Blog Archive

Navigating childhood developmental milestones can raise many questions for parents, especially when they notice differences in focus, social interaction, or behavior. Learn how understanding ADHD and autism can help you support your child's growth at Dr 2

Stomachaches are one of the most common reasons kids complain of feeling unwell. But how do you know if it's just mild indigestion or something requiring medical attention? Here is what parents need to know.

Is your child's school bag too heavy? Learn how overloaded backpacks cause back pain in kids, and get practical prevention tips from Dr. Smita Tandon, MD, in Fountain Valley.

A sports physical is more than just a signature on a school form. Discover why a pediatrician-led exam is essential for your child's safety and how we help young athletes in Fountain Valley prepare for a successful season.

Sleep is a necessary factor that’s crucial to your child’s health and development. In today’s society, screen time is pervasive in virtually everyone’s life. Here’s what you need to know to prevent sleep-related effects on your child. 

It’s hard to believe back-to-school season is next month already. In California, immunization against certain diseases is a requirement for all attending public or private schools, or child care facilities. Here’s a checklist for parents. 

Food allergies and food sensitivities sound like the same thing, but in fact, they affect your young child’s body in different ways. As a parent, you should know the signs, typical food triggers, and when your child needs medical attention.

When your teen suffers an acne breakout, it’s not just about a handful of pimples. It can bust their confidence and self-esteem. As a parent, it helps if you understand how acne works as well as the effects it can have, and how to handle care.

Summertime sports go more smoothly when you prepare and support your athletic child. Take care of the basics and fun and active excitement will follow. Here’s what you need to know to help them enjoy the summer.

A tremendous responsibility of being a parent is the task of preparing your children to cope with life. The standards you establish for them now provide a roadmap for their future. Consider these 5 healthy lifestyle habits to pave the way.

The discomfort of hives can slow your children down, while the appearance might be alarming for parents, there’s usually no cause for concern. Here’s how to relieve the symptoms of your child’s hives on occasions when a doctor’s visit isn’t warranted.

Regular vaccinations are the best way to prevent COVID and long COVID in kids, just as these do with adults. COVID mutates quickly, transmits easily, and evades long-term immunity. Long COVID is a chronic complication of the initial infection.

Encouraging self-esteem in a neurodivergent child helps them to develop confidence, independence, and a reasonable sense of themselves, helping them cope in situations where some might attach a stigma of difference to them. 

Sometimes it seems like coughing, runny noses, and sneezing are an essential part of being a kid. Respiratory infections, allergies, or uncontrolled asthma can result in similar symptoms, and sometimes it’s hard to determine the precise illness.

When your teen is sensitive about their appearance, even a mild case of acne can be a big deal. Let’s look at five effective acne treatments and the importance of persistence in an acne management plan. 

Reducing pet dander in your home makes it more liveable for your children with allergies. As well as medical care for allergies, controlling conditions within your home is a key way to maintain easy breathing.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary cause of infant hospital admissions in the United States. It’s a common viral condition that resembles a cold in symptoms and severity, but it can be a serious illness if infants catch it.

Boosting your child’s immune system performance can be a lifelong gift that continues to pay unseen dividends in the form of healthy living. Use the new year as a starting point to boost your child’s health.

Your autistic child likely craves a predictable routine for the comfort and safety it helps them feel, yet, the holidays can be a joyful jumble of exceptions. With the right approach and careful planning, you can help them thrive through the season.

With the cooler months upon us, the ravages of eczema start to appear on some children. Dry air, whether indoors or outdoors, can strip moisture, causing crusted, hardened, or scaly patches of skin that are intensely itchy. 

Flu shots and other vaccines prevent children from illness, spreading illness, hospitalization, future disability, and, in some cases, death. Immunization is that important, a key reason why so many infectious diseases have been eliminated or reduced.

The holidays are upon us again, and for many, that means packing up the family and visiting with family and friends. When you’re traveling with little ones, keeping everyone happy and healthy can be a bit of a challenge.

With the arrival of October, thoughts of Halloween and candy may be filling your young ones’ heads. It’s a magic time, and it’s also a time for parents to be prudent. We’ve compiled a list of five tips for a safe and healthy Halloween. 

Back-to-school is out of the way, and we’re into the heart of the first semester. Most parents know autumn is also the start of respiratory infection season, stuck on the end of the fall hay fever bombardment. Here are some tips to keep kids healthy.

Promo: While sore throats often come and go with only minor at-home care, there’s one type that usually needs medical attention. It’s the dreaded strep throat infection. Here’s why antibiotics are so important for your child’s treatment.

A feature of an asthma action plan is the zone system, a three-level guide that helps you work through asthma symptoms appropriately. Using traffic light colors — green, yellow, and red — asthma zones guide you through your child’s asthma levels.

