies. About half of infected babies must be hospitalized due to complications. It is estimated that one in five infants will develop pneumonia. In every one of 100 cases, the disease is deadly.

Pertussis Vaccines for Children

Children should receive five DTaP shots. DTaP protects against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The shots are given at 2, 4, 6 months of age, 15 through 18 months of age, school and finally at 4 through 6 years. Because of the increased number of cases of pertussis, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving a booster of the vaccine between 10 and 12 years of age.

Pertussis Vaccines for Adults

Adults should substitute their regular tetanus shot with a dose of DTaP. Adults who have never received a DTaP shot should visit their doctor at least two weeks before coming into close contact with an infant. It is important to make sure all caregivers for a new infant have been vaccinated. Pregnant women who have never been given a shot of DTaP should do so during the late second trimester, third trimester or immediately after the baby is born.

For the full article and more information, click here to visit the CDC web site.

Free Prenatal Classes: When preparing for your first baby or even your last, it is important to have all your questions answered. We cover topics such as antibiotics, vaccinations, breastfeeding and more. Classes are held on the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m.

Receive the latest tips and information from the Pediatric Center of Round Rock by signing up for our Happy, Healthy Baby Tips e-newsletter:

The study included over 13,000 children followed from birth to age 7. From that sample they categorized and followed the responses submitted by the participant’s parents about their child’s sleeping behavior such as:

- Snoring
- Engaging in mouth breathing during the night
- Periods of apnea (when breathing stops while sleeping)

The study showed that children with difficulties breathing during the night had anincreased incidence of hyperactivity, behavior problems, conduct disorder, peerdifficulties and emotional issues when compared to children who get a more restful sleep.

What are the facts?

When medical news is reported on television or over the internet, it’s important to have the original research article at hand and be aware of all the details. Never the less, parents are naturally going to apply any publicized symptoms to their own children which then sets off a wave of panic.
This study in particular brought up questions about:

- Newborns who are noisy breathers
- Infants who make noise while sleeping
- Infants who “make a wheezing noise” while feeding or during activity

Let me begin by saying that most babies are noisy breathers and parents are more aware of it during the silence of the night. Also, it’s common for newborns to have what we call laryngomalacia, which is an immaturity of the structures of the larynx. This causes vibrations and noise while eating and during activity. This is normal behavior that does not require any intervention.

In regards to infants making noise while they sleep, that does not always mean there’s a problem. The previously discussed study was based on children who suffer from what we call “sleep disordered breathing” (SDB). This is not the mild purr of a newborn or the restless sleep of a toddler. When children have SDB their snoring can be heard from across the room; Breathing occurs through the mouth and there are often pauses that may last several seconds.

How can difficulty breathing cause behavior problems later on?

The answer is simple: Children who suffer from SDB don’t take in enough oxygen during the night due to an obstruction in air flow, usually from enlarged tonsils or adenoids. When they don’t take in enough oxygen, sleeping time does not exert its restorative effect in the body and it ends up affecting the brain. The prefrontal area of the brain (which has to do with control of impulses and attention) ultimately does not develop properly therefore causing the hyperactivity, inattention or poor impulse control.

Before making a drastic decision… consider this:

A couple of generations ago a large number of children underwent tonsillectomies (removal of the tonsils) and/or adenoidectomies (removal of the adenoids) when they were considered to be too large or were frequently getting infected. Over the last decade the number of tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies has significantly decreased, mainly due to the concern that the tissue to be removed is there for a reason and plays an important function in preventing infections. The tonsils and adenoids are located around the upper airway (the mouth and the nose) because their function is to protect against infections entering through the nose and the mouth.

Pediatricians and Ear-Nose-and-Throat Specialists must consider the advantages and disadvantages when recommending the removal of an organ tissue that nature intended to be there for a reason: to protect against infection. When the tonsils and adenoids are creating problems and interfering with a function as important as breathing, removing them makes all the sense in the world.

The message here is for parents to share concerns with their child’s doctor and together decide the right plan to follow. Every case is different and the treatment recommendations must be individualized.

Be aware, get informed and consult the experts.

And although it may seem to lack importance when compared to lunch or dinner, making sure a child eats properly before heading off to school could be more critical then most parents would think.

How does eating breakfast benefit my child?

Skipping out on a morning meal means missing out on nutrition that your child may not otherwise get throughout the day. According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to:

- Concentrate better
- Have better problem solving skills
- Have better hand-eye cordination
- Be more alert
- Be more creative
- Miss fewer days of school
- Be more physically active

Are your kids missing an important ingredient for success?

Every parent wants their child be successful in school but many fail to set the guidelines necessary for that to be possible. Fortunately, seeing improvement in your child’s grades and participation may be as simple as implementing a nutritional breakfast into their daily routine.

An experiment conducted by Blinn College reveales the impact that eating breakfast has on students test grades. This experiment was conducted on a group of 1259 students and clearly shows that those who ate breakfast received considerably better grades.

Is your school offering breakfast? Be an advocate.

As the importance of breakfast continues to gain public awareness, schools across the nation are not only taking notice, they’re taking action. Many are now participating in breakfast programs which offer affordable, nutritional, and even on-the-go options for morning meals. These programs are crucial for encouraging daily breakfast consumption and ultimately improving overall classroom performance.

Check to see if your child’s school offers a breakfast program. If they don’t, be an advocate by explaining the impact that breakfast has on student performance. This article provides information that may helpful when discussing a breakfast program with your child’s school.

If you’d like to improve your family’s health and nutrition, contact us about our nutrition management program.

