Dr Jeanne Wong
Paediatrician &
Paediatric Endocrinologist

Dr Jeanne Wong Paediatrician & Paediatric EndocrinologistDr Jeanne Wong Paediatrician & Paediatric EndocrinologistDr Jeanne Wong Paediatrician & Paediatric Endocrinologist

Dr Jeanne Wong
Paediatrician &
Paediatric Endocrinologist

Dr Jeanne Wong Paediatrician & Paediatric EndocrinologistDr Jeanne Wong Paediatrician & Paediatric EndocrinologistDr Jeanne Wong Paediatrician & Paediatric Endocrinologist
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Frequently Asked Questions

  

Most children have repeated episodes of cough & runny nose due to  upper respiratory tract virus infections affecting the nose and throat i.e the common cold. In between episodes they are well. 


Less commonly, persistent symptoms are due to a bacteria infection, sinusitis, allergies, bronchitis, asthma, foreign body, environment triggers, reflux or an underlying nose or lung condition. If your child has symptoms > 1-2 weeks that is not improving, bring your child to see a paediatrician.



In the first 1 month of life, your baby will feed frequently every 2- 3 hours. During the first few weeks, you might need to wake your baby at night to feed if your baby does not wake up. After two months, feeding is every 2-4 hours and by 6 months feeding stretches to 4-5 hours.


Healthy babies who are gaining weight appropriately often feed on demand and parents can rely on their babies cue. However, if your baby's weight or growth is slow or you have concerns, talk to your paediatrician about it.



Some breastfed babies poop with every feeding but they also might not poop for more than a day. Formula-fed babies might poop at least once a day or few days once.  As the frequency of poops can vary a lot, it is likely OK if your baby is otherwise well, the poop is not hard  and has no blood.



Additional  vaccinations that are optional but advisable available in  private healthcare facilities include rotavirus, influenza, chicken pox, meningococcal and hepatitis A. During the 1st year of life, your baby will have frequent vaccinations and well-clinic visits  with your paediatrician 


Accurate growth assessment and timely treatment is important for short stature. Some children will benefit from growth hormone treatment, However,  treatment is effective only when the growth plate is still open. Nutrition, physical activities, sleep and treatment of any underlying medical conditions are also important.


Short stature is when 

  • a child’s height is well below the height of his or her friends of the same age and sex. 
  • a child’s height is below that of expected based on his parents height


A child grows the most during the 1st year of life about 25cm in length. After 2 years old, a child grows approximate 5-6 cm every year to puberty. When puberty begins, growth increases again to 7 to 12cm a year. During puberty, the growth plate starts to gradually close. At the end of puberty when the growth plates fused, growth ends.


See a paediatric endocrinologist if you have concerns your child is shorter or growth is not as expected.


  • Shorter than most of his peers 
  • Has not grown 4-5 cm in the past one year for children age 2-10 years
  • No increase in growth rate during puberty
  • Puberty is earlier compared to his peers
  • Wearing the same size pants for 1-2 years


Puberty is when a child develops body changes to an adult. Both early and late puberty can have adverse effects on  a child's growth and well-being.


What is early puberty?

  • Breast development in girls before 8 years old
  • Menses/period before 10 years old
  • Enlargement of testes or penis in boys before 9 years old


What is late (delayed) puberty? 

  • No breast development in girls by 13 years old
  • No menses by 15 years old
  • Menses do not start within 3 years after breast development
  • No enlargement of the testes in boys by 14 years old. 
  • No appropriate genital/penile enlargement 4 years from the start of testes enlargement


If you have concerns on your child's puberty, consult a paediatric endocrinologist for further assessment


Paediatricians do not focus just on fever in a child. What is important is the general condition of your child - how your child looks and feels and the underlying cause of fever


Children who are teething may have a mild increase in body temperature. However, any fever of 38°C or greater should NOT be attributed to teething. An infection could be present.


Paracetamol or ibuprofen does not make the fever go away immediately but the aim is to make your child feel better. If the fever is high, lasted for 2 days or you have any concerns, bring your child to see a child specialist.


Children often have poo that is coloured anywhere from yellow-brown to the occasional dark green. It is usually ok if there are no other concerns. If your child’s poo appears white, red or black or there are other symptoms eg vomiting, diarrhea, pain, fullness of the abdomen, take them to see your paediatrician.


If your baby is under 12 months old and you think they are constipated, you should consult your paediatrician. For older children, if simple diet changes aren’t helping, you should bring them to see a paediatrician.