It’s time to schedule a sports physical for your student athlete, whether they’re competing at school or in organized activities after hours. It’s a great way to be sure your child is physically and mentally up for the game.

With the summer months here, there may be a break in the respiratory illness cycle that sometimes dominates the cold and flu season in fall and winter. However, it’s prime time for pollen and other airborne allergens that can produce similar symptoms.

For an autistic child, necessary disruptions like visiting the doctor are challenges for your child and for you as well. Choosing an autism specialist and preparing your child in advance can ease this break in their usual routine. 

Since 1975, the rate of childhood obesity has grown about eight times higher, according to a report included in the National Library of Medicine. It’s not just an increase in lingering baby fat, it’s a health epidemic with long-term consequences.

As developmental milestones go, potty training might not be the most glamorous, but it’s up there among the most important learned skills your child can master. For parents, it represents the end of the diaper cycle, always a welcome transition.

Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.

One of the most dangerous characteristics about ultraviolet (UV) exposure to sunlight is the fact that damage is cumulative. That’s why sun safety is necessary to protect your baby. Should you use sunscreen, and if so, what kind?

While sore throats sometimes seem like a common childhood condition, not every incident is a harmless part of growing up. Strep throat has some potentially serious complications without medical treatment.

Preventing asthma complications comes down to controlling and reducing the frequency of your child’s attacks. We’ve prepared a list of five key ways you can prevent asthma attacks or reduce their severity.

Most picky-eating toddlers are developmentally normal in terms of size and body weight, so their limited food choices generally won’t endanger their growth. In fact, conflicts with your child over food may create a more significant problem.

While headaches are common in people of all ages, there’s a perception that children and teens are “too young” to have migraines. However, that’s not the case. Migraines can emerge in childhood and adolescence.

Any childhood rash can appear serious when it’s your kid who’s showing symptoms. Sometimes, it’s difficult even for physicians to identify a rash by appearance alone. Here’s how to know when to see a specialist about your child’s rash.

While acne can affect anyone, the most common time for outbreaks are the teen years, starting around the age of 11. The key to treatment is often persistence, in finding both the right products to help and also regular applications as directed.

When a child receives an autism diagnosis, it can be overwhelming for you as a parent. You want the best for your child and now you’re faced with the unknown, and it’s never a comfortable place to be.

December is prime time for seasonal respiratory viruses. As a parent, are you ready to identify the health concerns surrounding your child and other family members from cold, flu, or Covid-19? We’re here to help.

There are differences between an annual checkup and a sports physical, but they’re also often similar enough that you can combine the two in a single appointment. If you have a child involved in organized sports, you need to know these.

The way our immune system works is complex and not easily understood. In the United States, we’re well protected from diseases that are still spreading in other parts of the world. Trying to choose optional vaccines for your child is dangerous. 

Controlling childhood asthma centers around controlling exposure to asthma triggers, as well as managing the medications that improve breathing. Knowing your child’s triggers is the best way to guard against asthma attacks.

Sore throats are common, often caused by the same viruses that give your child cold and flu symptoms. Not all infections have viral origins though, and the streptococci bacteria also can cause sore throats, commonly called strep throat.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents as deficits in communication skills and social interactions. Symptoms can emerge in infancy or later in your child’s life. Early treatment provides your child with a better long-term outlook. 

While the tonsils are an important part of your child’s developing immune system, they can also be the site of recurring throat infections. There are more options than routine tonsillectomy in contemporary practice.

A child’s growth has unpredictable elements along with normal milestones. Body weight is one of those aspects that may seem difficult to gauge what’s normal. As a parent, you can’t wait indefinitely for an overweight child to grow into their body.

While acne may clear up on its own when kids reach adulthood, the emotional impact of low self-esteem and bullying can be lifelong. Learn more about how to help your child deal with acne during their teen years.

The effects of autism typically emerge in early childhood. Prompt intervention helps a child avoid developmental issues caused by the disorder. How does a parent recognize these early signs and how should they act on their suspicions?

It doesn’t matter to teens that acne is a common skin condition tied to hormonal changes. It happens as they’re placing emphasis on their personal appearance. Working with acne specialists is the edge your child needs to get past the acne issue.

While we think of the winter months as cold and flu season, it’s also prime time for conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis stems from bacterial or viral infections, but you can manage conjunctivitis symptoms at home.

A sore throat is a sore throat, right? It’s not when your child has one. It might be tonsillitis due to a cold or it could be strep throat, a bacterial infection with the potential for long-term complications.  

The average American child eats about twice as much sugar as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) amounting to about 50 pounds of sugar annually. Can you curb the craving this Halloween?

Almost one in five American children suffer from seasonal allergies and about 6% have allergies to food. An overreaction of their young immune systems, an allergy commonly results from exposure to normally harmless substances.  