Liquid Acetaminophen is often used to reduce fever, and relieve minor aches and pains from the common cold, flu, headache, minor sore throat, and toothache.

Acetaminophen products include several over-the-counter brands such as: 

-Little Fevers
-PediaCare
-Triaminic
-Tylenol
-Store brands or generics of the drug

FDA Changes Infant Acetaminophen Dosage Recommendation

The new formulation is a response to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recommendation to change the infant’s acetaminophen concentrated drops (80mg / 0.8ml) to the less concentrated formulation (160mg / 5ml). While the new product began appearing early this year, products with the old concentration marked for Infants are still in the stores and may even still be in your medicine cabinet.

What Parents Need to Know

• Is Your Product New or Old? Read the “Active Ingredients” section of the drug facts label on liquid acetaminophen to determin whether it is the new version (160 mg) or the old version (80 mg).
• Dosing Device: Use only the dosing device provided with the product to be certain you are giving your child the correct amount. For example, the old infant drops containing acetaminophen comes with a dropper that measures 0.4 ml and 0.8 ml. The new infants and children suspension comes with a syringe that measures from 1.25 ml to 5 ml. Knowing the difference between the two is very important in giving your child the correct amount.
• Questions? Consult your pediatrician before giving this medication and make sure you are talking about the same concentration

*FDA officials say it’s important to note that there is no dosing amount specified for children under 2. If you have a child under the age of 2, check with your health care provider for dosing instructions.

After carefully determining which concentration to use and being certain that you are using the correct measuring device, follow the chart below (based on the child’s weight) for proper dosage amounts.

New Infant and Child Dosage Recommendations for Acetaminophen

Measured with syringe - 160 MG/5 ML

Old Acetaminophen for infants – measured with dropper - 80 MG/ 0.8 ML

 If you have any problems or you are unsure about measuring the right dose, call us immediately before giving any medication to your child at (512) 733-5437.

For those patients who need to be seen and can not wait until Monday, we have made arrangements with a local Urgent Care center open on Sundays. URGENT AND FAMILY CARE at Avery Ranch agrees to see our patients and provide us with information about diagnosis and treatment initiated by Monday morning.

URGENT AND FAMILY CARE at Avery Ranch is located at 10625 Parmer Lane, Suite D 400, near the intersection of Parmer and Avery Ranch Rd. Phone number (512) 733-9400.

Infants less than 6 months of age and patients with Medicaid Insurance should be seen at the nearest Emergency Room.

In case of a true medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.

According to Healthmad.com  as many as 28% of children ages 2 to 5 have cavities in their baby teeth. While there are many factors that may contribute to this statistic, one of the more common reasons is poor eating habits. Many of the foods that children enjoy eating lack the minerals and vitamins needed to grow and sustain healthy teeth and gums.

As part of February “National Children’s Dental Health Month”, we have provided parents with a list of items that may contribute to the development of cavities as well as prevention methods:

Common Foods that Cause Cavities

• sugar
• carbohydrates
• juices and sodas
• peanut butter
• crackers
• potato chips

Preventing Cavities for Your Kids

Parents can help prevent the development of cavities by making sure their children are brushing after meals, flossing regularly, and getting fluoride treatments. It is recommended that a dentist appointment be scheduled as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. Regular dentist visits will help your child understand the importance of proper dental hygiene starting a young age. Learn more about dental hygiene from Academy of General Dentistry.

Flouride Treatments Help Prevent Tooth Decay

Flouride treatments are a great way to prevent the development of decay and has been shown to reduce cavities by 67%. We recommend that children get flouride varnish applied during their well-child check-ups at 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years and 3 years. Click here to find out how you can have a flouride varnish application for your child at a well-child office visit. Call us for an appointment at (512) 733-5437.

How much do you know about birth defects?

It’s a shocking statistic, but one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect which is also the leading cause of infant death. You can minimize this risk to your unborn child by eliminating alcohol and tobacco during your pregnancy.

The CDC has a list of the most common birth defects which provides complete information about the facts, causes, and treatments of birth defects such as cleft palate, heart defects, down syndrome and more.

The Effect of Alcohol During Pregnancy

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a direct result of drinking alcohol while pregnant. FASDs can cause abnormalities such as vision or hearing problems, low body weight, problems with the heart, kidneys or bones and learning disabilities. Don’t believe the myths; there is no type of alcohol or amount you can safely drink while pregnant.

The Dangers of Smoking During Pregnancy

An expectant mother should not use tobacco while pregnant. Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a miscarriage. Smoking during or after pregnancy is one of the risk factors of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs.) It can also cause the baby to be born too early, have a low birth weight and suffer from heart defects.

To further reduce your risk of having a baby born with a birth defect follow these guidelines:

● Take 400 mcg of folic acid every day to help prevent defects of the brain and spine. Start a folic acid regime when you first begin trying to have a baby.

●Talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. Some medications can be dangerous such as Accutane, used to treat acne, can be dangerous for the health of the baby.

● Some medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes can increase the risk of birth defects. It is important to talk to your doctor about your specific medical conditions.

Visit your doctor if you are trying to become pregnant or already pregnant. Some problems can be detected and treated before birth. Prenatal care is an important part of having a healthy baby.

Free Prenatal Classes: Whether you are expecting your first child or adding a new addition to your growing family, it is always helpful to brush up on your baby basics with our free prenatal classes. We will cover important topics such as feeding schedules, sleeping through the night, breast feeding and more. Classes are held on the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m.

Learn more about our FREE prenatal classes at www.pediatriccenterofroundrock.com/round-rock-prenatal-classes.php