Today, we will talk about how to recognize calcium deficiency, also known as hypocalcemia, in children.What is hypocalcemiaWe all know that calcium is very important for our body. Hypocalcemia is a condition where the amount of calcium in the body becomes very low. Calcium not only makes our bones and teeth strong, but it also helps our nerves, muscles, and heart function properly.If a child’s body does not have enough calcium, they can become seriously unwell. If this problem is not treated in time, the child may develop bone and nerve-related issues in the future.Need more clarity about Hypocalcemia? Our trusted health assistant is ready to help – only on Ask Medwiki.Why calcium deficiency happens in childrenThere are several reasons why a child may have low calcium levels:1. Lack of calcium in dietIf a child is not getting proper nutrition, their calcium levels may drop. Giving babies milk powder-based formula or very diluted milk at home can reduce calcium levels. Also, giving cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or any other animal’s milk to a baby under one year of age can cause calcium deficiency. The best milk for babies is mother’s milk, followed by commercially available baby formula, as these contain the right amount of calcium and other essential nutrients.2. Lack of vitamin DThe body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium properly. Baby formula already contains vitamin D, but babies who are only breastfed may need additional vitamin D supplements as per the doctor’s advice.3. Hormone imbalanceOur body has certain hormones called parathyroid and calcitonin, which control calcium levels. If the body produces less of these hormones, calcium levels may also decrease.4. Certain medical conditionsSome newborns may develop a condition called neonatal hypocalcemia, which causes low calcium levels. Premature babies, babies with low birth weight, or babies whose mothers have diabetes are at a higher risk of developing hypocalcemia.Symptoms of calcium deficiency in childrenIf a child has low calcium levels, they may:Be very irritable or fussyVomit after drinking milk or refuse to drink milk properlySeem weak or tiredAppear slow and unusually quietExperience trembling or shaking in their hands and feetIn severe cases, have seizuresSome children with long-term calcium deficiency may also develop a condition called rickets, where their bones become weak and soft.So, what can we do to prevent calcium deficiency in children?Although it may not always be possible to completely prevent calcium deficiency, we can take some important steps:Give babies either mother’s milk or properly prepared baby formula.Do not give cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or any other animal’s milk to babies under one year old.If a baby is only being breastfed, consult a doctor about giving vitamin D supplements.If your child appears weak, is not drinking milk properly, cries a lot, or has seizures, do not delay—consult a doctor immediately.Source:- 1.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9526821/2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56060/3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549792/4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430912/5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9311836/

How to Help Kids Gain Weight in a Healthy WaySome kids eat well but still don’t gain enough weight. And that’s okay! We just need to give their bodies more energy with the right foods.So, let’s make healthy eating fun and tasty!Power-Packed CarbsCarbohydrates are like fuel for your body. Just like cars need petrol, your body needs carbs to grow strong! The best foods for this are:Potatoes– You can mash them, bake them, or make crispy potato wedges! Add a little butter or cheese to make them extra yummy and filling.Rice– Rice is soft, easy to eat, and gives lots of energy! You can have it with dal, veggies, or even mix it with curd for a delicious meal.Bread– Whole wheat or multigrain bread is best! You can make sandwiches with cheese, peanut butter, or even banana slices for a sweet twist.Healthy FatsFats give you more energy in a tiny bite! But we need good fats, not unhealthy ones. Here’s how you can add them to your meals:Cheese– Sprinkle some grated cheese on sandwiches, whole wheat pasta, or even dal-rice! It makes food super tasty and creamy.Milk and Dairy– Instead of plain milk, try making porridge with milk! Add some dry fruits like almonds and cashews to make it extra healthy.Nuts and Nut Butters– Peanut butter or almond butter on toast is a great way to add extra energy. You can also eat soaked almonds or cashews in the morning.High-Calorie DrinksSometimes, drinking calories is easier than eating them! Here are some yummy drinks that help with weight gain:Milkshakes– Blend milk with bananas, mangoes, or strawberries for a delicious shake! You can also add honey for extra sweetness.Smoothies– Mix yogurt with fruits like bananas, apples, or dates. It’s a great snack between meals!Lassi– This is a cool drink made with curd, a little sugar or honey, and water. It keeps you full and helps you grow strong!Smart SnackingSometimes kids don’t feel like eating big meals. That’s okay! Small snacks can help too. Here are some quick, yummy snacks to keep energy levels up:Yogurt with fruits– A small bowl of curd with banana or apple pieces is tasty and healthy.Breadsticks with cheese dip– This is a fun snack that gives you both carbs and fats!Mini sandwiches– Make tiny sandwiches with peanut butter or cheese. Easy to eat and super filling!Don’t Forget VitaminsEating enough food is good, but your body also needs vitamins and minerals to use that food properly! Here’s how to get them:Fruits and Vegetables– Try to eat colorful fruits and veggies every day! They give you vitamins to help your body use all the food you eat.Eggs– Eggs have protein and vitamins to help you grow stronger. You can eat them boiled, scrambled, or as an omelet.Dry Fruits– Soaked almonds, raisins, and cashews give you iron and healthy fats to help with weight gain.Let’s Make Eating FunEat small meals often—don’t wait to feel too hungry!Try different foods so eating never gets boring.Drink enough water to help your body use all the food properly.Always eat with family—it makes food taste better!And that’s it, friends! Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Just add some yummy foods to your meals, and you’ll be stronger in no time!Source:- 1. https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/weight-management-service/child-and-young-person-healthy-weight/2. https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/UHS-website-2019/Patientinformation/Childhealth/Tips-to-help-your-child-maintain-a-healthy-weight-2532-PIL.pdf3. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/healthy-ways-to-gain-weight/4. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/childrens-weight/how-to-help-your-child-gain-weight/5. https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/leaflet/how-to-fortify-food-for-children/

