Q What causes fast heartbeat in infants?

In some physiological conditions like crying, exercising or any vigorous activity the heart beats faster in infants. But, if at rest, the heartbeats are fast, then the causes are pathological like- dehydration, any lung disease, heart disease etc. It is an emergency condition and you can notice by the sudden paleness or bluishness of the skin, fainting of the baby etc. In such a case, you must visit your paediatrician as early as possible to get the accurate curative and preventive measures.

Q can sugar causes depression?

Studies suggest diet high in refined sugar can cause depression. Lots of refined sugar is linked with depression because it not only supply very little in the way of nutrients but they also use up the mood enhancing vitamin B. In fact, a study published in British Journal of Psychiatry found that those who had a diet which contained a lot of processed foods had a 58% increased risk for depression, whereas those whose diet could be described as containing more whole foods had a 26% reduced risk for depression.

Q Is it normal for a 12-year-old boy to play and fondle with his penis?

Its normal for kids of of all age groups to play with genitals out of curiosity about their growing body. This is seen in both boys and girls. Younger kids do it because they feel good about the way it feels. It is not harmful or abnormal in anyway. Do not get angry or reprimand your child. Try and educate them that it might lead to infection sometimes. Some kids even do it to seek attention but this is rare.

Q What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

Symptoms may vary form person to person. Usually kidney failure is asymptomatic in early stage but as disease progresses symptoms become prominent. Sign and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, changes in urine output, fluid retention, swelling over ankles and feet, shortness of breath, persistent itching, hiccups, high blood pressure, difficult concentration, abnormal heart rhythms, sleep problems. If left untreated life threatening circumstances may develop.

Q Can stress cause weigh gain? How is stress related to weight gain? How to prevent it?

Yes stress is the major cause for weight gain! People turn to food for comfort whenever they feel stressed and tend to overeat. To make it worse, often we choose junk food. So, one, we eat unnecessarily without being hungry and two, junk food means much more added calories than needed.n Over a period, the caloric imbalance leads to weight gain and eventually elevates risk of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.n Now that you know, choose healthy alternatives like an apple or roasted almonds next time you feel stressed and are tempted to eat!n Moreover, try alternate ways like going for a walk or dancing to the tunes of some soothing music. This will not only relieve stress but will give bonus benefit by burning excess calories.

Q What kind of diet is not advisable for when you have pain in neck and shoulder?

Unhealthy diet and lifestyle are on second rank when it come to pain in body like neck and shoulder pains. Modern food habits are actually producing harmful effect on body by promoting accumulation of toxins in body. These type of food include: chocolates, ice-creams, food containing caffeine, highly processed food, canned or preserved food specifically with MSG, junk food or fast food, food high in sodium and sugar, high fat dairy products, meat, cigarette, wine, beer or any other alcoholic drink etc. These type of food in diet put your body under constant metabolic stress and promote production and accumulation of unhealthy chemicals or toxins in your body. This combined stresses, irritate and spasms nerves and skeletal muscles resulting in pain. So, healthy way to avoid or reduce neck and shoulder pain is to eat healthy, well cooked, preferably home made and fresh food including lots of veges and fruits.

Q What is an ideal weight for a 3-year-old child?

Ideally, a 3-year-old kid should weigh about 12-14 kg. Do not worry if your kids weight does not increase too much and too quickly after this. After the kid is a year older than this age, the changes in weight can be seen only once a year as growth rate slows down with increasing age.

Q What is stomach flu?

Stomach flu is another name for gastroenteritis. In this disorder there is inflammation of the stomach as well as small intestine. Patient suffering from stomach flu has symptoms like pain in abdomen, diarrhea, fever, muscle ache, vomiting, etc. It is a kind of viral infection which is caused due to consuming contaminated food or drink. Treatment includes adequate rest, hydration, freshly home cooked food and medication to manage fever and diarrhea.rnrn 

Q Can toddlers have thrush?

yes, thrush can be present at any age and needs treatment too.

Q My WBC count is increased up to 16000, 5 days back. I had some antibiotics prescribed by doctor. Today I checked still the count is same or increased. Why is this? Is it a symptom of cancer?

The normal count of WBC is 4000-11000. Raised WBC count is not the only sign of cancer. There are other causes as well, of which infection is the most commonest cause. You should finish the course of antibiotic given by your doctor an then check the count. If it is still raised than it is necessary that you consult your doctor again.