Dela Cruz Pediatric Clinic

02/10/2025

As I went back to my pediatric practice I have some realizations:
-It is both a challenge and a joy to take good care these little ones.
- Each child is unique and special yet all look so precious and beautiful. -These kids are carbon copies of their parents and families. They are miracles for me.
- Don’t rush talking to parents and kids and examining these little ones , instead enjoy the moments for soon these kids will grow up.
- Understand parents with their worries and anxieties.
- Doctors are God’s hands taking care of these His loving children.
- It is a blessing and a responsibility to take care of these children.

19/08/2025

Let us understand and support Psoriasis Awareness Campaign.

By Dr. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz, MD Pediatrician, MMG Aklan Group of Medical Specialists Every August, we observe Psoriasis Action Month — a global campaign to raise awareness about a condition that is more than skin deep. As a pediatrician, I have cared for young patients struggling with psoriasis, a...

08/08/2025

Q: My 10 year old son now weighs 38 kg. He was told to be overweight. Is it true?

A:
All parents like to hear that their child belongs to a normal range of weight. This is also a big concern for parents.

"Underweight is typically defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) below the 5th percentile for age and s*x, while overweight is defined as a BMI between the 85th and 95th percentiles for age and s*x. Obesity, which is also a concern, is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile.

Normal weight gain benefits:
1. Proper development of body structures and organs
2. Good brain development on early childhood
3. Strong immunity to fight infections
4. Helps give confidence and positive emotional status
5. Reduce risk if diseases like diabetes, Hypertension, asthma , joint diseases and more.
Our usual formula for normal weight per age for children is : age in years x2+8= weight in kg.
Example : 10 yo x 2+8 =28 kg. So, a 10year old boy should be around 28 kg. Your ten year old son is 38 kg and yes, he is overweight. You need to check his diet and activities.
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Next we will talk about proper diet and activities to maintain good weight in children .

31/07/2025

Cough in Children

Q: My five year old son lately has recurrent cough? Im worried, can he possibly has Asthma?

A: Cough is a common symptom in children . Causes are varied: Viral infections( colds ) bacterial throat infection, asthma, allergy, gastroesophagial reflux, croup, bronchiolitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Home care depends on possible causes like in Bronchial Asthma and Bronchiolitis , may use inhaler. For colds and allergy may use anti allergy medications. There are many and varied suggestions as to home care for cough depending on its causes.

For milder cases and long recurrent cough please visit your doctor to properly diagnose your child through complete history, physical examinations and laboratory tests. He then will give proper medications and preventive measures.

However , we advise you to seek admission soon to hospital in serious cases of cough like if the the young child has:
difficult breathing or fast breathing, has high fever or persistent cough for more 10 days, with wheezing or chest tightness, with bluish lips or face. Important to note also is barking cough with stridor. A history of possible foreign body inhalation is also dangerous.

Yes, your son with recurrent cough accompanied with occasional wheezing could possibly has asthma especially if you have a positive family history of asthma or allergy. Please visit your doctor to know more about your child's health condition.

If your child has recurrent cough ( asthma ) please take note /record the symptoms and corresponding medication which you can use at home. Self- medication with antibiotics however, is discouraged without your doctor's prescription.
( QA2 Doc Cynthia) 8/1/25

28/07/2025

Fever in Children

Question and Answer with Doc Cynthia

Q: Doc Cynthia, my two year old child has fever. Is it dangerous? When will I bring her to doctor for consultation or to a hospital for admission?

A: As parents we naturally worry when our child has fever. Fever is a rise in temp 37.8 C and above.
Not all fever are serious or dangerous which many could be treated at home with sponge bath and paracetamol and it gradually disappear.
However, if fever is noted on infant with seizure and has difficult breathing, is very pale or bluish in color, immediately admit him to a hospital for proper care.
If fever is mild with no other serious symptoms like cough, rashes etc but lasted three days and more, mothers should bring to doctor for check up.
Home care include sponge bath with tap water or lukewarm water, paracetamol syrup, rest, good food. Make them well hydrate, comfortable (with light clothing ) and cool.

Please note that if fever is not subsiding after three days or has new related symptoms( rashes, cough, abdominal pain etc ) go visit your doctor who will thoroughly exam your child, ask related questions , do laboratory tests and come up with right diagnosis and give appropriate medications.

Please do not self- medicate with antibiotics to avoid drug resistance, more costs and meds interactions and related issues. Only your doctor can say the nature of illness: viral or bacterial, serious or not. Let your doctor decide on this giving of these important medications. Please visit your doctor's clinic.
(QA1)

28/07/2025