Ear pain is a common problem in young children. It can make them cranky and restless, and they may even have trouble sleeping. Sometimes, the pain is mild, but other times, it can be very strong!6 Simple Ways to Help Reduce Ear Pain in Kids.1. Try a Cold CompressA cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling in the ear. Take an ice pack and gently place it on the outer part of your child’s ear for about 20 minutes. This can provide relief and make them feel better.Still have questions about ear pain? Get trustworthy answers from verified sources on Ask Medwiki.2. Keep Your Child HydratedIf the ear pain is due to a cold or flu, drinking plenty of water can help. It thins out the mucus stuck inside the ear, making it easier to drain. This can reduce ear pressure and pain.3. Keep Their Head Elevated While SleepingWhen your child sleeps, place an extra pillow under their head. This helps any fluid trapped in the ear to drain out, reducing pressure and pain.4. Give a Gentle Ear and Neck MassageMassaging the area around the ear and down the neck can improve blood flow and reduce pain. But be gentle! Pressing too hard can increase the pain instead of relieving it.5. Encourage Rest and RelaxationToo much movement, running, or playing can make ear pain worse. Ask your child to rest and relax. When the body rests, the immune system gets stronger, which helps fight infections and reduces pain faster.6. Use Pain-Relief Medicine If NeededOver-the-counter medicines like Tylenol or ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and pain in the ear. But always check with a doctor before giving any medication to your child.When to See a Doctor?If the pain doesn’t improve, your child gets a high fever, or you notice any serious symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.By following these simple steps, you can help your child feel better quickly and ensure they stay happy and healthy!Source:- 1. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/ear-pain-home-treatment2. https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/treating-ear-infections-in-children3. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/earache/4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earache/5. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/10/pain-ear

Bedwetting at night, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a very common problem. This problem usually resolves over time, but some children may still wet the bed even at the age of 7 or older.Remember that bedwetting is not the child's fault, so never embarrass or scold the child. Provide full support and be patient to solve this problem.Here are 5 tips to help the child!Tip 1: Teach the child not to hold their urine for too long during the day.Tip 2: Ensure that your child goes to urinate during the day and before bedtime regularly.Tip 3: Give the child less liquids a few hours before bedtime.Tip 4: Praise the child and give a small gift in the morning if they do not wet the bed at night.Tip 5: Use an alarm so that the child can wake up mid night to go to the bathroom when the alarm sounds.With a little patience and support, this problem can be easily solved at home. If you still face difficulties, be sure to consult a doctor.Source:- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000703.htm