Developmental milestones are speech, communication and physical skills your child should achieve by a certain age. e.g their first step, their first word and how they socialize with others. Identifying a child with developmental delay or autism early is essential to get them the help they need to optimize their capabilities. If you suspect a problem with your child's development, don’t wait to see your paediatrician for an assessment. Early intervention will optimize your child’s potential.


Autism is usually diagnose after age 3 years. But early signs often appear during the first 1 – 2 years of life e.g

  • Poor eye contact
  • Does not point or show you objects of interest 
  • Does not respond to their name when called
  • Slow to speak
  • Does not understand simple instruction
  • Problems with communication and social interaction
  • Lack of interest to play with other children


If your child has signs of autism, consult a paediatrician for an early assessment.


Challenging behavior is sometimes due to your child not having the social and emotional skills to behave the way you would like them to. It can be a response to feeling tired, not enough sleep, unwell, hungry, anxious, too much screen time, a change in routine, angry or overwhelmed. Sometimes, it can be an underlying health condition, developmental or emotional issue. For example, a child with speech will feel frustrated when not able to communicate his or her needs well. Being consistent and positive reinforcement and focusing on your child’s good behavior will help to shape your child’s behavior. Punishing by hitting, shouting and shaming can worsen the behavior. Talk to your paediatrician if you have concerns on your child's behavior.


Yes! Diabetes occurs in children. The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 . Type 1 Diabetes usually happens in young children but can also happen at any age. Type 2 Diabetes usually happens in older children and teenagers who are obese. All children with symptoms of diabetes must have their blood glucose check immediately. Children who are obese should be screened for diabetes after the age of 10 years or earlier if any concerns.


Symptoms of diabetes include

  • Frequent urination
  • Recurrent bed wetting
  • Thirst
  • Weight loss
  • Tiredness
  • Recurrent skin infections


If your child has symptoms of diabetes, consult your paediatrician or paediatric endocrinologist immediately.


Yes. Childhood obesity is on an alarming rise. It can lead to various health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, knee and back pain, asthma, snoring, sleep issues and poor self esteem. Monitoring of complications should start at around the age of 10 years or earlier if any concerns. 


  

The two most common thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (too much). Thyroid hormones are essential for growth and development. Babies born to mothers with thyroid disease need to also have their thyroid function monitored by their paediatrician. 


 Symptoms of hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormones)


  • Prolonged jaundice (after 2 weeks old) in babies
  • Delayed development
  • Learning difficulties
  • Poor growth
  • Slow heart beat
  • Cold intolerance
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
  • Goitre (swelling of the thyroid gland at the neck) 


Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormones)


  • Weight loss despite an increase in appetite
  • Increased heart beat, palpitations
  • Heat intolerance
  • Irritability
  • Diarrhea
  • Tremors of hands and fingers
  • Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
  • Goitre


If you suspect your baby or child has a thyroid condition or is at risk of it, see a paediatric endocrinologist promptly.



 

Nutritional rickets is a preventable condition where growing bones are weak and soft due to low vitamin D or poor dietary calcium intake. Osteoporosis is often associated with the elder, however it can also affect children particularly those who have medical conditions or lifestyle habits that increase their risk of osteoporosis. Left untreated, rickets and osteoporosis can lead to fractures and bone deformities.


Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is due to a virus that causes a rash or blisters on the hands and feet and in the mouth HFMD mainly affects children under the age of 10, but it can also affect adolescents. It can spread from one person to another. It is possible to have HFMD more than once but the symptoms will usually be less severe.


 Children at risk below need to have their bone health, calcium and vitamin D levels monitored by their child specialist or paediatric endocrinologist


  • Medical conditions e.g. juvenile idiopathic arthritis, thalassaemia, kidney      disease, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes
  • Medications – cancer treatments, prolonged use of steroids
  • Poor  nutrition (especially lack of calcium and vitamin D), underweight 
  • Immobility  e.g children with cerebral palsy and neurological disabilities
  • Late (delayed) onset of puberty




Ambiguous / atypical genitalia is a condition in which a baby’s external genitals do not appear to be clearly male or female and need assessment by a paediatric endocrinologist


In female babies:

  • An enlarged clitoris that looks like a small penis
  • Fused labia that may look like a scrotum
  • Swelling at the fused labia or at the groin which may be a testes


In male babies :

  • A small penis /micropenis (less than 2.5cm) 
  • Hypospadias (urethra is not located at the tip of the penis)
  • Any undescended testes (testes not located in the scrotal sac)


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Paediatrician & Paediatric Endocrinologist - All Rights Reserved

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