e-Clinic

What is Rickets? Rickets is a preventable childhood bone disorder characterized by the softening and weakening of the skeletal structure. It is most frequently caused by an extreme and prolonged Vitamin D deficiency . Vitamin D is essential because it promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract; without it, growing bones cannot maintain proper strength or density. While historically common, Rickets is now largely prevented through fortified foods and supplements. However, it still occurs due to severe dietary restrictions, lack of sunlight exposure, or underlying genetic and metabolic conditions. If caught early, dietary interventions can correct bone density, but severe skeletal deformities may require corrective orthopedic surgery. Symptoms Rickets actively softens the growth plates at the ends of a child's developing bones. Clinical signs include: Delayed G...

What is Kawasaki Disease? Kawasaki disease is a rare childhood illness that causes severe inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body. Most importantly, this includes the coronary arteries , which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. It is also clinically referred to as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome because it aggressively affects the body's lymph nodes, skin, and the mucous membranes inside the mouth, nose, and throat. While a persistently high fever and peeling skin can be incredibly frightening for parents to witness, the disease is highly treatable. Most children recover completely without any long-term serious problems if they are treated early. Symptoms by Phase Symptoms typically appear in three distinct clinical phases. Phase 1 (Early Signs) High Fever: Often spiking higher than 102.2°F (39°C) and stubbornly lasting more than 5 consecutive days without respon...

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, as well as poor spelling and decoding abilities. Important: Dyslexia occurs in people with perfectly normal vision and average to above-average intelligence. It is absolutely not a sign of low intelligence, laziness, or a lack of effort. While there is no "cure" for dyslexia because it is a lifelong structural difference in the brain, early identification and targeted educational support allow individuals with dyslexia to read, succeed in school, and thrive in their careers. Symptoms by Age Symptoms can be difficult to recognize before a child formally enters school, but observant parents or preschool teachers often notice early warning signs. Before School (Preschool) Late talking compared to peers. Learning new vocabulary...

What is Nocturnal Enuresis? Bed-wetting, medically known as nocturnal enuresis, is the involuntary passing of urine while asleep. Generally, bed-wetting before age 7 is not a cause for medical concern. At this age, a child's bladder control and nighttime brain signaling are still actively developing. It is a normal part of growing up for many and is almost never done on purpose. Is it Normal? Most kids are toilet trained during the day by age 4, but nighttime control takes significantly longer to develop. Age 5: Bed-wetting is still a normal occurrence for about 15% of children. Age 10: Fewer than 5% of children still experience regular bed-wetting. ⚠️ RED FLAG SYMPTOMS While usually benign, consult your pediatrician if bed-wetting is accompanied by any of these signs: Your child starts wetting the bed after being completely dry at night for at least 6 months (known as Seconda...