Are you worried about your child's weight? It's a common concern for many parents. Let's work together to address this issue in a healthy way.Follow these 2 Steps to achieve your goal:Step 1: Calculate Your Child's BMIA good starting point is to calculate your child's Body Mass Index (BMI). This simple calculation can provide insights into their weight status.https://medwiki.co.in/health-assessment-tools/fitness-calculators/body-mass-indexStep 2: Understand the ResultsOnce you have your child's BMI as a percentile ranking. You will know if your child is underweight or it is just that you think so.Results show that your child is underweight?Don't worry. There are effective strategies to help them gain weight healthily.Do's:Diet:Increase carbohydrates: Incorporate more starchy foods like potatoes and rice.Add healthy fats: Include avocados, nuts, and olive oil in their diet.Offer high-calorie drinks: Milkshakes and smoothies can be nutritious and calorie-dense.Encourage healthy eating habits: Involve your child in meal preparation and eat together as a family.Provide healthy snacks: Offer yogurt, fruits, and vegetables as snacks.Focus on essential vitamins: Ensure they get enough vitamins A, C, and D.Don't:Rely on junk food and sugary drinks, for weight gain. Use a nutritious diet always.Offer pre-meal drinks and snacks, as they can fill their tummies. This will impact their nutritious meal.Create a stressful mealtime environment. Let the children enjoy their mealtime.Encourage Physical ActivityRegular exercise is essential for overall health, including weight gain. Encourage your child to participate in activities that they enjoy. Also be a part of their physical activity routine.Remember:Patience is key: Gaining weight in a healthy way takes time.Consult a healthcare professional: If you have any concerns, consult a pediatrician for personalized advice.By following these guidelines, you can help them achieve a healthy weight in a safe and sustainable way.Source:-https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/childrens-weight/how-to-help-your-child-gain-weight/

If you are also struggling with constipation in your little one? Watch this video to know all about the signs of constipation in kids, why do kids get constipated, and what you can do to help.Hey parents! Today, we're talking about a very common but often frustrating problem: constipation in babies and kids. Almost 1 in 20 doctor visits for kids are because of constipation, so you're definitely not alone if this is happening in your home.Still have questions about constipation ? Gettrustworthy answers from verified sources onAsk Medwiki.What are the Signs of Constipation in Kids?Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference:Babies might be very fussy and spit up more often.Difficulty passing stools that are hard and dry.Your child might have pain when passing stools.Stomach pain or bloating.For older kids, having fewer than three bowel movements a week.Why Do Kids Get Constipated?Constipation happens when stool stays in the colon for too long. During this time, the colon absorbs too much water, making stools hard and dry. Here are some reasons why this happens:Dietary Factors: Not eating enough fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to constipation. Fiber helps in adding bulk to the stool, which makes it easier to pass.Low Fluid Intake: Water and other fluids help keep stools soft and easier to pass. Not drinking enough fluids causes dehydration, leading to hard and dry stools.Delaying Bathroom Trips: Kids sometimes avoid going to the bathroom because they’re too busy playing, don’t want to use public restrooms, or feel embarrassed. This can cause stool to sit longer in the colon, leading to constipation.Changes in Routine: Changes like starting solid foods for babies, moving from breast milk to formula, or even stressful events such as starting school can disrupt bowel habits and lead to constipation.Medical Conditions: Certain medical issues, such as hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or medications that affect bowel muscles, can also be the cause of constipation.Emotional Stress: Emotional factors can play a role too. Stressful events, like moving to a new home or conflicts at school, can make kids hold in their stool, leading to constipation.Understanding the root cause of constipation can help in taking the right measures to ease it. If any of this sounds familiar, don't worry—I have some tips that can help!Source:- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003125.htm

What is Phototherapy?Phototherapy is a common and effective treatment for severe jaundice in newborns. It uses visible light to break down excess bilirubin—the yellow substance that causes jaundice—so it can be easily removed from the baby’s body. This process is called photolysis.Unsure about something you read about jaundice or phototherapy? Get trustworthy answers from verified sources on Ask Medwiki – a trusted source for reliable information.How Does It Work?The baby's skin and blood absorb the light, which transforms the bilirubin into a water-soluble form. This makes it easier for the baby to excrete it through urine and stool.Why Is It Important?The main goal of phototherapy is to lower levels of unconjugated bilirubin, which can lead to encephalopathy—a serious condition that may cause brain damage or long-term developmental issues if left untreated.Is It Safe?Yes! Phototherapy has been used safely for over 40 years, and side effects are rare.However, in very rare cases, a condition called Bronze Baby Syndrome can occur—especially in babies with cholestatic jaundice. This causes the baby’s skin to turn a bronze-grayish color due to bilirubin deposits.When Is It Used?Phototherapy is typically the first-line treatment for newborn jaundice, especially during the first two weeks of life.Source1:-Woodgate, P., & Jardine, L. A. (2015). Neonatal jaundice: phototherapy. BMJ clinical evidence, 2015, 0319.2:-FAQs About Phototherapy. (n.d.). FAQs About Phototherapy. Retrieved March 5, 2024, from https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/jaundice-and-phototherapy/faqs-about-phototherapy.html