Being a kid can be tough work, particularly with their coordination and balance affected by their ever-changing bodies. Activity levels and contact sports may also lead to head injuries. As a parent, you need to recognize concussion symptoms.

While anyone can get strep throat, it’s more common in children and teens. Stemming from a bacterial infection, strep’s pain can be sharp and scratchy, making it difficult to swallow. It can lead to other serious illnesses if left untreated.

You’ve likely heard plenty of opinions on the connection between acne and eating certain foods. Some claim acne stems from greasy foods. Others say it’s chocolate. Connections between acne and food exist, but there’s no proof of strong effects.

While there are over 100 strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), only a handful can lead to cancer. Those few, though, often result from sexually transmitted infections affecting the genitals. HPV vaccines protect against the most harmful strains.

The range of conditions grouped together as autism spectrum disorder usually emerge early in childhood. Between 18 months and 3 years, an autistic child will likely display some of the social, behavioral, or communication symptoms of the condition.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions to affect children. An important part of their treatment is a personalized asthma action plan that outlines the steps to take through the zones of asthma activity.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought awareness of contagious respiratory infections to the forefront of every parent’s mind. Where once the question was “cold or flu?” now it’s important to distinguish between COVID-19, the flu, RSV, and the common cold.

Though vaccinations prevent sickness and death, there’s still a segment of the population that’s hesitant about immunizing their children, even with vaccines that have proven safe over decades. Persistent myths interfere with sound decisions.

Sore throats may seem like a part of an ongoing cycle of minor childhood illnesses. One reason for a sore throat — the streptococcus bacteria — usually requires antibiotics to clear up. Without treatment, it can lead to dangerous complications.

It’s possible for a child to outgrow some types of food allergies particularly if the reaction started prior to the age of three. In other cases, it’s unlikely an allergy will vanish especially in those with severe symptoms.

Though children tolerate common respiratory infections well, influenza can be troublesome for the very young. They can also spread the flu to vulnerable family members and friends. Pediatric flu shots are crucial for all children over six months.

An invisible brain injury, concussion can happen with any impact, bump, or blow to your child’s head. Concussions are sometimes hard to recognize and recovery is different for everyone. Your child should only return to sports with a doctor’s approval.

While strep throat is a relatively rare cause of sore throats, kids and teens are most susceptible. It’s a bacterial infection, so it will respond to antibiotic treatments. As a concerned parent, you might be wondering if this is the only cure.

Driven by the hormone changes that drive physical growth through adolescence, acne is a common problem that sometimes has uncommon severity. Home care is often not enough to control embarrassing cases of this teen skin condition.

Asthma symptoms vary widely between children. It can be a barely there nuisance that your child outgrows, or it can be a serious lifelong condition requiring careful management. In some cases, asthma attacks can be life threatening.

When your child has a sore throat, and you can see red and white patches, it likely means strep throat, which means an increased risk of scarlet fever and other serious health conditions. It’s time to visit the pediatrician.

The best way to treat chickenpox is to avoid it altogether with the varicella-zoster vaccine. While vaccination has greatly reduced the incidence of chickenpox, it’s still out there, and you need to know what to do if your child is affected.

As many teens learn, acne is a hormone-driven event that’s difficult to control. It’s not a problem that results from poor hygiene but rather from changes to the skin during adolescence. Both blackheads and whiteheads occur during acne outbreaks.

The learning never stops for doctors. Once medical school is well underway, medical students build valuable skills with patients in teaching clinics, working alongside experienced doctors to hone their instincts.

Asthma is the most common chronic condition from which children suffer, and while it can’t be cured, some children do outgrow it. In the meantime, part of the asthma management process requires recognizing and avoiding asthma triggers.

Chances are your child’s sore throat isn’t caused by the group A strep bacteria, but it is more common in children than in adults. There are certain signs that help you distinguish between a sore throat caused by a virus and strep throat.

The most common chronic illness suffered by children is asthma. Fortunately, many outgrow the condition and with careful management, the impact of asthma can be minimized, allowing your child to enjoy most normal activities.

Acne is a common problem for teens, driven by the hormonal changes of puberty. However, some children face a bigger challenge than others. Your pediatrician can help manage your child’s problematic acne. Keep reading to learn how.

Parents want the best for their children, so it’s often hard to watch them suffer through the symptoms of allergic reactions. You can sometimes help, though, by controlling exposure to allergy triggers and arranging the appropriate medical care.

Any case of acne can undermine your child’s confidence. When it becomes severe, it can be even more distressing, and the overlapping outbreaks increase the risk of permanent scarring. Here are some of the causes of bad acne in children.

Asthma results from the immune system’s reaction to certain substances and conditions. This reaction then causes inflammation of the airways and breathing difficulties. Read on to learn how you can help your child avoid attacks.

