Take Home Pediatrics

Here is what's happening in the baby world today:

• New pill for constipation in kids! 💊😕💩

• Sweet news! Turns out, good ol' sugar💯 is actually 😄👍 better than sugar substitutes!

• Size does not matter 📏💪

• AI keeps on going: Smart Stethoscope 🧠🩺

Constipation is one the most common complaints in pediatrics. A medication has now been approved for children over 6 yrs with functional constipation. Functional constipation is infrequent hard painful stools with no known cause. Linaclotide is the first FDA approved medication for pediatric functional abdominal pain.

Sugar substitutes can be harmful. Recent study showed that sucralose can cause damage to DNA and increase risk of cancer and leaky gut syndrome. Best recommendation is to limit processed and sugary foods and drinks; and once in a while, when you do have something sweet, use the real thing.

Height seems to dictate confidence- that theory has been proven wrong in a recent study at CHOPS. In otherwise healthy children with short stature, confidence level depends on social support systems, not on the height. Many families seek growth hormone therapy to avoid the short stature and the thought of negative impact on confidence. While growth hormones help those who actually have a deficiency, it should not be given to children with normal levels as there are risks and also not much improved height. Let’s focus on social and psychological support to help our kids rather then medications that are not needed- this may only compound the low self-esteem as now the child thinks there is something wrong with him. Be supportive, show child his/her strengths and talents and advise not to focus on things we cannot change.

AI helping medicine again. Recent finding shows that AI can help with improved detection of respiratory illnesses. This fascinating study recorded 100s of lung sounds for pneumonia, bronchiolitis and asthma correlating with xray results. With the collection of data, a “smart” stethoscope will be able to diagnose without effects of variability of clinical experience or bias. Amazing!!

🚨RECALLS AND ALERTS🚨

• SCUBA device

• Salsa Dip

• Mini Fruit Jelly Cups

• Gelato

Dear Dr. Bhumi, recently we have seen more telehealth visits being offered by doctors and encouraged by our insurance company. I know it was helpful during COVID but should we still use that service?

Dear Reader, the COVID pandemic opened our eyes to the telehealth visits. Yes, they existed before but its popularity rose since it was essential for most to stay home during the pandemic. Use of telemedicine can be a great asset as long as it is being used appropriately. Face-to-face visits are always the best, but when that is not a possibility, telemedicine can fill the gap. Also telehealth can be used for visits that do not require physical exams such as mental health follow-ups (not initial visit), therapy follow ups, nutritional counseling, mild illness guidance, or after hour urgent evaluations that may lead to referral to ER or appointment the next day. Antibiotics should not be prescribed regularly based on telehealth unless medical equipment (otoscope, stethoscope) attachment is provided to you to let provider do an exam. We run the risk of antibiotic overuse by just prescribing based on symptoms discussed on video. Rashes can be seen on video visits but sometimes may need to be brought into the office. Telehealth is a great addition to our healthcare system as long as it is used appropriately and cautiously, only filling in gaps where face to face visits are limited or not available, and in person follow-up is available when needed.

RASHES: ATOPIC DERMATITIS

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