Hello parents of cute little kids, today we will talk about a very sensitive topic: "child abuse." Abuse means misuse, so think about how harmful "child abuse" can be. Every home has children who are happy and playful, but if these children start living quietly and in fear, it means your child might be unsafe. Something wrong might be happening to them, and they may be victims of child abuse, possibly unable to tell you.6 Major Causes of Child Abuse: Reasons of Adults Hurt ChildrenIf we try to understand the causes of child abuse on an individual level, studies show substance use, personal history of abuse, age, and mental health as major risk factors for child abuse. If we try to understand this thing at the societal level, then economic equality, cultural norms that encourage harsh physical punishment for children, and risk factors like lack of safety concern for children in society are highlighted.1: Marital strife and tensionMarital strife: Parents who physically abuse their spouses are more likely to physically harm their children.Tension: Many parents develop expectations from their children that exceed their capability and age. The resulting frustration in children is a contributing factor to child abuse.2: Intent to punishMost of the physical violence against children is done by parents and teachers with the intention of punishing kids because they believe that doing so improves the behavior of children. Children and infants abused by their parents are more likely to be assaulted by their parents and have more frequent injuries that sometimes even require medical attention.3: Children from Unintended pregnancies:Those babies born from unintended pregnancy are more likely to suffer neglect or abuse. The chances of abusive relationships being formed between partners are higher in unintended pregnancies as compared to intended pregnancies due to which women also have to suffer physical violence during pregnancy. This kind of behavior negatively impacts maternal mental health and also reduces mother-child relationship quality.4: Substance Use Disorder:This is a major contributing factor to child abuse. A study conducted in the US found that parents involved in substance abuse like alcohol, cocaine, and heroin are more likely to mistreat and reject their children. Parental stress from substance abuse causes minors to exhibit internalizing and externalizing behavior. Such children remain internally in a very confused state and after reaching a certain age the inner anger turns into outer frustration.5: Feeling of Anger:In some cases, when people find themselves in some problem, they get very angry. Because of problems in family, work, money, or relationships. Their anger and frustration manifest into abusive actions. In some cases, the person begins to perceive their own children as the cause of the problem which causes them to take abusive actions against their children.6: Mental Health:Individuals who have substance abuse disorders, depression, or personality disorders are at high risk for child abuse.Explain different types of Child AbuseChild abuse is a condition where parents, caregivers, or local guardians, who are responsible for a child, either harm them or fail to take proper care of them.Child abuse is a serious issue and can take various forms:1: Physical abuse: Physical abuse involves intentionally harming or injuring a child. This includes hitting, pushing, burning, or hurting the child with objects.Signs of physical abuse: Bruises, burns, fractures, or cuts of unexplained origin.2: Emotional abuse:Emotional abuse includes scolding, screaming, threatening, criticizing, rejecting, or continuously bullying a child.Signs of emotional abuse: Low self-esteem, depression in children.Suggested Read:https://medwiki.co.in/post/protect-your-kids-from-bullying-when-and-how-to-step-in-en3: Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual activity with a child, such as touching inappropriate body parts or engaging in any other sexual activity.Signs of sexual abuse: The child may show fear of certain places or people, experience pain in the genital area, have unexplained bleeding from private body parts, or possess knowledge of sexual acts that are inappropriate for their age.Suggested Read:https://medwiki.co.in/post/signs-of-child-sexual-abuse-enIf you notice your child becoming unusually quiet or fearful of certain places or people, take the time to talk to them, understand them, and provide the support and care they need.Child abuse is a deeply concerning issue that involves physical, sexual, and emotional harm to a child, even to those who are responsible for their care and nurturing. Many factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues, marital strife, unintended pregnancies, and anger contribute to this harmful behavior. Parents and caregivers need to have adequate knowledge of and awareness of abusive signs and take protective steps to protect their child from this potential harm. Open communication, awareness, and seeking professional help when needed can significantly reduce the risk of child abuse and ensure children's safety and well-being.source: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/child-abuse-types https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459146/#:~:text=The World Health Organization