As a parent, you may often be amazed at the energy your child displays. Through play and sports, most children are naturally athletic. Once they reach school age and participate in organized leagues, sports physicals become necessary.

The cold air of winter is a common asthma trigger, but summertime air can trigger breathing issues, too. Read on to learn how you can help safeguard your child against asthma attacks this summer.

Food allergies in children are increasing dramatically, so it’s important to know how to safely expose your infant child to new foods to rule out or pinpoint allergic reactions. Read on to learn more.

No matter how common acne may be, your child may feel singled out and devastated. In many cases, acne progresses at its own pace, no matter what you try. Here are some tips for helping a teen through this troublesome time.

A diagnosis of autism in your child may be disconcerting to you, but it’s important to realize that the only thing that changed was a formal recognition of what already existed. Read on to learn how you can help your child manage this condition.

Children can be susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) because of their physiology and bathroom habits. It’s not hard to help your child avoid UTIs. Some simple behavioral changes can make all the difference in preventing infections.

Like ear infections, your child’s eyes may seem prone to frequent problems. While this is common for many children, eye infections shouldn’t be overlooked as a minor condition. Eye infections are quite contagious and they can spread rapidly.

Abdominal pain is common in children, and sometimes it’s severe enough for their parents to seek medical care. Fortunately, most cases aren’t serious, and the child recovers quickly. Read on to learn potential causes of abdominal pain.

September and October are always the best time for your child to get their annual flu shot before the current strains of the disease are widespread. This year, with COVID-19 in the mix, avoiding the flu is more important than usual.

Returning to school has its challenges every year, but in 2020 with the COVID-19 crisis, it can be even more challenging for parents and students. Here are some recommendations to help make the transition safely.

As the nation came to a halt with the COVID-19 crisis, regular routines, such as well-child doctor appointments, were put on hold. However, regular immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases may be missed because of these disruptions.

Teen acne is a problem that affects most of the adolescent population, although it can be more severe for some. Learning how to care for teen skin at the first sign of pimples can help your child fight back against acne.

Kids plus summer equals fun, but it can also add up to the occasional injury. Read on to learn what are the most common childhood injuries, how you can help prevent them, and when you should seek help.

Annual physicals for your child don’t just fulfill a paperwork requirement for your school district. Annual physicals can help keep your child healthy and catch any potential problems early.

Tracking your child’s immunizations may not be easy given the number of vaccines recommended by authorities. The vaccination schedule is a convenient tool that can help you make sure your child receives the right protection.

COVID-19 Questionnaire

Concussion awareness in professional sports is all over the media. Your child, too, can suffer head injuries while participating in recreational activities, even when they’re wearing protective equipment. Read on to learn the signs of a concussion.

Are you a sports fan who can’t wait to get your child involved in the game? Remember, every child has a physical learning curve when it comes to playing sports, and it’s important to be aware of the right time to sign them up.

No parent is prepared to hear that their little one has autism spectrum disorder. If your child recently received this diagnosis, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Read on to learn how to help your child cope and, even better, thrive with autism.

If you’re a parent, you want what’s best for your child. You may have heard some rumors about vaccines, and are wondering if they can make your child sick. Knowing the facts can help you make the right decision about getting your child vaccinated.

When you think of strep throat, you probably think of the pain you feel when swallowing. But do you know the other symptoms of strep throat your child may have?

Fashion choices, social media, dating, and homework cause enough stress during the teen years. Don’t let adolescent acne add one more thing to worry about. Find out how you and your teen can handle breakouts.

Youth sports can be a great source of exercise and learning. Despite this, the risk of injury may worry you as a parent. Use this as a guide to keep your young athlete happy and healthy.

You’ve heard about the recent measles outbreaks, and you’re concerned for your family. And rightfully so – measles is a serious disease with potentially fatal consequences. Find out how to protect your family with the right vaccinations.

Ear infections are practically a rite of passage for kids. But when was the last time you heard of an adult getting an ear infection? Find out why kids are more likely to get an ear infection, as well as how to prevent and treat the infections.

Your child or teen is pumped to play baseball, basketball, or football this season, but their coach said a sports physical is required before they can play. It might feel like a formality, but this is a critical step that ensures their safety.

Childhood vaccines are an important way to protect your children against diseases like measles, mumps, and polio. Learn more about why you can trust the safety of immunizations.

About 1 in 59 children have autism spectrum disorder. While an early diagnosis can help children with autism develop better social skills and get resources to help them thrive, many children aren’t diagnosed until later in childhood. Find out why.

Approximately 40% of children in the United States suffer from allergies, with food allergies and hay fever leading the charge. Here’s a look at what to watch out for when it comes to kids and allergies