Q)
Dr. Gwenn:

I have an 11month old son who weighs 20lbs. How much Tylenol or Motrin can I give him?

Thanks!

AC, Massachusetts

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A couple years ago, I treated an adorable 6 month old infant girl in the ER for a cold.  The EMR (electronic medical record) highlighted that the family had recently been to the ER for a variety of other common complaints: diaper rashes, colic, sleep and breastfeeding problems – all issues that could have been handled in any pediatric office.

As this visit concluded, I mentioned that their pediatrician could help them with further issues.  The baby’s mother looked perplexed.  “We have an appointment tomorrow with her pediatrician but that’s for shots and measurements,” she mentioned.  That was my light-bulb moment with this family – they truly did not understand the full role of their pediatrician in their daughter’s life.  And, they are not alone.

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Thankfully most children are healthy and many will never need the care of a specialist. But should you find yourself in a situation that requires input beyond your pediatrician, there are some important issues to consider. Here’s a true story that will shed some light on the issues to consider.

A writing colleague’s two year old son developed a snoring problem so severe it interfered with his sleep, his family’s sleep, and his mood during the day. After exhausting all simple outpatient remedies, their pediatrician referred them to a local Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) doctor who advised a tonsillectomy. Is this the end of the story, or should they dig a bit deeper?

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Norman Rockwell’s Freedom From Want picture embodies the nostalgia so many of us feel each holiday season.  Every time I see that picture, images flash quickly between that image to my own grandparents’ kitchens.  Indeed, my grandparents played a huge role in my life growing up especially around large family functions. But compared to the involvement my parents have with my children, there is a dramatic qualitative difference.

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